"The federal government has been trying to rid itself of paper checks and reap the cost benefits of electronic payments for years. "Electronic payments such as direct deposit are safer than checks, allow quicker access to funds, and have less risk of fraud," Fiscal Service Chief Disbursing Officer Linda Chero has said previously. "With paper checks over 16 times more likely to get lost, stolen, altered, or delayed, we encourage those still receiving paper checks to make the switch today.""
"The vast majority of taxpayers - 93% - received their refunds via direct deposit during the most recent tax filing season, although that still leaves millions that opted for a paper check. It's not clear how quickly the tax agency will completely stop issuing paper checks to those types of taxpayers, who may be unbanked, elderly, live far from a bank branch or lack internet access."
The IRS will begin phasing out paper checks for tax refunds in one week under a March executive order aimed at moving the federal government away from physical payments. The administration promotes electronic payments as safer, faster, and less prone to fraud, noting paper checks are far more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or delayed. Ninety-three percent of taxpayers used direct deposit in the most recent season, but millions still receive paper checks. Limited paper or certified payments will remain available for people without viable electronic alternatives, and guidance will be issued before the 2026 filing season.
Read at Nextgov.com
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