Feds prepare for Sept 30 transition from paper checks

The federal government launched an updated webpage with information on its Sept. 30 transition away from issuing paper checks for most federal payments, while the IRS said it will publish guidance before the 2026 filing season begins.

About the Change: The mymoney.gov page offers frequently asked questions and contact information on the change, which responds to a March executive order. The Treasury Department announced the phaseout last month, with the Bureau of the Fiscal Service offering additional information to beneficiaries.

IRS Update: In an announcement Tuesday, the IRS confirmed paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will be phased out beginning Sept. 30. It said taxpayers should continue using existing forms and procedures until further notice, including those filing their 2024 returns on extension of a due date prior to Dec. 31, 2025.

ICBA View: ICBA in March applauded the Trump administration for working to combat the threat of check fraud by addressing Treasury’s use of paper checks. Amid a dramatic rise in check fraud, ICBA also encourages community banks to use the Treasury Check Verification System to catch canceled, duplicate, or other problematic Treasury checks at the time of presentment.

ICBA Resources:

• ICBA’s partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service includes a customizable news release via ICBA’s Marketing Resource Center and a check fraud prevention flyer community bankers can order from ICBA to distribute to customers.

• The ICBA website features additional community banker resources on fraud and scams, including ICBA’s guides on check fraud and online fraud courses.

• The Fraud subgroup on ICBA Community includes more than 1,100 members dedicated to discussing fraud.