Tax Payments to be Remitted by Electronic Payment

Are paper checks no more for income tax payments?

On March 25, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account, mandating the Department of Treasury cease issuing paper checks for tax refunds and to also begin processing all incoming tax payments electronically as soon as possible. The order gave the Treasury Secretary 180 days to implement a plan to carry out this order, but as of the publication date of this article, such a plan has yet to be communicated with taxpayers.

So, while the IRS has not yet begun enforcing mandatory electronic payment compliance, we are recommending you prepare now to ensure a smooth transition when the requirements take effect.

Electronic payments will be required not only for individual taxpayers but also for trusts that file and pay taxes.

Options for electronic payments for individuals

• IRS Direct Pay

Direct Pay allows individual taxpayers to schedule payments, cancel payments and search for payment status. Taxpayers do not need to set up an account with the IRS to be able to use Direct Pay. This payment option is fairly easy to use, but please use caution when choosing the proper tax period for the payment as it is difficult to move the payment between tax periods.

• Debit/Credit Card

Individual Taxpayers can pay via debit or credit card. The IRS uses third party vendors for such payments and processing fees apply. Please be sure you are informed as to the applicable fees.

• IRS Online Account

Individuals can create an IRS account that can be used to remit tax payments. Creating an IRS account allows taxpayers to not only make and schedule payments, but they can also view prior tax payments and other tax related information specific to their tax history.

• Electronic Federal Tax Payment Systems (EFTPS)

The IRS allows individuals who have already set up EFTPS accounts as of 10/17/2025 to continue using them to remit payments but it is not allowing individual taxpayers to set up new accounts through the EFTPS systems. The IRS plans to discontinue use of the EFTPS system for individuals sometime during 2026.

Options for Electronic Payments for Trusts

Before setting up online payment accounts with the IRS, trustees will want to contact their investment advisor to ensure the trust’s investment account(s) can send ACH/wires. In many cases, trustees will need to work with their advisors to set up separate accounts that are able to make electronic payments.

• Electronic Federal Tax Payment Systems (EFTPS)

Currently the only option for electronic payments for trusts is through EFTPS.

You can create an account for a trust using the “Enroll” option on the website. Once you have created the account, the IRS will mail you a PIN that will be required to be entered each time you log in. Note that this is regular mail (United States Postal Service) and can take up to two weeks to receive the PIN and then use. If you are responsible for paying taxes for multiple trusts, please note that each trust will need its own EFTPS account.

After you receive the PIN number for the trust account(s) you can make a payment for a trust by using the “Make a Payment” option on the website. However, before you can make a payment, you will also need to set up a secure sign-in via Login.gov or ID.me.

This will give you authority to access the payment section of EFTPS. The options for setting up a secure sign-in are shown after you click the “Make a Payment” option.

Stay up-to-date with new guidance

The new payment options can be confusing and we urge you to contact your Keiter Opportunity Advisor for help and assistance. In many cases, we have step by step instructions to guide you.