On March 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14247, which requires all federal disbursements and receipts to be made electronically. This includes tax payments and refunds!

In August, the U.S. Treasury announced that the government would stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments after Sept. 30, 2025. For now, the IRS continues to accept paper checks, but is encouraging everyone to transition to electronic payments.

Last year, approximately 10 million individual taxpayers received their tax refunds by paper check. For 2025 tax returns filed in 2026, if you do not provide direct deposit information or obtain an approved exception, the IRS will delay issuing a paper refund check for six weeks. Within 30 days, the IRS will send you a letter requesting your banking information. Additional guidance is expected, and the IRS may allow you to upload your bank information directly into your Individual Online Account.

As tax season approaches, the IRS is strongly encouraging all taxpayers to make federal tax payments electronically. Whether you are paying quarterly estimates, a balance due or employer tax deposits, making a federal tax payment online is relatively straightforward.

You can pay directly through the IRS website at www.irs.gov/payments. The site provides a list of secure, IRS-approved payment options available for individuals and businesses. (Fiduciary tax payments can generally be made online using EFTPs in many cases.)

IRS direct pay: Ideal for individuals. You can make payments directly from your checking or savings account with no fees. You’ll receive an immediate confirmation, and no registration is required.

Electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS): Best for businesses or those making recurring payments. Once enrolled at www.eftps.gov, you can schedule payments up to a year in advance, review detailed history and access receipts for your records.

Debit or credit card payments: Offered through IRS-approved payment processors, accessible on the same IRS payments page. Note that processing fees may apply, depending on your provider.

IRS online account: Log in or create an account at www.irs. gov/account to view your balance, review past payments and make secure payments directly through your account.

Before making a payment, confirm you have the correct tax period and form type (such as income tax, estimated tax, or employment tax). Electronic payments usually post to your IRS account within one to two business days.

Switching to online payments offers several advantages. There is no need to mail checks or worry about postal delays. You receive instant confirmation and digital
records for your files. Flexible scheduling options allow you to set payment dates in advance. There is reduced risk of lost or misapplied payments.

Many states also have online portals for electronic payments. Kansas and Missouri both provide secure sites for individual and business taxpayers.

Secure sites for KANSAS and MISSOURI taxpayers

KANSAS offers several electronic payment options through the Kansas Department of Revenue:

  • “KS WebFile” and “KS Pay” portals allow you to make estimated tax payments, balance-due payments and other tax payments online.
  • Payments can be made via ACH debit, credit card, or debit card. Processor fees may apply.
  • Access the Kansas payment portal at https://www.kansas.gov/paymentportal.

MISSOURI taxpayers can make electronic payments through the Missouri Department of Revenue’s online system:

  • Use “Pay Individual Income Taxes” on the DOR website to submit estimated payments, extension payments or balance-due amounts.
  • Payments can be made by ACH debit, credit card or debit card. Fees apply for card payments.
  • Access Missouri’s online tax payment system at: https://dor.mo.gov/taxation/individual/pay-online.html

If you need assistance setting up electronic payments or updating your refund preferences, we can walk you through each step to ensure your payments and refunds are processed correctly.