Say Goodbye to Paper: Understanding EO 14247’s Impact on IRS Refunds & Payments

Author: Susan Harper

Digital payments are rapidly replacing traditional paper checks, offering benefits like greater efficiency, lower expenses, and improved security. Paper checks and money orders are much more likely than electronic payments to be delayed, lost, stolen, or changed without authorization. As a result of Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Accounts, signed on March 25, 2025, the IRS is transitioning to a paperless organization which impacts this year’s filing season. Accounting, tax, and financial professionals must understand how to navigate the new rules particularly for clients who traditionally receive paper tax refunds and/or make payments by check or money order to the IRS. This course explores frequently asked questions to prepare professionals to respond effectively with their clients.

Led by Susan Harper, Certified Fraud Examiner and retired IRS Internal Revenue Agent, this course examines new, simple, secure, and free electronic options. Participants will learn not only how to assist clients with bank accounts, but for those unbanked clients as well. The course also provides professionals with key points to clearly explain the “why” behind the paperless change while highlighting the personal benefits.

Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2029 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card

Publication Date: February 2026

Designed For
This course helps professionals learn about electronic refund and payment options for their clients, aiming to make the filing season faster and more accurate.

Topics Covered

• Executive Order 14247
• Paper refund check options
• Unbanked taxpayers
• Electronic options for refunds and payments to the IRS
• Frequently asked questions
• Personal benefits

Learning Objectives

• Explain the purpose of Executive Order 14247, requiring the US Treasury to stop issuing paper checks effective September 30, 2025
• Explain the impact on individual taxpayers who still receive paper refund checks (7%)
• Identify options for unbanked taxpayers
• Identify electronic options to receive payments from and make payments to the IRS
• Identify frequently asked questions to explain the purpose of Executive Order 14247
• Explain the personal benefits to a paperless IRS

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (1 hour)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None