One of my co-workers told me I can only pay my federal taxes to the IRS electronically. I’ve always paid by mailing in a personal check. Can I still pay my federal taxes to the IRS with a personal check?
Yes, as of this month (May 2026), you can still pay the IRS by personal check through the mail. The Internal Revenue Service is transitioning to electronic methods; however, paper checks are still accepted at this time. Because the IRS is transitioning to electronic methods, it is possible that personal checks will not be accepted in the future.
The IRS strongly encourages electronic payments for speed and security reasons. The IRS advises using Direct Pay, an Online Account, or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System for more secure payment options. The IRS reports that paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, or delayed compared to electronic payments.
The movement toward electronic payments stems from Executive Order 14247 (Modernizing Payments to and From America’s Bank Account), signed on March 25, 2025. Executive Order 14247 requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the IRS and other federal agencies, to further advance transition to fully electronic federal payments both to and from the IRS.
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The material in this column is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute, nor is it a substitute for, legal advice. For advice on your specific facts and circumstances, consult a licensed attorney. You may wish to contact the Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas, a nonprofit public service of the Austin Bar Association, at 512-472-8303 or www.austinlrs.com.
This article appears in May 15 • 2026.