Over the last decade, the tax system has been moving in a clear direction: fewer paper processes, more secure electronic transactions, and faster confirmation that a payment was received. Executive Order 14247, “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account” signed March 25 accelerat es that shift by directing federal agencies to transition away from paper checks and toward electronic funds transfer options—both for money the government sends out (like refunds) and money taxpayers send in (like balances due). The EO sets two big expectations: • Paper checks for federal disbursements are phased out effective Sept. 30, 2025, to the extent permitted by law—this includes tax refunds. • Payments made to the federal government should be processed electronically “as soon as practicable,” again subject to legal limits and exceptions. The Treasury is also directed to support a range of modern payment rails—direct deposit, prepaid card accounts, debit/credit cards, digital wallets, real-time payment systems and other electronic options—and to run a public awareness campaign so taxpayers aren’t left behind. The IRS has been very explicit about one important point: This does not change how you file your tax return. It changes how refunds are delivered and how payments are made, particularly as we move into the 2026 filing season and beyond. For many older taxpayers, paper checks and mailed payments have been a trusted habit—familiar, tangible and easy to track. The government’s rationale is that paper is slower, more expensive and more vulnerable to theft or alteration. The IRS notes that paper checks are far more likely to be lost, stolen, delayed or returned undeliverable than electronic payments and that direct deposit is typically the fastest way to receive funds. That’s the policy case. The practical reality is that seniors have a wider range of comfort levels with online banking, smartphones and digital security. So the goal shouldn’t be “go electronic” in the abstract—it should be make electronic payments simple, safe and repeatable for seniors. When we help senior clients move to electronic payments, we focus on three outcomes: clarity, control and confirmation. 1) Choose the simplest tool that fits the situation For most individual income tax payments, the IRS is steering taxpayers to these mainstream options: • IRS Direct Pay (bank account draft; typically no fee) • EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System), good for repeat payments and scheduling • IRS2Go for mobile-friendly access where appropriate • Debit/credit card and digital wallet options where supported (often convenient, but fees may apply through processors) For seniors, “best” is often the method that requires the fewest moving parts. If a client has a stable bank account and is comfortable online, Direct Pay is usually the best option. If they want a predictable routine — especially for quarterly estimate — use your online account or Direct Pay to schedule your payments in advance. 2) Build a repeatable payment routine (and reduce last-minute stress) Seniors often do better with a system than with one-off transactions. The routine can be as simple as: • Schedule payments in advance (where the platform allows it) • Use the same payment method every time • Save confirmation numbers and receipts in one place (a folder—digital or paper) That last point matters. If the IRS ever questions a payment, documentation wins. 3) Prioritize fraud prevention, not just convenience Electronic payments are safer than mailing checks—but only if the taxpayer avoids the common traps: • Never click “IRS payment” links from emails or texts; go directly to IRS.gov • Confirm routing/account numbers carefully before submitting • If a trusted adult child or caregiver is helping, keep permissions formal and transparent (and keep confirmation records accessible) The EO’s push toward electronic payments is partly about reducing fraud and improper payments. Seniors are frequently targeted by impersonation scams, so the security conversation isn’t optional—it’s the foundation. The Executive Order explicitly calls for exceptions and accommodations where electronic methods are not feasible, including for individuals without access to banking services or electronic payment systems and for certain hardship situations. The IRS has also indicated that taxpayers without access to digital options may be eligible for Treasury-sponsored alternatives as implementation progresses. Executive Order 14247 is the government saying, plainly, “paper is no longer the default.” For senior citizen taxpayers, the winning strategy is not chasing every new payment app. It’s selecting one reliable electronic method, setting a routine and building a simple recordkeeping habit that protects them if questions arise. That’s how you modernize without sacrificing peace of mind. Paul Pahoresky is the owner of PRP Associates. He can be reached at 440-974-1040 extension 214 or at [email protected]. Consult your tax advisor for your specific situation for additional information and guidance on these topics.   ...read more read less