The Internal Revenue Service has announced that IRS Free File will begin accepting individual tax returns as of Jan. 10, 2025, for the 2024 tax season.

The Internal Revenue Service is no longer issuing paper tax refunds after September, according to a news release published by the department.

On Sept. 23, the agency said it will transition to fully electronic federal payments in accordance with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March.

The change will take effect on Sept. 30, which is the same day that the Social Security Administration begins phasing out paper checks in favor of electronic benefit payments.

Here’s everything you need to know about the change.

Why is the change happening?

The IRS said it is phasing out paper checks to defend against financial fraud and improper payments, increase efficiency, reduce costs and enhance the security of federal payments.

“Paper checks are over 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or delayed than electronic payments,” the agency said. “Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that a refund check could be returned to the IRS as undeliverable.”

Are any changes being made to the tax filing process?

There are no changes being made to the process of filing a tax return, the agency said. Taxpayers should file as usual. However, the delivery methods for returns will become electronic.

Further information will become available for filing 2025 taxes prior to the 2026 filing season, the agency said.

How long will electronic transfers take?

Electronic refunds are generally faster, with payments issued in less than 21 days in most cases, the agency said. Taxpayers will need to file returns with a valid bank account to receive direct deposits.

Payments sent by mail typically take six weeks or longer.

How to prepare to receive an electronic refund

Those wishing to receive an electronic tax refund should provide the IRS with their valid bank account information, including routing and account numbers.

If individuals do not have a valid bank account, they should open one through a bank or a credit union. The IRS has resources for finding a financial institution at FDIC.gov/GetBanked and MyCreditUnion.gov. Additionally, it might be possible to receive payments through a mobile app provider or prepaid debit card if it has a routing and account number.

Taxpayers who do not have access to digital payment options could receive payment through a Treasury-sponsored alternative, though additional details on that will be provided at a later date.

What about payments?

The method of submitting a payment to the IRS remains unchanged for now. But the agency said it’s planning to expand electronic payment options for people to pay taxes.

“Until further notice, existing forms and procedures should be used to make payments to the IRS. To avoid delays, taxpayers should use existing electronic payment options,” the agency said.

In order to make a payment to the IRS, individuals can use IRS Direct Pay to pay directly from bank accounts without fees; set up the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System for individual or business tax payments; use the IRS2GoApp and explore debit/credit card payment options; or use digital wallets.

Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paper tax refunds are being phased out starting Sept. 30. Here’s what to know

Reporting by Michelle Del Rey , USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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