Electronic IRS Payments Coming Soon—What Farmers and Taxpayers Need to Know

RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert Roger McEowen joined us Friday to break down the executive order and what it means for farmers and ranchers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — The IRS is moving away from paper checks as part of a federal push toward fully electronic disbursements. A new executive order directs federal agencies, including the Treasury Department, to stop issuing paper checks—a change that will affect a wide range of government payments to individuals and businesses.

RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law joined RFD-TV News on Friday to break down the executive order and what it means for taxpayers.

In his interview, McEowen explained that the order includes a September 30 deadline for agencies to comply with the transition. While most taxpayers already use direct deposit, those who still receive paper checks will need to prepare for the shift. He also discussed possible exceptions, noting that some situations—such as certain hardship cases or individuals without access to banking—may still qualify for alternative payment options.

Taxpayers are encouraged to verify their direct-deposit information with the IRS and other federal agencies to avoid delays once paper checks are phased out.

FIRM TO FARM: IRS Moves Toward Electronic Disbursements (and Payments)

Related Stories
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
In a landmark ruling delivered in late 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court significantly narrowed the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act.
Rising rural business confidence supports local ag economies, but taxes and labor shortages remain key constraints.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller joined us to discuss data center expansion, farmland preservation, rural economic impacts, and imminent cattle biosecurity concerns affecting agriculture today.