IRS Encourages Electronic Payments as Mailing Options Remain Available
January 29, 2026
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continues to accept mailed payments for taxpayers, but the agency is strongly encouraging the use of electronic payment options through a taxpayer’s online account, Direct Pay, or existing Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) accounts.
It's important to note that new enrollments for EFTPS ended in October 2025, meaning this option is now limited to taxpayers with an existing account. Additional payment methods are available and outlined on the IRS payments page.
At this time, the IRS has not announced a specific date when mailed payments will no longer be accepted.
Taxpayers using mailed payments should also be aware of a recent change to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) postmark rules, effective late 2025. The postmark date now reflects when mail is processed at a facility, not when it is dropped off. To ensure a mailed payment is timely, the IRS recommends obtaining a hand-stamped postmark at the counter and considering higher-level mailing confirmation, such as certified mail.
For those who have not yet set up electronic payment options, the IRS encourages preparing now to make future payments more seamless. Helpful resources include:
- Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account (article)
- IRS Payments Page (website)
By moving to electronic payments, the IRS aims to make transactions safer, faster, and more efficient for all taxpayers. For questions or further guidance, taxpayers should consult the IRS website or contact a tax professional.