Last March, President Trump signed an executive order stating that the continued use of paper-based payments by the federal government imposed unnecessary costs and delays, as well as a heightened risk of fraud, theft, and lost payments. This order referred to issuing paper checks and money orders.
The Internal Revenue Service, the Treasury Department, and other parts of the federal government plan to phase out these types of payments by the end of this month, in keeping with the order.
“Reducing paper checks has been a longstanding bipartisan goal that our administration is finally putting into action,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “Thanks to President Trump, this will help reduce fraud and theft. It will also remove delays that prevent hard working Americans from receiving their vital payments.”
The Treasury Department issued further instructions for those still receiving paper checks for Social Security, Veterans Benefits, or all other types of federal relief. It encourages people to enroll in direct deposit using one of the following options:
1 – Call the Federal agency that pays your benefits and follow their instructions for enrolling in direct deposit.
2 – Enroll online at Godirect.gov.
3 – Call the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. ET.
Let me leave you with this…
I feel another migraine coming on.
What do we do if you’re waiting for a payment that never comes? How do we prove a negative?
They’re trying to change everything over to direct deposit. Are we supposed to forward a copy of our bank statements to prove that we never received it?
The second problem is what happens when they send the wrong amount? If you were waiting on a payment for $1,000 and you only received $800, are we magically supposed to assume that $200 was penalties?
At least with a paper check they sent documentation explaining the difference.
Another issue is what happens when you change banks? Are we immediately supposed to call the Feds?
The last challenge is for people who owe a tax debt that’s in collections. If you send them your banking information so you can get a refund, they’ll know exactly which account to levy when you owe them a balance.
Your money won’t be safe.
Oh, the joys of technology…
We’re all going to get through this. Let’s get through it together.
Accounting Solutions Ltd. stands ready to complete our mission and purpose of protecting you, your family, and your business. Whether you need Payroll Services, or Accounting and Tax Work, you have but to ask. I’m here and I remain,
Sincerely yours,
Chris Amundson
President
Accounting Solutions Ltd.
773-267-7500
888-310-0300
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