On March 25, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14247 (EO 14247), titled “Modernizing Payments to and from America’s Bank Account.” This directive aims to overhaul how the federal government handles financial transactions by transitioning from paper-based payments, such as checks and money orders, to secure, efficient electronic payment methods.
While the goals of this order are centered around security, cost-efficiency, and modernization, its implementation may pose challenges for mobile employees, especially those working outside the United States or without access to the US banking infrastructure. This article outlines what EO 14247 mandates, who it affects, and the important steps mobility program stakeholders should consider as the September 30, 2025, implementation deadline approaches.
What EO 14247 mandates
Starting September 30, 2025, all federal agencies must stop issuing paper checks for disbursements, including Social Security benefits, tax refunds, vendor payments, and intragovernmental transfers, except in specific, limited cases. Instead, agencies will use digital payment methods, including:
- Direct deposit
- Debit and credit card payments
- Digital wallets and real-time payment systems
The order also requires that payments to the federal government (like taxes, fees, and fines) be processed electronically wherever possible. The Department of the Treasury will support this transition by providing centralized access to modern payment systems and phasing out physical lockbox services.
Exceptions and equity considerations
While the order pushes for a digital-first approach, it also recognizes that not everyone has equal access to banking services. Exceptions will be granted for:
- Individuals without access to electronic payment systems
- Emergency payments where electronic fund transfers would cause hardship
- National security or law enforcement-related transactions
- Other cases deemed appropriate by the Treasury
Those who qualify for exceptions will be offered alternative payment options.
What this means for mobile employees
Although the modernization of the IRS and its payment systems is necessary, the tight implementation timeline could result in challenges for many organizations and taxpayers with cross-border activities. The American Institute of Public Accounting (AICPA) has specifically asked the Treasury to consider various relief, including:
- Implementing exceptions for individuals and business entities not physically present in the US that do not have a US bank account.
- Providing exemptions for temporary non-US individuals, such as short-term business travelers, from electronic payment mandates.
- Allowing individuals without an SSN or taxpayer identification number (ITIN) to make tax payments by check until they are issued, to allow for compliance, while reducing penalties.
In the interim, mobile employees and their employers will need to monitor the Treasury’s implementation plan and develop contingency plans if exceptions or other forms of relief are not made available.
What’s next?
To ensure a smooth transition, the Treasury will launch a nationwide public awareness campaign to educate recipients on how to access and use digital payment methods. Agencies were required to submit a compliance plan within 90 days from the March 25 order date, with the Treasury required to deliver an implementation report to the President within 180 days from that date.
Preparing for the shift to digital payments
Executive Order 14247 marks a major transition in how the US government handles payments – eliminating paper checks and accelerating the move to digital-first methods. While this shift is designed to improve security and efficiency, it introduces uncertainty for globally mobile individuals, especially those without access to US-based payment platforms.
HR and mobility professionals should begin evaluating how their mobile employees currently receive or send US government payments and identify gaps in access or compliance. Early planning and education can help prevent disruptions and support a smooth transition ahead of the September 30, 2025, deadline.
Wondering how this impacts your mobile employees? We can help you assess your current approach and identify next steps to stay ahead of compliance requirements. Schedule a call with our team to prepare your organization for these upcoming changes.
