That's about to end.
Pursuant to Executive Order 14247 signed in March 2025, the IRS is
transitioning to electronic-only payments and refunds to enhance security
and reduce fraud. Paper refund checks are being phased out starting
September 30, 2025. Taxpayers should adopt electronic methods like
direct deposit, IRS Direct Pay, or Electronic Federal Tax Payment (EFTPS)
I paid this year with a check.
Not sure their plan is actually legal.