A New U.S. Remittance Tax — Here’s What Paysend Customers Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2026, a new U.S. federal rule introduced a 1% tax on certain international money transfers. If you send money abroad, you may have seen headlines or social posts raising questions — or concerns — about what this means for you.

Here’s the good news upfront:

Paysend customers won’t pay this tax.

In this blog, we explain what’s changing, who it affects, and why sending money with Paysend remains simple, transparent, and tax-free.

What Is the New Federal Remittance Tax?

Under a new U.S. government requirement — part of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill — a 1% federal tax will apply to certain outbound international money transfers from the United States beginning January 1, 2026.

This tax is:

• Mandated by the U.S. government
• Collected by providers when applicable
• Applied industry-wide, not by choice of individual companies

For more detailed information about the legislation and how the remittance tax is structured, we recommend reviewing the official bill documentation on the U.S. government’s website: Visit the One, Big, Beautiful Bill official page (link to full text of the law and provisions).

Who Does the Tax Apply To?

The 1% remittance tax only applies to transfers funded with cash or cash-equivalent payment methods, such as:

• Cash payments made in person at physical locations
• Money orders
• Cashier’s checks
• Similar cash-like instruments

These payment types are common with traditional, cash-based remittance providers.

Which Payment Methods Are Exempt?

Digital funding methods are generally exempt from the federal remittance tax, including:

• Bank transfers
• Debit cards
• Credit cards
• Digital wallets

And this is where Paysend is different.

Why Paysend Customers Don’t Pay the Tax

Paysend operates entirely through digital payment methods. There’s no cash funding — which means the new federal remittance tax does not apply to Paysend transfers.

If you send money with Paysend:

• No cash funding
• No remittance tax
• No changes to how you send

Your experience stays exactly the same with Paysend transfers — fast, transparent, and easy.

The Bottom Line - What to Expect

What’s changing

• A new federal tax exists for certain cash-funded international transfers
• Some providers may need to collect it depending on how customers pay

What’s not changing

• Paysend transfers remain tax-free
• Our rates, speed, and digital experience stay the same
• No action is required from Paysend customers

In short: If you send with Paysend, you’re covered.

No cash. No extra tax. No surprises.

If you have questions, our support team is here to help — and we’ll continue to keep you informed whenever changes matter to you.

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The materials on this blog are provided for informational purposes only and do not reflect the opinions of Central Bank of Kansas City, Member FDIC. Blog posts may contain links to content on third-party websites, which are provided for your convenience; please note that linked sites may have a privacy and security policy different from our own, and we cannot attest to the accuracy of information. The Central Bank of Kansas City does not guarantee nor expressly endorse any particular business, product, service, or third-party content.