From January 1, 2026, customers who pay with cash or similar paper-based methods will be charged a 1% federal tax when sending money internationally from the US.
This tax was created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in summer 2025.
When does the tax apply?
The 1% federal tax applies to outbound international money transfers from the US which are funded by cash.
Will I pay this tax if I pay by card or online?
No you won't. The 1% federal remittance tax doesn't apply if:
- You pay with a debit card at an agent location
- You pay through Ria’s website or mobile app
How will this tax show on my receipt?
The 1% federal tax will be shown under "Total Tax" on receipts and pre-payment disclosures if it applies to your transfers.
You'll be able to see the tax before you complete your transfer.
Important note about changing payment methods
If you start a transfer and attempt to pay by card, but the card is declined and you switch to cash, you’ll need to restart the transfer. This allows us to provide an updated pre-payment disclosure that includes the 1% federal tax.
Special information for Oklahoma customers
Customers sending money from Oklahoma will see a separate breakdown of state and federal taxes at the end of their receipt:
- The Oklahoma state tax may be refundable when residents file their state tax return.
- The 1% federal remittance tax is not refundable and is not credited back on federal tax returns.
In-store communications
From January 1, 2026, agent locations will display notices explaining:
- Which transfers are subject to the new 1% federal tax
- That the tax does not apply to card-funded transfers