What was mandated by the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Mandate?

The correct answer pertains to the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Mandate, which specifically requires that federal government payments must be processed electronically. This directive aimed to streamline payment processes, reduce costs associated with paper checks, and enhance the efficiency of transactions between the government and recipients. Transitioning to electronic payments also contributes to improved security and quicker access to funds for recipients.

The options related to tax payments, reserve requirements, and handling ACH transactions, while all relevant to the broader context of electronic transactions and payment systems, do not specifically reflect the primary focus of the EFT Mandate itself. The mandate's emphasis on federal government payments distinctly sets it apart as the pivotal requirement established to enhance the efficiency and reliability of federal disbursements.