Tax refunds, stimulus check and other relief programs are constantly on the minds of people in the US. Many are also anticipating another payment or check in 2025 especially after the economic packages that people have received during the pandemic. At social media and on the web, all sorts of rumors are being passed on that new checks of $1,390, 1,700 and even 2,000 might be coming through. But what is the truth? And has this been confirmed by IRS (Internal Revenue Service)? Let’s understand in detail.
The Truth About the Fourth Stimulus Check
Lots of sites and social media articles are asserting that Americans will have another stimulus check this year. Nevertheless, a fourth stimulus package is not officially declared by Congress or the IRS. This implies that any of such reports is just a conjecture.
People have also been cautioned by the IRS that they should be cautious of the scams and fraudulent messages. There are numerous fraudsters that use emails or texts to request personal and financial data in the name of tax refunds, credit, or a new check, impersonating IRS agents. It is essential to be alert in a case like that.
American Worker Rebate Act of 2025
The most recent proposal is the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, which is sponsored by Missouri Republican Senator, Josh Hawley. This offer requires the dispatch of families to the range of $600 to 2,400. However, this is merely a suggestion; it is yet to be passed by Congress. Legislation It would be inaccurate to regard this bill as definitive until its passing.
Three Previous Stimulus Checks
During the pandemic, the US government issued three large stimulus checks:
- First check (2020): $1,200 per individual, $2,400 for married couples, and $500 per child.
- Second check (2021): $600 per individual, $1,200 for married couples, and $600 per child.
- Third check (2021): $1,400 per individual and an additional $1,400 for each dependent.
To receive these checks, people were required to file their tax returns by certain deadlines. The deadline to claim the third and final check was April 15, 2025. No claims will be accepted after this deadline.
Tax Refunds and Recovery Rebate Credit
In case people were not given past checks, they would claim the Recovery Rebate Credit with their tax filings. But this too has not been met. The U.S. Treasury will now claim any unclaimed payments.
The IRS has made it clear that one cannot file a request or extension once the deadline has elapsed. Thus, they are not supposed to be given extra payments.
Inflation Relief Checks
While the federal government has not issued new stimulus checks, many states have issued relief checks on their own. For example:
- New York: Checks of up to $200 were given to individuals earning up to $75,000. Married couples received up to $400.
- Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado: These states also provided rebate checks under different names to property tax or income tax payers.
These payments were one-time payments and depend on the state government’s economic policies.
Trump’s Tariff Rebate and DOGE Dividend
New ideas were also presented by former President Donald Trump in early 2025. According to him, the government could reimburse a part of the revenue that was brought into the government by the new tariffs to the taxpayers. This may be put into place in the form of a rebate.
Moreover, even at a conference in Miami, Trump mentioned the concept of a DOGE dividend. It cited bribes of as much as $5,000, that might be shared among people out of the savings of the Elon Musk led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Yet, it is only a declaration; there were no definite plans and official announcements.
Where’s My Tax Refund? – IRS Online Tool
Those who filed their federal tax returns can check their status using the “Where’s My Refund” tool on the IRS’s official website.
- If you e-filed and provided bank details, the money could be deposited directly into your account within 21 days.
- If you don’t provide bank details, a paper check will be mailed within 6 to 8 weeks.
- This tool is updated daily and requires you to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
To contact the IRS directly, people can also call 800-829-1954.
State Tax Refund Status
States have developed their respective online portals where one can track his/her state tax refund.
Different states such as Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have their information available by just logging in their websites that are tax departments.
Every state has its system and people need to access the official site of a state to get the information.
Conclusion
To summarize, there are still no developments regarding a new stimulus check in 2025. Do not believe rumors found on social media and rely only on official sources. Yes, there are states that have provided relief checks to people depending on the financial condition, however, no new plan is now existing at the federal level.
The IRS is unquestionably credible in the information it gives to citizens. The most reliable and secure method is to visit the IRS site and the Where’s My Refund tool in order to know about tax refunds or past stimulus check.
FAQs
Q1. Is there a confirmed fourth stimulus check in 2025?
No, Congress and the IRS have not officially announced a fourth stimulus check. Current reports online are only speculation.
Q2. What is the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025?
It’s a proposal by Senator Josh Hawley to give families between $600 and $2,400, but it has not yet been passed by Congress.
Q3. Can I still claim past stimulus checks?
No. The deadline to claim the third and final check through the Recovery Rebate Credit was April 15, 2025. No further claims are allowed.
Q4. Are states giving their own relief checks?
Yes. States like New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado have issued one-time relief or rebate checks, separate from federal payments.
Q5. How can I track my tax refund with the IRS?
You can use the official “Where’s My Refund” tool on the IRS website, or call 800-829-1954 for assistance.