The question of whether Americans will receive another stimulus check in 2025 is circulating, fueled by social media rumors and potential government actions. This article aims to clarify the situation, addressing speculation about new stimulus checks, the status of previous payments, and alternative relief measures like inflation checks and potential tariff rebates. Understanding the facts is crucial to avoid misinformation and potential fraud.
With various rumors spreading about potential stimulus checks in October 2025, it’s essential to verify the accuracy of these claims. This article will delve into the details, providing clarity on whether a fourth stimulus check is on the horizon. Additionally, we will explore other forms of financial assistance, such as inflation relief checks and potential tariff rebates proposed by President Trump.
Rumors of a Fourth Stimulus Check: Fact or Fiction?
There have been rumors and unsupported speculation circulating on social media and some websites about a new stimulus check in varying amounts. However, there has been no official confirmation from Congress or the Internal Revenue Service to support these claims, and any such news should be taken with caution as it could be misinformation or attempted fraud.
The IRS has issued warnings about scams and impersonators that may mislead you about tax refunds, credits, payments, or new stimulus check amounts by pressuring people for personal and financial information about themselves.
The Working Tax Families Tax Relief Act
There is an effort called the Working Tax Families Tax Relief Act. It was submitted by a Missouri Republican and aims to send checks between $600 to $2,400 to American taxpayer families. However, it has not passed through Congress as of yet.
The Status of Previous Stimulus Checks
There were three prior stimulus checks tied to COVID-era stimulus programs, the third and last of which had an April 15, 2025, deadline to claim.
The opportunities to claim or file for the first (issued in March and April 2020) or the second stimulus check (issued by Jan. 15, 2021) or the third stimulus check (issued between March and December 2021) have now passed.
The deadline to file for the third and last stimulus check was April 15, 2025; it marked a three-year deadline to claim any tax refunds or in this case, the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021.
It is best to work directly with the IRS or a reputable tax professional to address missing stimulus payments or claim the relevant Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return, if eligible.
Even if you received a tax extension, you still needed to file your 2021 tax return by the April 15, 2025, deadline to claim that third stimulus check. There are no extensions or appeals available for missed deadlines, and any unclaimed funds become the property of the U.S. Treasury.
Potential Tariff Rebates and “DOGE Dividends”
President Donald Trump floated the idea of using part of the government revenue being generated by the new tariffs and returning it to taxpayers of a certain income level in the form of a tariff rebate, similar to the stimulus checks sent during the pandemic.
In February, Trump also mentioned a plan to pay out $5,000 stimulus checks to taxpayers in the form of a “DOGE dividend” during a summit in Miami. He explained it as using part of the 20% of the revenue by DOGE (Dogecoin) and giving it back to taxpayers. However, he has not shared any further specifics or details about the possible “DOGE dividend” or its certainty since then.
Inflation Relief Checks: State-Level Assistance
Several states, including New York, have sent or are sending out inflation relief checks to residents who paid higher sales taxes due to inflation. These are one-time payments with varying amounts based on income.
Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado also offered inflation refund checks to property owners or taxpayers, calling them “rebates” with differing criteria and qualifications.
Tracking Your Federal and State Tax Refunds
You can track the status of your state or federal tax refund from the IRS to see if you are owed any money. If you filed your federal income taxes and included your banking information, then you may expect a direct deposit within 21 days. If you did not include banking information, then you may expect a paper check refund via the mail within six to eight weeks.
The IRS has an online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” that allows you to check on the status of your refund. You can start tracking the status of your refund within 24 hours after you e-filed your return. The refund information is updated on the IRS website once a day, overnight.
The online tool requires you to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount on the return. It will then respond with a return received (processing), refund approved (preparing to issue refund by date shown), or refund sent (send to your bank or in the mail).
The other way to check on the status is to call the IRS at 800-829-1954.
Most states have dedicated online portals for tracking income tax returns.
Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape of Stimulus Checks and Tax Refunds
In summary, while rumors of a fourth stimulus check in October 2025 circulate, there has been no official confirmation from Congress or the IRS. Taxpayers should remain vigilant against misinformation and fraud, relying on official sources for accurate updates.
While the possibility of federal stimulus checks remains uncertain, various states offer inflation relief checks or tax refunds. Taxpayers can track their refund status through the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool or by contacting the IRS directly. Staying informed and verifying information through official channels is crucial for navigating the landscape of stimulus checks and tax refunds.
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