Rumors have been swirling across social media and various websites about the possibility of a new round of federal stimulus checks for Americans in 2025. Claims of $1,390 direct deposit relief payments for low and middle-income taxpayers have gained traction, with some even suggesting that a fourth stimulus check is imminent. But according to official statements from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and multiple news outlets, these rumors are unfounded. There are currently no official plans to issue new federal economic stimulus checks, and any such news circulating online should be viewed with skepticism.
The IRS, as reported by The Economic Times and NBC Chicago, has confirmed that the only payments being processed at the moment are tax refunds for returns already filed by taxpayers for the 2024 fiscal year. These refunds, which are not stimulus payments, are distributed to individuals who overpaid their taxes. Electronic filers can expect their refunds within three weeks, while those opting for paper returns may need to wait six to eight weeks. The IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool allows taxpayers to track the status of their refunds in real time, requiring only basic information such as Social Security or ITIN number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
It’s easy to see why confusion has arisen. The first three rounds of federal stimulus checks, known as Economic Impact Payments, were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial payment went out in March and April 2020, followed by a second round on January 15, 2021, and a third between March and December 2021. The third and final round provided up to $1,400 for each eligible individual, with additional amounts for dependents. Taxpayers had until April 15, 2025, to file and claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021. After this three-year window closed, any unclaimed stimulus funds reverted to the U.S. Treasury, with no extensions or appeals available for missed deadlines, as clarified by The Economic Times.
So, what’s fueling the current speculation? Some confusion seems to stem from the recovery rebate credit that appeared on 2021 tax returns, which some taxpayers have mistaken for a new stimulus payment. An IRS spokesperson explained to NBC Chicago, “There is no recovery rebate credit for taxpayers to claim” since no formal legislation in this matter has been passed by Congress. The IRS is currently prioritizing the rollout of updated tax deductions and policy adjustments, not direct payments.
Despite the absence of federal stimulus checks, several states have stepped in to offer their own relief. In 2025, states such as New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado have sent out inflation relief checks to residents hit hard by rising costs. According to USA Today, New York’s program provides $200 for individuals earning up to $75,000 and $400 for married couples filing jointly with incomes up to $150,000. Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado have implemented similar programs, though they may use different names such as “rebate checks” and have varying eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for federal refunds and previous stimulus payments was based on adjusted gross income (AGI) thresholds. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, “Normally, a taxpayer will qualify for the full amount of Economic Impact Payment if they have AGI of up to $75,000 for singles and married persons filing a separate return, up to $112,500 for heads of household, and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns and surviving spouses. Payment amounts are reduced for eligible individuals with AGI above those levels.”
Meanwhile, some lawmakers have proposed new federal relief measures, but none have made it through Congress. The American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, introduced by Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley, aims to send checks ranging from $600 to $2,400 to American families. However, as of September 1, 2025, this proposal remains just that—a proposal. No legislation has been passed, and no new federal payments are authorized for the remainder of the year. The IRS, as cited by The Economic Times and Mid-Atlantic Connect Team, continues to caution the public against believing unsupported claims and urges taxpayers to consult only official sources for information.
Adding to the mix, former President Donald Trump has floated the idea of using government revenue from new tariffs to fund rebate checks for taxpayers, reminiscent of the stimulus payments distributed during the pandemic. In February, Trump also mentioned the possibility of a $5,000 “DOGE dividend” stimulus check, referencing savings identified by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, no further details or plans have been announced, and these ideas remain speculative at best.
For those still waiting on tax refunds, the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool remains the most reliable way to track status. The system updates daily and displays one of three stages: “Return Received,” “Refund Approved,” or “Refund Sent.” Once a refund is approved, it is typically deposited directly into the taxpayer’s bank account within days. Paper checks take longer, usually six to eight weeks. Taxpayers with questions can contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1954.
State tax refunds operate similarly, with most states offering dedicated online portals for tracking the status of returns. As noted by journalist Maria Francis of the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team, Pennsylvania residents, for example, can check their refunds using the state’s online system. The process is generally straightforward, requiring information similar to that needed for the federal system.
It’s worth noting the crucial difference between a rebate and a stimulus check. As explained in the reporting, a rebate is a partial refund of a purchase price, often contingent on meeting certain conditions. A stimulus check, by contrast, is a direct payment designed to spur consumer spending and stimulate the broader economy. The distinction is important as politicians and policymakers debate future relief measures and as rumors continue to circulate online.
For now, the IRS’s message is clear: no new federal stimulus checks are forthcoming in 2025, and taxpayers should be wary of misinformation. The agency is focused on processing existing tax refunds and updating tax policies rather than distributing direct payments. State-level relief efforts continue in some regions, but these are separate from any federal initiative. As always, officials urge Americans to rely on reputable sources and official government channels for updates on tax policy and relief measures.
With the April 15, 2025, deadline for claiming the third stimulus check now past, and no new federal programs on the horizon, Americans hoping for another round of direct payments will need to look elsewhere for relief. The conversation around economic support continues, but for now, the facts are straightforward—and the rumors, just that.