As tax season sweeps across the United States, millions of Americans are asking a familiar question: Are we getting another stimulus check this year? And for those who have already filed their 2025 returns, another pressing concern emerges—when will that long-awaited tax refund arrive? With rumors swirling about potential payments and new IRS procedures taking effect, the landscape of refunds and stimulus checks in 2026 is as complex as ever.
First, let’s tackle the elephant in the room: the possibility of a fourth stimulus check. According to reporting from Mid-Atlantic Connect and WAFB, as of February 16, 2026, there has been no approval from Congress or the IRS for any additional stimulus payment. While social media and some unverified websites have fueled speculation about a new round of checks, federal officials have not confirmed any such plans. In fact, all three previous stimulus checks were tied to COVID-era relief programs, and the final deadline to claim those funds—a date that loomed large for many—passed on April 15, 2025.
That means, for those still hoping to file for any of the previous stimulus payments, the window has officially closed. Any news suggesting otherwise should be met with skepticism, as it could be misinformation—or worse, an attempted scam. As Maria Francis of the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team cautions, “any such news should be taken with caution as it could be misinformation or attempted fraud.”
But what about the much-discussed $2,000 tariff dividend check? Former President Donald Trump has made headlines by promising these payments to “individuals of moderate income” at some point in 2026, conveniently before the midterm elections. However, there’s a catch: there’s no formal proposal on the table. The entire plan hinges on a forthcoming Supreme Court decision regarding the legality of the tariffs that would fund these checks. The court is expected to rule soon on whether to strike down all or part of the tariffs, and how importers might receive tariff refunds. Until that decision is made—and until Congress acts—these promised payments remain just that: promises. As reported, “Trump’s promised $2,000 tariff dividend payment to ‘middle income people and lower income people’ from the ‘hundreds of millions of dollars’ collected in tariff revenues still lacks formal proposal despite promises from the president that payments would be issued sometime in 2026, before the midterms.”
With stimulus checks off the table for now, attention has turned to the more routine—but no less important—matter of tax refunds. This year, the IRS has implemented a significant change: all refunds will be issued via direct deposit only. The days of waiting for a paper check in the mailbox are over. According to WAFB, “the Internal Revenue Service is strictly utilizing direct deposit for all disbursements this year. The agency has discontinued the issuance of paper checks for tax refunds.”
For those who have already filed their federal income tax return electronically and included their banking information, refunds could hit bank accounts surprisingly quickly—sometimes in as little as 10 business days after the IRS accepts the return. The IRS began accepting electronically filed returns for the 2025 fiscal year on January 26, 2026. But it’s important to note that submitting your return is not the same as having it accepted. Once the IRS accepts your return, the countdown begins.
There’s a clear timeline for those who file early: for example, a return submitted and accepted on January 26 could see a refund as early as February 6. For returns filed closer to the tax deadline, acceptance and refund dates can stretch into April. However, not all refunds are created equal. If your return includes credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), expect a longer wait. The IRS must verify these credits, which can delay refunds until March. As WAFB explains, “Refund delays may occur if the return includes Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), with potential delays until March 2026 for verification.”
For those anxiously refreshing their bank accounts, the IRS provides a helpful tool: “Where’s My Refund?” This online portal allows taxpayers to check their refund status 24 hours after e-filing. The system updates once daily, overnight, and requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. Once you see a “Refund Sent” alert, your money is on its way. If you’re still in the dark, there’s also the option to call the IRS at 800-829-1954, though patience may be required during peak season.
State tax refunds follow a similar pattern, though each state has its own quirks. Most states, including Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, offer online portals to track the status of state refunds. For example, the Delaware Division of Taxation maintains a dedicated portal, while Pennsylvania and New Jersey offer their own systems for residents to check on their state refunds. If you’re waiting on a state refund, it pays to check the appropriate website rather than relying on rumors or third-party services.
But what if your refund is delayed, or you encounter a unique filing situation? Both the IRS and tax experts recommend reaching out directly. As WAFB notes, “For inquiries regarding a unique filing situation or a missing payment, it is best to reach out to the IRS directly or speak with a certified tax consultant.” This advice is especially important for those who may have experienced identity theft, address changes, or other complications that could affect refund delivery.
For taxpayers who didn’t include banking information with their electronic filing, the rules have changed. In previous years, a paper check might have arrived in six to eight weeks. Now, with direct deposit as the only option, taxpayers must provide accurate banking details to avoid delays or lost refunds. If you’re unsure whether your information is correct, it’s wise to double-check before submitting your return.
As the nation moves further away from the extraordinary relief measures of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus has shifted to the nuts and bolts of tax administration. The promise of new stimulus checks, while politically potent, remains unfulfilled and clouded by legal uncertainty. Meanwhile, the IRS’s shift to direct deposit-only refunds marks a notable change—one that aims to streamline payments but may catch some taxpayers off guard.
In a year marked by anticipation and change, American taxpayers are reminded to stay vigilant, rely on official sources, and avoid the pitfalls of misinformation. Whether you’re waiting for a refund or watching the headlines for news of a possible payment, the best advice is to use the tools provided by the IRS, keep your information up to date, and consult trusted professionals when in doubt. The world of taxes is rarely simple, but with a bit of diligence, you can avoid surprises—and maybe even get your money a little sooner.