If you’ve received an unexpected payment from the IRS or heard rumors about new checks, you’re not alone. With ongoing changes to tax rules, stimulus programs, and refund adjustments, many Americans are asking: what’s real, what’s new, and what’s still available? Below, we answer the most frequently searched IRS questions for 2025.
Why did I get $2,800 from the IRS?
If you recently received $2,800 from the IRS, it’s likely related to Economic Impact Payments issued under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This legislation provided:
- $1,400 per eligible individual
- $2,800 for married couples filing jointly
- An additional $1,400 for each qualifying dependent, including adult dependents
These payments were sent out as advance Recovery Rebate Credits and were tied to 2020 or 2021 tax filings. If the IRS recalculated your eligibility, you may have received a delayed or corrected payment in 2025.
If you never claimed your third stimulus check, you had until April 15, 2025 to file your 2021 return and request it. After that deadline, any unclaimed funds legally reverted back to the U.S. Treasury.
What is the new IRS $600 rule?
The “$600 rule” refers to a reporting threshold for third-party payment platforms, such as Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App. Under new IRS regulations:
- Platforms must report to the IRS if a user receives more than $600 in total payments for goods and services within a calendar year.
- This applies only to business transactions, not personal gifts or reimbursements.
Originally set to take effect for 2022, enforcement was delayed, and the IRS began phased implementation in 2025. Taxpayers who receive Form 1099-K should review it carefully and consult a tax professional if needed.
What is the $1,400 IRS payment?
The $1,400 IRS payment was the third round of Economic Impact Payments authorized under the American Rescue Plan. These were issued between March and December 2021 and were:
- Sent automatically based on 2019 or 2020 tax returns
- Meant to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Available to individuals earning under $75,000 and joint filers under $150,000
You could claim the $1,400 payment as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return if you didn’t receive it initially.
Who qualifies for the IRS forgiveness program?
The IRS Fresh Start Program is a collection of relief options for taxpayers struggling with back taxes. You may qualify if you:
- Owe less than $50,000 in back taxes
- Can’t afford your full tax liability
- Are willing to enter an Installment Agreement or submit an Offer in Compromise
The IRS also offers penalty abatement, currently not collectible status, and hardship status for qualifying taxpayers. These programs do not erase debt automatically, but they can reduce penalties, stop collections, or create manageable payment plans.
Is the IRS sending out extra money?
There are no new IRS stimulus payments scheduled as of June 2025. However, some taxpayers may receive adjustments, tax refunds, or remaining credits based on late filings, amended returns, or earned income tax credit recalculations.
Be wary of online rumors. The IRS will never email or text you to “claim” extra money. All official updates are published on irs.gov.
Why did I get a $300 check from the IRS?
A $300 IRS payment could result from a few scenarios:
- A Child Tax Credit (CTC) advance payment from the IRS’s monthly disbursements in 2021 or 2022
- A recalculation of your tax refund based on newly reported income or credits
- A state-level refund or relief program that’s distributed through IRS infrastructure
You can confirm the reason by checking your IRS transcript online or contacting the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. Be sure to have your Social Security number, tax year, and refund amount ready.
Key Takeaways
- $2,800 checks are likely related to the 2021 stimulus payments for married couples.
- The $600 rule targets business transactions on apps like Venmo and PayPal.
- The $1,400 payment was the final COVID-era stimulus.
- The IRS Fresh Start Program offers help for those in tax debt.
- No new federal stimulus is planned for June 2025.
- $300 payments may relate to credits or tax refund adjustments.
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