As economic uncertainty continues, many Americans are wondering whether another stimulus check is on the horizon in 2025. President Donald Trump has floated the idea of a new payment plan, but so far, no official approval has been announced.
What we know about previous stimulus payments
Over the past few years, three major federal stimulus checks were issued:
- First Payment (March–April 2020):
$1,200 per individual, $2,400 for couples, and $500 per child under 17. - Second Payment (by January 15, 2021):
$600 per individual and $600 per qualifying child. - Third Payment (March–December 2021):
$1,400 per eligible adult and dependent, claimable via the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.
The IRS deadline to file for the third check was April 15, 2025, marking the final chance to claim any remaining stimulus funds. Even those with a tax extension needed to file by this date to be eligible. Unclaimed funds have now reverted to the U.S. Treasury.
Is a fourth stimulus check coming?
In February 2025, Trump proposed a potential $5,000 stimulus in the form of a “DOGE dividend.” The concept was tied to a 20% federal spending cut led by Elon Musk’s now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency. Since Musk’s departure and the program’s stall, no concrete updates have been provided, making this proposed check unlikely for now.
Beware of misinformation
Despite widespread social media claims suggesting a $2,000 fourth check is imminent, there has been no confirmation from Congress or the IRS. Experts urge taxpayers to avoid scams or unofficial websites offering false claims about new stimulus payouts.
Tracking your 2025 IRS refund
For those still waiting on IRS refunds or claiming tax credits:
- Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 21 days of filing electronically.
- Paper check refunds may take 6–8 weeks if direct deposit wasn’t used.
- Refund status can be checked using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which updates daily.
To use the tool, provide:
- Social Security Number
- Filing status
- Exact refund amount
Statuses shown include:
- Return received
- Refund approved
- Refund sent
State refund updates
Pennsylvania residents can track their state refunds through a dedicated online portal, which works similarly to the federal tool.
What happens next?
While the idea of a fourth stimulus check remains popular, there is no verified plan in place. If you’re still owed previous federal stimulus funds, you’re now past the filing deadline and cannot reclaim them. Keep watch on official IRS channels for any future updates.
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