Stimulus check rumors are circulating again — this time tied to October 2025 — but the IRS and Congress have not confirmed any new payments. Some proposals are in play, including tariff rebates and a so-called “DOGE dividend,” but nothing has been approved.
No fourth stimulus check confirmed by the IRS
Social media posts and viral news sites have claimed new stimulus payments ranging from $1,390 to $2,000 will land this fall. But federal officials haven’t authorized any such check.
- The IRS has not confirmed a fourth stimulus check.
- The deadline to claim the third and final COVID-era check ($1,400 per person) passed on April 15, 2025.
- Missed payments can no longer be claimed—even if you filed an extension.
The IRS has also warned taxpayers about scam texts and phishing schemes promising stimulus money. These messages often ask for personal financial details and are designed to defraud recipients.
Proposed plans: Tariff rebates and the “DOGE dividend”
President Donald Trump floated two new ideas earlier this year:
- Tariff rebate checks: A refund to taxpayers using surplus revenue from tariffs.
- “DOGE dividend”: A $5,000 payment idea tied to savings from the fictional Department of Government Efficiency.
Neither plan has moved beyond public comments or campaign trail mentions. No legislation has been introduced or passed, and Trump has not offered any follow-up details.
State inflation relief checks still active
While there’s no federal stimulus in the works, several states continue to issue one-time relief payments to help residents cope with inflation.
Here are some examples:
- New York:
- $200 for individuals earning ≤ $75,000
- $400 for married couples earning ≤ $150,000
- Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado:
- Offering similar “rebate” checks, often tied to property ownership or income levels
These programs are state-funded and differ from federal stimulus checks. Eligibility and amounts vary, and funds are usually distributed via direct deposit or paper checks.
Missed your last federal stimulus check?
If you never received your third stimulus check:
- The Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021 was your last chance to claim it.
- Filing a 2021 return by April 15, 2025, was required.
- If you missed that deadline, you are no longer eligible. The money has reverted to the U.S. Treasury.
Even if you requested a tax extension, it did not apply to the rebate deadline. No appeals or exceptions exist.
IRS refund status and tools to use
Waiting on a tax refund? You can check your status at any time using the IRS’s official “Where’s My Refund” tool.
You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your filing status
- Your exact refund amount
The tool updates once daily and shows whether your return was received, approved, or sent. Most refunds arrive within 21 days if filed electronically, but mailed checks can take 6–8 weeks.
Bottom line: Don’t believe the hype—yet
Despite the headlines and rumors, no new federal stimulus checks or tariff rebates have been confirmed for 2025. State-level relief checks are still being distributed in some areas, but anything beyond that remains political speculation.
For reliable information, stick with:
- Official IRS announcements
- State tax department updates
- Reputable financial news sources
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