A wave of online posts has revived talk of a $1,702 stimulus payment for 2025. But according to federal and state officials, no nationwide stimulus checks are approved this year. Here’s what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s still in the works.
No federal stimulus checks in 2025
Despite widespread speculation, there is no new federal stimulus check scheduled for 2025. The last official stimulus was the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit from 2021, with a final filing deadline of April 15, 2025.
- The $1,702 figure making the rounds online? It refers to Alaska’s 2024 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)—not a federal stimulus.
- In 2025, Alaska residents are receiving $1,000 in two payments from the PFD program, which is funded by state oil revenues.
- This benefit is only for qualifying Alaska residents and not a federal program.
Watch out for scams and phishing texts
Both the IRS and the Alaska Department of Revenue are warning consumers about scams tied to these false claims.
- Phishing texts are targeting myAlaska users, asking them to update passwords—a red flag.
- The IRS never contacts taxpayers by text or email about refunds, credits, or stimulus payments.
- If you receive one of these messages, do not click or respond.
Stimulus proposals in Congress but not approved
There is a proposed stimulus-related bill called the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, introduced by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). If passed, it would send $600 to $2,400 to taxpayer households.
But as of now:
- It has not passed Congress
- There is no scheduled vote
- No payments are being processed
What about tariff rebates or inflation checks?
While no federal stimulus checks are coming, some states are issuing inflation relief or rebate checks based on taxes or cost-of-living adjustments.
Examples include:
- New York: Up to $200 per individual or $400 per couple for those under certain income thresholds
- Pennsylvania, Georgia, Colorado: One-time rebates or refunds for eligible taxpayers, often tied to property tax or sales tax payments
These are state-level programs, not federal stimulus checks, and eligibility varies.
Missed your 2021 stimulus check?
If you didn’t receive your third stimulus check ($1,400), the deadline to file a 2021 tax return was April 15, 2025.
- Even if you filed for a tax extension, you still had to file by that date to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
- No extensions or appeals are available beyond that deadline
- Unclaimed stimulus payments become property of the U.S. Treasury
Key differences: Rebate vs. stimulus
It’s important to understand the terminology:
- Stimulus check: A government-issued payment to boost consumer spending and economic activity
- Rebate: A refund tied to taxes or spending—often state-funded or conditional
While President Trump has floated the idea of using tariff revenue for rebate checks, this remains a proposal, not a confirmed policy.
What’s next?
Unless Congress passes a new bill, there are no upcoming federal stimulus payments. Any post or message claiming otherwise should be treated with skepticism.
Stay informed by:
- Checking directly with the IRS or your state revenue department
- Avoiding third-party websites or viral posts without confirmed sources
- Consulting a trusted tax professional for questions about past payments or credits
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