With new rumors spreading about a possible fourth stimulus check in 2025, many Americans are asking the big question: Will the IRS send out more money this year?
Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently known about the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, potential federal stimulus payments, state inflation relief checks, eligibility rules, and how to track your tax refund.
Who Is Getting Inflation or IRS “Relief” Checks in 2025?
Several states have already issued, or are in the process of issuing, inflation relief checks to offset higher living costs caused by rising prices.
New York: Eligible residents are receiving one-time payments. Individuals earning up to $75,000 qualify for $200, while married couples filing jointly with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for $400. Governor Kathy Hochul has said more updates will be announced soon.
Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado: These states have offered rebate checks or property tax refunds under varying eligibility requirements.
Florida: No inflation relief or rebate checks have been issued in 2025 so far, with the last program ending in 2022.
Each state sets its own rules for income thresholds, filing status, and payment amounts.
Will There Be a Federal Stimulus Check in 2025?
At the federal level, there is no official confirmation of a fourth stimulus payment from Congress or the IRS. However, political discussions have raised new possibilities:
President Donald Trump’s Proposal: He suggested using new tariff revenue to issue rebate checks to taxpayers with specific income levels, similar to pandemic-era stimulus payments.
“DOGE Dividends” Proposal: In February, Trump floated another idea—distributing $5,000 DOGE dividends based on savings identified by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. No further details have been released.
👉 Key distinction:
A rebate is money refunded after a purchase or tax payment.
A stimulus check is a direct cash payment aimed at boosting consumer spending and the economy.
How Many Stimulus Checks Have Already Been Issued?
Between 2020 and 2021, the federal government issued three rounds of stimulus checks:
First Round: $600 per individual.
Second Round: $1,200 per individual.
Third Round: $1,400 per individual, plus extra for dependents.
Rumors about a fourth $2,000 stimulus check continue to circulate online, but as of now, these claims are unverified and often misleading.
Deadline Reminder:
The last chance to claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021 was April 15, 2025. Taxpayers who missed this deadline—whether or not they filed an extension—can no longer claim the payment. Unclaimed funds revert to the U.S. Treasury.
Where’s My Federal Tax Refund ?
If you’re not waiting on a stimulus but on your tax refund, here’s how it works:
Direct Deposit Refunds: Typically issued within 21 days if you filed electronically and provided bank information.
Paper Check Refunds: Usually arrive in 6–8 weeks if you did not provide direct deposit details.
The IRS provides a tool called “Where’s My Refund”, which lets you track your refund status online. You’ll need:
Your Social Security number
Filing status
Exact refund amount from your return
The tool will display one of three messages:
- 1. Return Received (still processing)
- 2. Refund Approved (payment date being prepared)
- 3. Refund Sent (either to your bank or mailed check
Once your refund is approved, direct deposit can arrive within just a few days.
Bottom Line
Federal stimulus checks in 2025 are not confirmed. While proposals have been mentioned, Congress and the IRS have not announced any official payments.
To avoid scams, rely only on updates from the IRS or your state’s Department of Revenue.
Until official legislation passes, the safest way to know where your money is is by checking IRS refund tools or consulting a qualified tax professional.
