Will There Be a Stimulus Check in 2025? IRS Refund Status Update and Eligibility Information

As inflation continues to affect household budgets, many Americans are wondering: Are we getting a fourth stimulus check in 2025?

While there’s ongoing talk about inflation relief, tax refunds, and rebate programs, there has been no official confirmation from Congress or the IRS regarding a new federal stimulus check.

Let’s break down what’s happening across the states, how to check your eligibility, and how to track your tax refunds—both federal and state.

State Inflation Relief Payments in 2025

Some states have stepped in to provide one-time inflation relief checks to help residents deal with rising prices:

State	Eligibility	Payment Amount	Program Name
New York	Income up to $75,000 (individuals)	$200	Inflation Relief Check
	Income up to $150,000 (married couples)	$400
Pennsylvania	Property owners and certain taxpayers	Varies by criteria	Rebate Checks
Georgia	Property owners and eligible residents	Varies	Rebate Checks
Colorado	Eligible residents based on prior tax filings	Varies	Rebate Checks

These payments are typically based on income or property ownership and vary depending on the program criteria set by each state.

Fourth Federal Stimulus Check: Fact or Fiction?

Rumors have circulated online, especially on social media, about a potential $2,000 fourth stimulus check, but these claims are unverified and have not been confirmed by the IRS or Congress.

Any such reports should be treated with skepticism, as they could be misinformation or fraud attempts.

Here’s a quick recap of previous federal stimulus checks:

• First Stimulus (2020): Up to $1,200 per individual, $2,400 for couples, plus $500 per child under 17
• Second Stimulus (2020): Up to $600 per individual, $1,200 for couples, $600 per child under 17
• Third Stimulus (2021): $1,400 per eligible person, plus $1,400 per qualifying dependent

The deadline to claim the third stimulus check or Recovery Rebate Credit was April 15, 2025, even for those who received tax filing extensions. If not claimed by then, the funds are forfeited and returned to the U.S. Treasury.

For assistance with missing stimulus checks, it’s advised to contact the IRS directly or consult a licensed tax professional.

What’s This About the $5,000 “DOGE Dividend”?

During a 2025 summit in Miami, former President Donald Trump suggested a plan involving $5,000 stimulus payments to taxpayers, funded by savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a proposal linked to Elon Musk.

However, no formal policy or implementation plan has followed this announcement, and it remains purely speculative.

Tracking Your Federal Tax Refund

If you filed your federal tax return electronically and included direct deposit information, your refund should arrive within 21 days of acceptance. For paper checks, the timeline is typically 6 to 8 weeks.

Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool to check the status of your return. You’ll need the following:

• Your Social Security number
• Your filing status
• The exact refund amount

The system updates once daily and displays one of three statuses:

1. Return Received – Your return is being processed
2. Refund Approved – Your refund has been approved
3. Refund Sent – Your money is on the way (direct deposit or check)

Alternatively, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to get a refund update.

Checking the Status of Your State Tax Refund

Each state has its own system for refund tracking. For example, Delaware residents can visit the Delaware Division of Taxation’s online portal to check the status of their refund using their personal tax information.

Make sure to visit your state’s official tax authority website to access secure refund tracking tools.

While there is no confirmed fourth federal stimulus check in 2025, several states have continued offering inflation relief payments and rebate checks. It’s essential to stay informed through official IRS and state websites to track your refund status and claim any outstanding payments. Be cautious of misinformation and always use verified tools to manage your tax affairs.

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