If you are still waiting on economic impact payment or a new, fourth stimulus check in 2025, heres what to know about President Donald Trumps possible tariff rebate and how to track the status of your state or federal tax refund from the IRS, without getting scammed.
There have been rumors and unsupported speculation spreading on social media and some websites about a new stimulus check in varying amounts of $1,390 or $1,702 or $2,000 coming to Americans this year, according to reports, which are false. There has been no official confirmation from Congress or the Internal Revenue Service to support these claims, and any such news should be taken with caution as it could be misinformation or attempted fraud.
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The IRS warns has issued warnings against text scams and impersonators that may mislead you about tax refunds, credits, payments, or new stimulus check amounts by pressuring people for personal and financial information about themselves.
There is an effort called the American Worker Rebat Act of 2025. It was submitted by Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, and aims to send checks between $600 to $2,400 to American taxpayer families. However, it has not passed through Congress as of yet.
There were three prior stimulus checks tied to COVID-era stimulus programs, the third and last of which had an April 15, 2025 deadline to claim.
There were also several states that were sending out inflation relief checks to residents who paid higher sales taxes due to inflation, such as New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Colorado.
Heres what to know about eligibility and status updates for new or unclaimed stimulus checks in 2025, inflation checks, Trump tariff relief rebates, DOGE dividends, and IRS federal and state tax refunds.
Are you still waiting for your stimulus check to hit your bank account? You’re not alone! Many Americans find themselves constantly refreshing their banking apps and wondering why the government money isn’t showing up yet. Let’s dive into the reasons behind these delays and what you can actually do about it.
The Truth About Stimulus Checks in 2025
First things first – there’s a lot of confusion about whether we’re even getting new stimulus checks in 2025. According to the latest information from USA TODAY, there are NO new federal stimulus checks confirmed for 2025. Despite rumors spreading on social media about potential checks of $1,390, $1,702, or $2,000, these claims are unsubstantiated and could be misinformation or even fraud attempts.
The IRS has specifically warned against text scams and impersonators who might try to mislead you about new payments or tax refunds So be careful!
What IS happening in 2025
- The American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 has been proposed by Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, which could send checks between $600 to $2,400 to eligible taxpayer families – but this has NOT passed through Congress yet
- Several states are sending out inflation relief checks (like New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado)
- New Jersey residents are receiving ANCHOR property tax relief payments
- April 15, 2025 was the deadline to claim the third COVID stimulus check from 2021 (the $1,400 payment)
Why Your Previous Stimulus Checks May Have Been Delayed
If you’re still wondering about past stimulus delays (or worried about potential future payments), here are the most common reasons for the hold-ups:
1. Processing Times Vary Widely
Direct deposit payments generally take 2-3 days after the IRS confirms eligibility, while physical checks take at least 6-8 weeks to be mailed out. That’s a big difference!
2. Social Security and Other Benefit Recipients Face Extra Delays
People who receive benefits from:
- Social Security
- Supplemental Security Income
- Railroad Retirement Board
- Veterans Affairs
…especially those who don’t typically file tax returns due to low income have faced significant delays. Why? The IRS didn’t immediately have the proper payment files to process these special cases.
3. Incorrect Banking Information
If the IRS has outdated or incorrect direct deposit info for you, that’s gonna cause problems! And unfortunately, once a payment has been processed, you typically can’t update your bank information. The IRS notes it takes up to 14 days to receive a payment after any banking updates.
4. Mail Delivery Lags
If you’re getting a paper check, USPS delays can add weeks to your wait time. Weather, holidays, and staffing issues all impact mail delivery speeds.
5. Identity Theft Concerns
The IRS might flag payments if they suspect potential identity theft, which requires additional verification.
6. High Volume of Payments
When millions of payments are being processed simultaneously, backlogs happen!
How to Track Your Payment Status
If you’re still waiting for a previous stimulus payment or wondering about your tax refund, here’s what you can do:
For Tax Refunds
The IRS has an online tool called “Where’s My Refund” that lets you check your refund status:
- Visit the IRS website
- Enter your Social Security number
- Enter your filing status
- Enter the exact refund amount on your return
The tool will show one of three statuses:
- Return received (processing)
- Refund approved (preparing to issue)
- Refund sent (on its way)
You can start checking within 24 hours after e-filing. The refund information updates once daily, overnight.
For Previous Stimulus Payments
The IRS has issued all first, second, and third Economic Impact Payments. The Get My Payment application is no longer available for checking payment status.
However, you can:
- Access your IRS online account to view your first, second, and third Economic Impact Payment amounts under the Tax Records page
- Review Letter 6475 (sent by the IRS) confirming your third Economic Impact Payment amount
What If You Never Received Your Stimulus Check?
If you never got a previous stimulus payment (or received less than you were due), you might still be able to claim it:
For the Third Stimulus Check ($1,400)
If you missed the April 15, 2025 deadline to claim the third stimulus payment, you’re unfortunately out of luck. Unclaimed stimulus payments become the property of the U.S. Treasury after the deadline passes.
For the First and Second Stimulus Checks
The deadlines to claim these earlier payments have also passed.
State Relief Payments in 2025
While federal stimulus checks aren’t currently happening, some states are still providing financial assistance:
New York Inflation Relief
- $200 for individuals earning up to $75,000
- $400 for married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000
New Jersey ANCHOR Program
- Up to $1,750 for homeowners ages 65+
- Up to $1,500 for homeowners below 65
- Up to $700 for renters age 65+
- Up to $450 for renters younger than 65
Applications are open until October 31, 2025.
Beware of Stimulus Check Scams!
With so much confusion about payments, scammers are taking advantage. Watch out for:
- Texts claiming to be from the IRS about refunds or stimulus checks
- Emails asking for personal or banking information
- Calls pressuring you to provide financial details
- Social media posts about “new” stimulus programs that haven’t been announced officially
The IRS will NEVER:
- Call you demanding immediate payment
- Ask for credit/debit card numbers over the phone
- Threaten to bring in police for non-payment
The Bottom Line on Payment Timing
When it comes to government payments, patience is key. Here’s what to expect:
| Payment Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Direct Deposit (Tax Refund) | 21 days after acceptance |
| Paper Check (Tax Refund) | 6-8 weeks |
| Direct Deposit (Stimulus) | 2-3 days after eligibility confirmation |
| Paper Check (Stimulus) | 6-8 weeks |
| Bank Processing Time | Can arrive between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. on deposit day |
Final Thoughts
Waiting for money from the government is super frustrating – I get it! But understanding the reasons behind delays can help you plan better and avoid unnecessary stress.
The most important thing to remember is to be cautious about stimulus check information you see online. Only trust official government sources like the IRS website or legitimate news outlets.
If you’re still concerned about a missing payment, consider consulting with a tax professional who can help you understand your options and potentially claim any money you’re owed through the proper channels.
Have you experienced delays with your stimulus payments? What was the longest you had to wait? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Are we getting a stimulus check in 2025?
President Donald Trump floated the idea of using part of the government revenue being generated by the new tariffs and returning it to taxpayers of a certain income level in the form of a rebate check, similar to the stimulus checks sent during the pandemic.
Trump floats rebates for taxpayers amid tariff windfallPresident Donald Trump says his administration is considering taxpayer rebates as the White House says tariffs have raked in over $100 billion.
A rebate is a partial refund of the purchase price that a consumer paid, often upon meeting certain conditions.
A stimulus check, on the other hand, is a direct payment to encourage spending and stimulate the economy by putting money directly into the consumers hands.
In February, Trump also said he would consider the plan to pay out $5,000 stimulus checks to taxpayers in the form of a “DOGE dividend” during a summit in Miami. He explained it as using part of the 20% of the savings identified by Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and giving it back to taxpayers. However, he has not shared any further specifics or details about the possible “DOGE dividend” or its certainty since then.
Who is getting inflation checks?
Several states, including New York, have sent or are sending out “inflation relief checks” to residents who paid higher sales taxes due to inflation. These are one-time payments with varying amounts based on income, with individuals earning up to $75,000 receiving $200, and married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000 receiving $400.
Pennsylvania, Georgia and Colorado also offered inflation refund checks to property owners or taxpayers in the same vein, but call them “rebate checks” with differing criteria and qualifications.
How long does direct deposit take for stimulus check?
FAQ
How long does it take to get a stimulus check?
The payment appeared in your account summary as “IRS TREAS 310 XXTAXEIP3” or something similar. Those who don’t have bank details on file with the IRS and prefer paper check will get the stimulus checks mailed to them in 2 to 4 weeks. You can always check the IRS Get My Payment (GMP) tool for the latest status of your payment.
How do I know if my stimulus Check Payment has been received?
You can also check the IRS site for the latest status of your payment. [IRS update – Jan 15th] The IRS has nearly completed depositing the second stimulus check payments that were sent out by direct deposit. They are now processing stimulus payments that were known to have errors (like incorrect bank accounts) or had widespread issues.
What if my third stimulus check is delayed or denied?
You can use the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool to track the status of your third stimulus check…but that won’t make it arrive any faster (or ever). The best thing to do is try to understand why your payment is delay or won’t ever come, and then act accordingly. Read on to see 8 reasons why your third stimulus check could be held up or denied.
What should I do if my stimulus check doesn’t arrive?
If your stimulus check doesn’t arrive after a few weeks, you may want to contact the IRS to report the issue. Previous to the second check, the IRS welcomed phone calls, but currently, they are not. Some options include filing a payment trace. If you have already received a stimulus check but believe the amount is incorrect, you should also contact the IRS.
What happens if I miss a stimulus check?
Stimulus checks or pandemic related tax credit boosts are no longer being paid and any missing payments will now need to be claimed via your tax returns for the applicable tax season. All direct deposits for processed returns have been completed and any missing payments will be sent by check once amended returns are filed (where applicable).
When is a stimulus payment pending?
Generally the payment date is 5 days after the processing date, so the payment is classified as provisional until the official payment date. That is why many eligible recipients see the direct deposit stimulus payments as pending or as provisional payments in their accounts before the official payment date.
Why is my stimulus check taking so long?
The delay in receiving your stimulus check could be the result of anything from the IRS scheduling the payment for later in 2020 to the agency needing additional information before it can send the money.
How can I track my stimulus check?
Securely access your IRS online account to view the total of your first, second and third Economic Impact Payment amounts under the Tax Records page.
What to do if I have not received my $1400 stimulus check?
If you did not receive your stimulus check, verify your eligibility using the IRS Get My Payment tool. Ensure your tax return for the relevant year was filed correctly, as the IRS uses this information to issue payments. If eligible but unpaid, you may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your next tax return.
Is it too late to get my stimulus check today?
You could still get a $1400 stimulus check–but only if you act fast. Millions of Americans are about to miss the final chance to claim money from 2021. The deadline is April 15, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
