As 2025 unfolds, there are still many misconceptions and clarifications about the IRS stimulus payments, and there are still no new federal programs. Many Americans still want to know about the direct stimulus payments, tariff rebates, and the pending payments. Let’s analyze what can be expected in the current environment with available information.
No New Federal Stimulus Checks
The IRS continues to state there are no 2025 federal markers payments. The only payments still being processed are the unclaimed Recovery Rebate Credits for the 2021 fiscal year. The timeline for including these payments with the 2021 Return was April 15, 2025. Claims after this date are not eligible. These payments were linked to the early pandemic assistance programs and are no longer available.
Tariff Rebate Proposals: Still Pending
The proposed tariff rebates first introduced by President Trump, whereby checks would be issued to constituents using government tariff revenue, are still just that, proposals. There are no increments in these plans. The IRS continues to state no checks are in line for this proposal with no concrete plans in the loop.
State-Level Rebates and Relief
In addition to the federal checks, some states have provided one-time rebate or inflation relief payments. The differences in time and amounts are due to the differences in the local principal. For example, some states sent payments ranging from $200-$400 to qualifying individuals or households, depending on the income. Those were not federal programs and are governed by the states themselves.
Unclaimed 2021 Stimulus and Tax Refunds
Those who did not claim the 2021 stimulus payments would have been able to by April 15, 2025, by filing a federal tax return. The IRS included these payments with tax refunds and issued payments through direct deposit and paper checks. Refunds issued through direct deposit are processed in about three weeks, but checks mailed to the taxpayer may take longer.
Rumors, Scams, and Misinformation
There are countless online rumors about new stimulus payments being issued for various groups. In amounts such as $1,390, $1,700, or $1,800, these payments are fictional. In a lot of cases, these amounts are scams trying to get your personal information. The IRS and Social Security Administration are the only two official sources for such information. Always check the news for government statements and do not share personal information with others.
Very Short Table: Core Facts
| Payment Type | Status | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Rebate Claim | Closed | Apr 15, 2025 |
| Tariff Rebates | Proposal, not final | N/A |
| State Rebates | Varies by state | Varies |
VAULT: Tax Refunds: 2025 Guidance
Filing opened January 29, 2025, for those anticipating a 2024 tax year refund. The IRS deadline for filing was April 15, 2025, with extensions pushed to October 15, 2025, for extended filing. Refunds take a few weeks to process, but any further delays warrants an update check with the IRS.
FAQs
Q1: Will there be a fourth IRS stimulus check this year?
No. There is no official fourth stimulus check this year, and all federal COVID relief payments have been closed.
Q2: Are tariff rebate checks coming in 2025?
Tariff rebate checks remain unapproved and un sent, so they have not been enacted.
Q3: Can old stimulus payments still be claimed?
No, the deadline for unclaimed 2021 stimulus payments was April 15, 2025, so no further claims can be made.
