Everyone is looking for that extra bit of breathing room. You’ve seen the headlines, the TikTok "leaks," and the rumors floating around Facebook about a massive federal payout. But honestly, if you're waiting for a fourth round of universal pandemic-style stimulus checks to hit your bank account this year, I have to be the bearer of some pretty dry news.
There is no federal "fourth stimulus check" coming from the IRS in 2025.
That’s the short version. The long version is a bit more nuanced because while the federal government isn't handing out cash to everyone, several states are still cutting checks, and a few massive tax changes just went into effect that might actually put more money in your pocket than a one-time stimulus ever would.
What’s Actually Happening with Federal Stimulus Checks in 2025?
Basically, the era of the COVID-19 Economic Impact Payment is over. The IRS officially wrapped up the third round of payments long ago. However, there is one weird exception. In early 2025, the IRS started automatically issuing about 1 million payments to people who were eligible for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit but never claimed it.
If you filed your 2021 taxes late—specifically by the April 15, 2025, deadline—you might be seeing a $1,400 check. That isn't "new" money, though. It’s just the government finally handing over what they owed you from four years ago.
Outside of that, the big news in D.C. has been the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and the subsequent FY2025 reconciliation law (P.L. 119-21). This isn't a stimulus check, but it did a few massive things for families. It permanently bumped the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to $2,200 per child and made sure it's indexed to inflation.
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So, if you have kids, you aren't getting a separate "stimulus," but your tax refund for the 2025 tax year is likely going to be significantly higher.
State-Level Payouts: Where the Real Money Is
While the federal government is playing it cool, state governors are still trying to burn through budget surpluses. It’s weird how some states are broke while others are literally trying to give money away. Here is who is actually sending out checks or rebates right now.
Georgia
For the third year in a row, Georgia is using a massive $11 billion surplus to send out tax rebates. If you filed your taxes, you’re looking at:
- $250 for single filers.
- $500 for married couples.
New York
The Empire State launched an "Inflation Relief Rebate" as part of its latest budget. It’s a one-time thing. They’re mailing out checks between $150 and $400 to roughly 8 million residents. If you lived there in 2023 and filed a return, you don’t even have to apply. It just shows up.
Oregon
Oregon has this thing called the "kicker" credit. When the state collects too much tax revenue, they have to give it back. In 2025, they’re returning a staggering $1.41 billion. This usually shows up as a credit on your state return, making your refund much bigger or your bill much smaller.
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Virginia
If you had a tax liability in 2024, Virginia is sending out rebates up to $200 for individuals and $400 for couples. You had to file your return by November 2025 to get in on this, so if you did, check your mailbox.
The 2025 "Trump Accounts" and New Tax Deductions
There has been a lot of talk about "Trump Accounts" lately. It’s a real thing, but it’s not a stimulus check.
Beginning in 2025, the government started a $1,000 pilot program contribution for children born between January 1, 2025, and the end of 2028. It’s a one-time seed for a savings account. Helpful? Yes. Instant cash for groceries? No.
There’s also a slew of new deductions that honestly feel like a stimulus if you’re a worker:
- No tax on tips: If you’re in the service industry, this is huge.
- No tax on overtime: A massive win for hourly workers pulling 50+ hours.
- Car loan interest deduction: A temporary break for those struggling with high APRs.
Social Security and SSI Changes
If you’re on Social Security, you’ve likely noticed the 2.5% COLA increase that hit in January 2025. It’s an extra $50 a month on average. It’s not a windfall, but it helps.
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Also, a quick warning for everyone: The IRS is officially phasing out paper checks. As of September 30, 2025, if you don't have direct deposit set up for your tax refunds or rebates, the IRS is going to hold your money for an extra six weeks. They’re calling it "modernization," but it's really just a push to get everyone onto the grid.
How to Get Your Money
You’ve got to stay proactive. Most of these state rebates and federal credits require one thing: a filed tax return. Even if you don't owe money, you have to file to get the Child Tax Credit or the state-specific "inflation" checks.
Next Steps for You:
- Update your IRS Online Account: Make sure your bank info is correct. If they have an old account, your money is going to get lost in the mail or stuck in a six-week "holding" queue.
- Check your state’s Department of Revenue: If you live in GA, NY, PA, or VA, they have specific portals to check your rebate status.
- File for the 2021 Recovery Rebate: If you never got that $1,400 from the pandemic era, you had until April 2025 to file. If you missed that window, call an advocate immediately to see if you can file under "special circumstances."
Stop waiting for a surprise notification from the Treasury Department. It isn't happening on a national scale anymore. The "stimulus" of 2025 is actually found in the fine print of tax law changes and state-level surpluses.