If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or checking your news feed lately, you’ve probably seen some pretty wild headlines about the IRS and new "checks" hitting bank accounts. Honestly, it’s a mess out there. People are talking about $2,000 "tariff dividends" and "Trump checks" like they’re already in the mail.
But here is the reality. There is no official "fourth stimulus check" from the federal government sitting in a vault waiting to be mailed to everyone in 2025.
It's kinda frustrating, right? We all remember those pandemic payments that just showed up. Today, the situation is way more complicated and involves a new law called the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB), which passed in July 2025. While it doesn't give you a "stimulus check" in the traditional sense, it changes how much money you might get back in your tax refund.
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Are We Getting a Stimulus Check 2025 IRS: The Truth About the "Tariff Dividend"
You might have heard President Trump talking about sending out $2,000 payments. He’s called these "tariff dividends," basically pitching the idea that the money the government collects from import taxes should go straight back to the people.
It sounds great. Who wouldn't want two grand?
But here is the catch: it’s mostly just a proposal right now. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has mentioned that the administration is "exploring" the idea, but it hasn't actually been passed by Congress. Even if it does move forward, it might not be a physical check. It could end up being a tax credit or a deduction that you only see once a year when you file your taxes.
Budget experts at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget are already pointing out that a $2,000 check for every American would cost around $600 billion. That is way more than the government is actually making from tariffs. So, while the talk is loud, the bank account is still empty on this one for now.
The IRS is Phasing Out Paper Checks
Something very real is happening at the IRS right now that people are confusing with stimulus news. Per Executive Order 14247, the IRS and Treasury began phasing out paper checks on September 30, 2025.
Basically, the era of the paper check is over.
If you are expecting a refund or any kind of payment from the IRS for your 2025 taxes, you basically have to use direct deposit. If you don't provide bank info, the IRS is warned that they will hold your refund for at least six weeks while they figure out an "exception." It’s a move to stop fraud, but it’s definitely a headache for people who prefer the mail.
How the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Actually Puts Money in Your Pocket
Even though there isn't a "stimulus," the new tax law that went into effect for 2025 actually increased several credits. This is where the real money is. It’s not a surprise check; it’s a bigger refund.
The 2025 Child Tax Credit Update
If you have kids, this is the big one. Under the new OBBB law, the Child Tax Credit jumped to $2,200 per child for the 2025 tax year.
- 2024 Credit: $2,000
- 2025 Credit: $2,200
About $1,700 of that is "refundable." That means even if you don't owe the government a dime in taxes, the IRS will still pay you that $1,700 per kid. You just have to file a tax return to get it.
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A Massive New Deduction for Seniors
There’s a new "bonus" for anyone 65 or older. If you hit that age by December 31, 2025, you can claim a new $6,000 senior deduction.
AARP has been talking this up because it’s huge. If you’re a married couple and both of you are over 65, that is a $12,000 deduction on top of the standard deduction. It doesn't mean Social Security isn't taxed anymore, but it shields a lot more of your income from the IRS.
State Stimulus Checks: Where the Money is Actually Moving
While the federal government is debating dividends, several states are actually sending out money in 2025. This is usually because the state had a budget surplus and is required by law to give it back.
- Georgia: They are doing it again. Governor Brian Kemp approved tax rebates between $250 and $500 depending on your filing status. If you lived in Georgia and filed your taxes, this should be automatic.
- Virginia: They’ve got a one-time rebate of up to $200 for singles and $400 for couples. You had to file your 2024 return by November 2025 to get this.
- Oregon: The famous "kicker" is back. Oregon is returning over $1.4 billion to taxpayers. This shows up as a credit on your state tax return, effectively boosting your refund or lowering what you owe.
- New York: About 8 million New Yorkers are seeing "Inflation Relief" payments ranging from $150 to $400.
Don't Fall for the Scams
Because "stimulus check" is such a popular search term, scammers are out in full force. They’ll send texts saying "Your 2025 IRS Stimulus is Ready—Click Here."
Don't do it.
The IRS never initiates contact by text or social media. If you want to know if you're getting money, the only place to check is IRS.gov or your state’s official Department of Revenue website.
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What You Should Do Right Now
Since the "checks" aren't just falling from the sky, you have to be proactive to get the money you're actually owed through the new tax laws.
- Open a Bank Account: With the IRS phasing out paper checks, you need a way to receive direct deposits. If you don't have an account, look into "Bank On" certified accounts that are low-fee or free.
- Check Your 2021 Records: Believe it or not, some people are still getting $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credits because they finally filed their 2021 returns right before the April 2025 deadline. If you missed that window, that money might be gone, but it’s always worth checking your IRS online account.
- Prepare for the Jan 26, 2026 Filing Season: The IRS starts accepting 2025 returns on January 26, 2026. Because of the OBBB changes, your refund might be significantly higher than last year. Filing early is the only way to get that "stimulus" money into your pocket quickly.
- Watch the "Trump Account" Updates: The new law mentioned something called "Trump Accounts" for working families. Keep an eye on IRS news releases (specifically the IR-2025-117 series) to see if these accounts offer any immediate cash benefits.
Getting money from the government in 2025 is less about a "surprise check" and more about knowing which credits you qualify for. The OBBB made things like car loan interest deductible and increased the Child Tax Credit, so the "stimulus" is basically hidden inside your 1040 form this year.
Make sure you have your direct deposit info ready before the tax season kicks off in late January.