You've probably seen the TikToks. Or maybe a Facebook post from your aunt. They all say the same thing: "The IRS is sending stimulus checks in 2025!" Some claim it’s a surprise $1,400, while others swear there’s a new $2,000 "inflation relief" payment hitting bank accounts.
It sounds great. Honestly, with the price of eggs still being what they are, who wouldn't want a grand or two from the government?
But here is the reality check.
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The IRS is not sending out a brand-new, nationwide round of federal stimulus checks in 2025. Congress hasn't passed a fourth stimulus bill. There is no "hidden" pandemic money being released to everyone. Most of what you’re seeing online is just high-quality clickbait designed to get views.
That doesn't mean nobody is getting money, though. Kinda confusing, right?
The truth is nuanced. While there’s no "Fourth Economic Impact Payment," there are specific groups of people getting direct payments or massive tax credits this year that look a lot like stimulus checks. If you're expecting a "stimulus," you might actually be looking for one of these four things.
The $1,400 "Forgotten" Stimulus
Late last year and throughout the start of 2025, the IRS started a massive cleanup operation. Basically, they realized about one million Americans never claimed their third stimulus check from way back in 2021.
We’re talking about the Recovery Rebate Credit.
If you were eligible for that $1,400 but never got it—maybe because you didn't file a tax return that year—the IRS has been trying to get it to you. For many, the deadline to claim this was April 15, 2025. If you filed a 2021 return by that date specifically to grab that missing money, you might see that check (or direct deposit) hitting your account this year.
It’s not "new" money. It’s "old" money finally finding its home.
The "One Big Beautiful Bill" and 2025 Tax Credits
Everything changed in July 2025. President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill (Public Law 119-21). This wasn't a stimulus bill in the traditional sense, but it overhauled how the IRS handles your money this year.
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Take the Child Tax Credit (CTC), for example. For 2025, the credit jumped to $2,200 per child. Even better for some, the refundable portion—the part you get back as a "check" even if you don't owe taxes—is now up to $1,700.
If you’re a parent, your "stimulus" is basically built into your 2025 tax refund.
Then there’s the "Trump Savings Account" initiative. The government actually started a program where babies born between 2025 and 2028 get a one-time $1,000 federal contribution into a specialized savings account. It’s direct government money, but it’s for the kids, not for your Friday night dinner.
States are doing what the Fed won't
If you live in Georgia or New Mexico, you might actually be getting a check that feels exactly like a stimulus.
States are sitting on surpluses. Instead of keeping the cash, they’re sending it back. Georgia, for instance, approved tax rebates of $250 to $500 for residents this year. New York is sending out "Inflation Relief" payments to millions of households, ranging from $150 to $400.
When people talk about the IRS sending stimulus checks 2025, they’re often mixing up federal news with these state-level programs. If you’re in Alaska, you’re still getting the Permanent Fund Dividend, which is expected to be around $1,702 this year.
It's easy to see why the rumors start. One person in Albany gets a $400 check, posts it on Instagram, and suddenly the whole country thinks a new federal stimulus is out.
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The Paper Check Era is Ending
There is one massive change at the IRS that is 100% real and happening right now.
On September 30, 2025, the federal government officially began phasing out paper checks. This was mandated by Executive Order 14247. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent noted that paper checks are way too easy to steal or lose—16 times more likely than electronic payments, to be exact.
What does this mean for you?
If you're one of the 7% of people who still gets a physical check in the mail for your tax refund or benefits, you're going to see major delays. The IRS is now holding paper refunds for an extra six weeks to "encourage" people to switch to direct deposit.
If you want your money—whether it’s a refund or a credit—you basically have to go digital or get a prepaid debit card.
Why the rumors won't die
Politics.
There is a proposal called the American Worker Rebate Act. Senator Josh Hawley introduced it, and it suggests giving workers a $600 rebate ($1,200 for couples) funded by tariff revenue.
Is it law? No.
Is it being debated? Yes.
Because it’s a "proposal," people talk about it as if it’s already happening. But until a bill passes both the House and the Senate and gets a signature, it’s just a piece of paper in D.C.
How to actually get your money
Don't wait for a "stimulus" that might never come. Instead, focus on what is actually on the table for 2025.
First, check your 2021 filings. If you never got that third $1,400 check, you have until the very last minute of the 2025 window to sort it out. Use the "Where’s My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov.
Second, look at the new 2025 deductions. The standard deduction for married couples jumped to $31,500. That’s a massive chunk of income you don't have to pay taxes on.
Third, if you bought a car, check the new law. You can now deduct interest on a loan for a "qualified passenger vehicle" (must be US-assembled) up to $10,000.
Watch out for the "Ghost Preparers"
Scams are peaking. The IRS issued a specific warning about social media "promoters" telling people to claim the Fuel Tax Credit or "Other Withholding" to get a massive $10,000+ refund.
Unless you run a farm or off-road business, you probably don't qualify for the Fuel Tax Credit. If you claim it falsely, the IRS will slap you with a $5,000 "frivolous return" penalty.
They are literally using AI now to scan for these patterns. Don't be the test case.
Your next steps:
- Log into your IRS Online Account to see if you have any "unclaimed credits" from the pandemic years.
- Update your Direct Deposit information immediately to avoid the 6-week paper check penalty starting this fall.
- Check your specific state's Department of Revenue website to see if you qualify for a local 2025 rebate.