You've probably seen the headlines or the weirdly specific TikTok videos claiming a new "federal relief" check is hitting bank accounts any second now. Honestly, it’s exhausting trying to keep up with what’s actually real and what’s just clickbait designed to get you to click a shady link.
If you came here looking for a simple "yes" or "no" regarding a nationwide, fourth round of COVID-style stimulus checks from the federal government, the short answer is no. There isn't a new federal bill sitting on a desk in D.C. that’s about to blast $1,400 into everyone's pocket.
But—and this is a big but—that doesn't mean there isn't money moving.
We’re in a weird transition period right now. While the "pandemic era" of stimulus is technically dead, 2025 has become the year of the "State Rebate" and the "Inflation Credit." If you live in the right zip code or have a couple of kids, you might actually be getting a check (or a direct deposit) that feels a lot like a stimulus.
The Reality of a Stimulus Check for 2025
Let's be real about the federal situation. The IRS is currently focused on the 2026 filing season and implementing the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), which passed back in July 2025. This massive piece of legislation changed a lot of tax rules, but it didn't include a broad "stimulus check" for every American.
Instead, the federal government is leaning into "targeted relief."
Basically, instead of sending a check to everyone, they’re beefing up the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For the 2025 tax year (the taxes you’re filing right now in early 2026), the Child Tax Credit has actually jumped up to $2,200 per child.
That’s a $200 increase from last year.
If you don't owe any taxes, you can still get up to $1,700 of that back as a refund. This is what the IRS calls the "Additional Child Tax Credit." It’s basically a stimulus check hidden inside your tax return.
Why the "Trump Dividends" Are All Over Your Feed
You might have heard President Trump talking about a $2,000 "Tariff Dividend." This is where the 2025/2026 confusion really starts. During the 2024 campaign and throughout 2025, there’s been a lot of talk about taking the money the U.S. makes from tariffs on imported goods and sending it directly to citizens.
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Sen. Josh Hawley even introduced the American Worker Rebate Act to try and make this happen.
But as of right now, January 2026, it isn't law.
Economists are arguing over it like crazy. Some say it would help offset the higher prices of imported goods, while others, like the folks at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, say it would cost about $600 billion—way more than we’re actually making from the tariffs.
So, if you see a Facebook post saying the "Trump Check" is arriving Tuesday, it's fake. It’s still a proposal, not a reality.
The States Sending Out "Secret" Stimulus
While the federal government is stuck in a legislative deadlock, several states have huge budget surpluses and are actually sending money back to residents in 2025 and early 2026.
This is where you need to pay attention.
New York is a huge one. They’ve been mailing out "Inflation Refund Checks" since late 2025. Over 8 million New Yorkers are eligible for payments between $150 and $400. If you filed a 2023 tax return as a full-year resident and made under $150,000 (jointly) or $75,000 (single), that check is likely already in the mail or sitting in your mailbox.
Georgia is doing it again, too.
Governor Kemp and the state legislature approved House Bill 112, which marks the third year in a row of rebates. They’re sending $250 for single filers and $500 for married couples. They’re using an $11 billion surplus to fund it.
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Then there’s Oregon. They have this thing called the "Kicker" credit. Because the state brought in more tax revenue than they expected, they’re returning $1.41 billion to taxpayers in 2025. It usually shows up as a credit on your state tax return, which makes your refund way bigger.
A Quick Rundown of Other Active State Payments:
- Virginia: Rebates of up to $200 for singles and $400 for couples were issued to those with a tax liability in 2024.
- Michigan: They expanded the Working Families Tax Credit. The average check was around $550, and for the 2025 tax year, it’s being baked directly into the state refund.
- Arizona: While many of their one-time rebates have finished, they’ve introduced new family tax credits that function similarly to a stimulus for low-income households.
The IRS "Paper Check" Death Watch
If you are expecting a refund or a state rebate, you need to know about Executive Order 14247.
The IRS is officially phasing out paper checks.
Starting back in September 2025, the Treasury Department began a massive push to move everyone to direct deposit. They say paper checks are 16 times more likely to be stolen or lost.
If you’re still waiting for a "check" in the mail, you’re gonna be waiting a lot longer than the people who signed up for direct deposit. In fact, during the 2025 season, about 93% of all refunds were electronic. If you’re in that 7% still wanting paper, the IRS is basically saying: "Expect delays."
Don't Fall for the Scams
Because people are desperate for news about a stimulus check for 2025, scammers are having a field day.
The New York Tax Department recently put out a massive warning about "Inflation Refund" scams. People are getting texts saying they need to "verify their identity" to get their $400 check.
Don't do it.
The IRS and state agencies will almost never text you. They definitely won't ask for your Social Security number over a DM on X or Facebook. Usually, if you’re eligible for these state rebates, the government already has your info from your 2023 or 2024 tax filings. The money just... shows up.
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What You Should Actually Do Now
Waiting for a stimulus that might not come is a bad strategy. Instead, you should focus on the credits that are 100% real and available right now.
First, check your 2021 tax records.
Believe it or not, the IRS estimated that about one million people still haven't claimed their 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. That’s the third stimulus check ($1,400). You have until April 15, 2025, to file a 2021 return and claim that money. If you miss that deadline, that money is gone forever.
Second, make sure you're taking advantage of the new OBBBA deductions.
The 2025 tax year allows for higher deductions on things like auto loan interest in some cases, and "No Tax on Tips" is a massive deal for service workers. If you’re a waiter or a bartender, the way you report income for 2025 has changed significantly.
Third, update your address with the IRS and your state's Department of Revenue.
If you moved in 2025 and a state rebate check is mailed to your old apartment, it’s a nightmare to track down. Use Form 8822 for the federal side and check your state's tax portal for the rest.
The "Stimulus Era" isn't exactly over; it’s just evolved. It’s less about a broad check for everyone and more about knowing which state laws and tax credits apply to your specific life. Stay skeptical of the "Breaking News" headlines and keep your eye on your state's official budget announcements.
Actionable Next Steps
- Search your state's Department of Revenue website for the terms "2025 rebate" or "inflation relief."
- Log into your IRS Online Account to see if you have any unclaimed credits from 2021 before the April deadline.
- Confirm your direct deposit information is current on your 2025 tax return to avoid the new paper check delays.
- Review the new Child Tax Credit limits if you have dependents, as the $2,200 per child is now the standard for the current filing season.