IRS Clarifies: No Fourth Stimulus Check Expected
Will there be a fourth stimulus check? Here’s what the IRS says:
If you’ve been holding out hope for another round of pandemic-style stimulus payments, the IRS has a clear message: Don’t hold your breath. As of February 2025, there are no plans for a fourth federal stimulus check, according to official statements and recent fact-checks. While rumors about $8,000 payments or “DOGE dividends” have swirled online, these claims lack credibility and have been debunked by trusted sources like the Associated Press and AARP.
But that doesn’t mean your wallet is entirely out of luck. Let’s break down what’s happening with stimulus funds, why new checks aren’t coming, and how you might still claim money owed from past programs.
The IRS confirms: No new stimulus checks in 2025
The IRS has repeatedly clarified that no fourth stimulus check is in the works, despite persistent rumors. The agency’s focus in early 2025 is on resolving outdated claims tied to the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit – a tax provision for those who missed earlier pandemic payments.
Here’s the bottom line:
- The three original stimulus checks (March 2020, December 2020, and March 2021) remain the only federal direct payments authorized by Congress.
- 1 million taxpayers are receiving belated payments of up to $1,400 this year, but these are tied to 2021 eligibility, not new legislation.
Social media posts promoting “$8,000 stimulus checks” or “DOGE dividends” have been flagged as false by fact-checkers, including Lead Stories and the AP.
Why are some people still getting stimulus money?
If you’ve heard about friends or family receiving checks labeled “stimulus” in 2025, here’s why: The IRS is automatically sending payments to individuals who overlooked the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
Key details about the 2021 recovery rebate credit:
- Who qualifies? Taxpayers who filed a 2021 return but left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered 0 despite being eligible. Income limits apply: $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples.
- Payment amount: Up to $1,400 per person, depending on income and dependents. A family of four could receive up to $5,600.
- Timing: Most payments were issued by late January 2025, either via direct deposit or paper check.
The IRS identified these cases through internal audits, aiming to simplify the process for taxpayers who missed out on earlier relief. If you’re eligible, you don’t need to take action – the payment arrives automatically
Why isn’t a fourth stimulus check happening?
The idea of additional stimulus checks lost momentum for several reasons:
- Inflation concerns: Both Democrats and Republicans have acknowledged that pandemic-era spending contributed to inflation, making new direct payments politically unpopular. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen noted that while stimulus programs were “necessary,” they may have played a role in rising prices.
- Shift in priorities: The Trump administration has focused on cutting federal spending through initiatives like the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), not expanding stimulus programs.
- Limited fiscal space: With the national debt exceeding $34 trillion, lawmakers are prioritizing budget reductions over new relief measures.
Even during the 2024 election cycle, neither major party proposed reviving stimulus checks, signaling bipartisan agreement that the era of direct payments has ended.
Beware of stimulus scams and misinformation
Fraudsters continue to exploit hopes for a fourth stimulus check. Common tactics include:
- Phishing texts/emails claiming you must “verify your account” to receive a payment.
- AI-generated articles promoting fake programs, such as “$2,000 checks for seniors”.
- Fake government portals charging fees to “expedite” your stimulus payment.
The IRS emphasizes that legitimate payments require no action beyond filing your taxes. If you’re unsure about a claim, verify it through official channels like IRS.gov or reputable news outlets like AP News
Alternative relief options in 2025
While fourth stimulus checks are off the table, these alternatives might help stretch your budget:
1. State tax rebates and credits
Some states are issuing one-time payments using surplus funds. For example:
- Virginia: Up to $400 for joint filers.
Arizona: Up to $750 for families with dependents.
2. Expanded tax credits
- Earned income tax credit (EITC): Michigan and other states have boosted EITC payouts, resulting in supplemental checks for eligible workers.
Child tax credit: Though the expanded federal credit expired in 2021, some states offer their own versions.
3. Debt relief programs
Federal student loan forgiveness initiatives and housing assistance grants remain available for qualifying households.
Stimulus checks vs. recovery rebate payments: A quick comparison
| Aspect | 2020–2021 Stimulus Checks | 2025 Recovery Rebate Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Authorization | CARES Act, CRRSA Act, ARPA | 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Maximum payment | $3,200 per person (over 3 rounds) | $1,400 per person |
| Eligibility | Broad income-based criteria | Limited to 2021 non-claimants |
| Total cost | $814 billion | $2.4 billion |
| Primary goal | Pandemic economic relief | Correcting past filing errors |
What should you do next?
- Check your 2021 tax return: Verify whether you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit. If not, you may still qualify for a payment by filing an amended return before April 15, 2025 511.
- Ignore stimulus myths: Report suspicious claims to the FTC or IRS.
- Explore state programs: Visit your state’s revenue department website for local rebate opportunities.
Final thoughts
While the door has closed on federal fourth stimulus check discussions, understanding your eligibility for past credits and state-level relief can still put money back in your pocket. Stay informed, double-check sources, and remember: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
For the latest updates on tax credits and rebates, bookmark the IRS Economic Impact Payments page and follow trusted outlets like CBS News.
