Why People Are Talking About Stimulus Payments Again
The idea of another stimulus check has come up because of a proposal from President Trump. He’s suggested a $2,000 payment called a “tariff dividend,” which would be funded by revenue from tariffs on imported goods. The White House has said the economic team is exploring how this could work, but nothing has been approved yet.
This proposal has sparked interest across the country, especially as inflation continues to affect household budgets. People are searching online for updates, and some are receiving texts or emails claiming they can “claim” a stimulus check. The IRS has warned that many of these messages are scams. If Congress hasn’t passed a law and the IRS hasn’t confirmed it, there’s no payment coming.
What the IRS Has Actually Said
The IRS hasn’t announced any new stimulus checks for 2025. The last official federal payments were issued in 2021. Since then, there’s been no new legislation authorizing direct payments.
Rumors about new checks are circulating, but the IRS hasn’t confirmed anything. They’ve reminded people to be cautious about scams, especially those asking for personal information.
There are still regular tax refunds and credits, like the Recovery Rebate Credit, for people who missed earlier payments. But those are part of the normal tax process, not new stimulus efforts. If you’re eligible for a refund, the IRS will process it through your tax return, not through a separate check.
What States Are Doing Separately
While there’s no federal stimulus, some states are offering their own rebate programs. These are usually tied to inflation relief or budget surpluses. For example, New York and New Jersey have sent out checks to qualifying residents based on income and household size.
These state payments are separate from anything the IRS does. They’re managed by state tax departments and follow different rules. If you live in a state offering rebates, you’ll usually get a letter or email from your local tax office—not from the IRS.
Speculation about federal checks in amounts like $1,390 or $1,702 has spread online, but there’s no confirmed source for those numbers. They’re often part of misinformation campaigns or clickbait headlines.
What Needs to Happen for a Federal Check to Be Real
For any federal stimulus payment to happen, Congress has to pass a law. That law would need to say how much the payment is, who qualifies, and how it’s funded. Then the IRS would announce the details and begin issuing payments.
As of now, no such law has been passed. That means any claim about a check coming soon is either speculation or misinformation.
The Treasury Secretary has said the proposed tariff dividend “could come in lots of forms,” but didn’t confirm any timeline or structure. Until Congress acts, it’s just an idea being discussed.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
If you get a message saying you’re eligible for a stimulus check, be careful. The IRS doesn’t send texts or emails asking for personal details. They use mail or secure online portals.
Stick to official sources like IRS.gov or your state’s tax office. If you’re unsure, ask someone you trust or check with your local government. Scammers often use urgency and confusion to trick people into giving up personal information.
The IRS has issued multiple warnings about impersonators and fake refund offers. If you’re expecting a tax refund, you can track it through the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool—not through third-party links or social media posts.
