Trump proposes tariff refund, initiates online uproar over speculated '1390 refunds'
No Fourth Federal Stimulus Check in 2025: Clarifying the Misconceptions
There has been widespread speculation about a fourth federal stimulus check in 2025, with some claiming it could be worth up to $2,000. However, it's essential to clear up the misunderstandings surrounding this topic.
Firstly, it's crucial to note that neither Congress nor the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has approved or announced any such payment similar to the COVID-19 stimulus checks of 2020-2021. The confusion partly arises from two unrelated developments:
- Former President Trump's mention of a tariff rebate check in 2025, which is a proposed refund of tariff revenues but not an approved or official stimulus payment.
- Senator Josh Hawley's American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, which is a legislative proposal aimed at sending rebates to Americans but has not resulted in enacted stimulus checks yet.
Recent payments like Alaska’s $1,702 dividend are state-level distributions unrelated to federal stimulus programs and are often mistaken for stimulus checks. Many states have their own inflation relief or rebate programs, but these are separate from any federal stimulus and managed at the state level.
In summary, the rumors circulating about a new federal stimulus check in 2025 are unfounded and likely misinformation or confusion with prior recovery rebate credits or state payments. No federal legislation or IRS action currently supports a fourth stimulus payment.
For those seeking financial assistance, it's important to check the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool at irs.gov to check on any federal refunds. To find out about state refunds or rebates, visit your state's revenue or taxation department website.
Some states, such as New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado, are offering inflation rebate checks in 2025, with varying criteria and amounts. It's crucial to familiarise yourself with your state's specific program to understand what you may be eligible for.
It's also worth noting that the filing deadline for the third stimulus check expired on April 15, 2025, and there is no further action that can be taken if it was missed. Any unclaimed stimulus payments are now the property of the U.S. Treasury, and there is no appeals process or extension available.
In the meantime, keep an eye on your state's Department of Revenue website for updates on state-level inflation relief checks. And remember, the IRS will never ask for banking details by phone, email, or text.
[1] CNN: No fourth stimulus check in 2025, IRS says [2] Politico: Trump's tariff rebate check plan is a non-starter [3] Forbes: State Inflation Relief Checks: What You Need To Know [4] CBS News: Trump's tariff rebate check plan explained
Business publications such as CNN, Politico, and Forbes have debunked the rumors about a fourth stimulus check in 2025, clarifying that neither Congress nor the Internal Revenue Service has announced or approved such a payment. Meanwhile, some states like New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado are offering inflation rebate checks with varying criteria and amounts.
