In recent weeks, various financial publications have spread conflicting information regarding possible stimulus checks from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in 2025. Several websites claimed that the Treasury Department would distribute $1,390 payments in late summer 2025, targeting low- and middle-income households.
At the same time, they denied rumors about a $2,000 benefit in August of that year. In contrast, American news agencies and media outlets categorically deny these plans, pointing to a lack of legislative support. What is reality and what is false? Let’s compare the facts and get to the truth: Will there finally be a new stimulus check in 2025?
Official confirmations and denials about new stimulus checks
For starters, some supportive reports described eligibility parameters identical to previous programs: individuals with incomes under $75,000, couples earning under $150,000, and heads of household earning under $112,500. According to these sources, the payments would be tax-free and would not affect programs like Medicaid or SNAP. Distribution would use direct deposit, physical checks, or EIP cards.
An IRS spokesperson told Benzinga, “There is no new stimulus program for 2025.” Tax experts agree that the confusion could stem from the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, whose application deadline was April 15, 2025.
This credit allowed those who didn’t receive the third pandemic stimulus check to claim up to $1,400. However, this doesn’t mean a new round of stimulus checks is in the works for 2025.
Fact-checking outlets like the AP emphasized that any federal payment requires congressional approval. It is also known that, as of August 2025, no bill authorizing $1,390 has been debated in the Senate or the House of Representatives.
Social media analyses show viral posts with unverified information, and others explain that there is even talk of nonexistent legal requirements for stimulus checks that, so far, are not real.
The possible origin of the IRS stimulus checks rumors
Two non-binding policy proposals may be fueling speculation among Americans, who would certainly appreciate a little extra money in their pockets. The American Worker Rebate Act, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley in July 2025, promised tariff rebates of approximately $600 per person.
Meanwhile, an idea from Donald Trump suggested returning 20% of government savings as a “DOGE Dividend.” Neither project has any legislative progress. The latter is the one that might be the most ruled out. First, because the idea originated in the head of an entrepreneur who said he presented it to Elon Musk, former secretary of the DOGE Department (he’s since left, and now they have a terrible relationship with Donald Trump), and second, because it would require parliamentary consideration that was never even articulated.
The only stimulus payment program pending payment in 2025 is for approximately 600,000 Alaska residents who receive benefits from the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) program, which is made up of royalties from the local oil industry. It is distributed over four dates throughout the year, and the check will be for $1,702 per eligible person.
