Several states have activated stimulus checks and refunds programs and relief payments to inject liquidity into the pockets of their residents during the final months of 2025.
Unlike the massive federal stimulus checks of the pandemic era, these state initiatives are more targeted, responding to budget surpluses and local needs. As of November 25, thousands of taxpayers have already received notifications or direct deposits, while others await their turn before the end of the year.
From the Arctic to the Atlantic: Stimulus Checks that Arrive with the Winter
Although rumors of a potential federal “tax dividend” of up to $2,000 are circulating on social media, fueled by presidential proposals, financial experts caution that there is no official confirmation from the IRS regarding national payments in December.
Instead, states are leading the way, with programs ranging from child tax credits to property tax rebates, benefiting millions at a crucial time for holiday shopping and the fiscal year-end.
Alaska’s PFD and New York’s Inflation Refunds
Alaska kicks off relief season with its Permanent Dividend Fund (PFD), distributing $1,000 to eligible residents who maintain statewide residency throughout 2024. These payments, confirmed for December 18 for those who apply by December 10, represent annual revenue derived from petroleum resources and aim to mitigate the high cost of living in the northernmost state.
Meanwhile, New York continues its Inflation Relief program, sending checks of between $150 and $400 to more than 8 million residents based on their 2023 tax returns, with payments extending through December and even into early 2026.
Surpluses that Turn into Family Support on the West Coast
In California, the Sacramento Family First pilot program provides $725 per month to 200 low-income families in specific Sacramento zip codes, focusing on basic needs such as food and childcare. This support ends in November, marking the end of a year of stability for these households.
Meanwhile, Colorado is accelerating TABOR refunds—ranging from $177 to $1,130 per taxpayer, depending on filing status and income—funded by a $1.7 billion surplus, and are already being distributed to those who filed state taxes in recent years.
Tax Rebates in Georgia and Oregon
Georgia is automating its tax rebates of up to $500 for married couples and $250 for single individuals, targeting those who filed returns in 2023 and 2024, by leveraging an $11 billion surplus to ease the tax burden without requiring additional applications.
In Oregon, the “kicker” credit returns $1.41 billion in surplus—equivalent to the average 10% of the 2024 tax liability—and is applied directly in November to refunds or tax reductions for returns filed that month.
Virginia and New Jersey End the Year with Immediate Incentives
Virginia is offering one-time rebates of up to $200 for single taxpayers and $400 for couples, limited to 2024 tax debt and available since mid-October for those who filed by the November 3 deadline, prioritizing taxpayers with outstanding obligations.
New Jersey, through the ANCHOR program, is providing up to $6,500 in property tax relief via applications processed on a rolling basis; with a deadline of October 31, many payments arrive in November and December, benefiting low-income homeowners.