While rumors of a fourth federal stimulus check continue to circulate online, no new payment has been authorized by Congress or the IRS. Officials caution that claims of a new $2,000 stimulus check are unconfirmed and may be part of misinformation campaigns or fraud attempts.
The deadlines to file for all three previous federal stimulus payments, issued between 2020 and 2021, have now passed. The final opportunity to claim the third payment—the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for the 2021 tax year—expired on April 15, 2025. According to the IRS, any unclaimed funds from these programs are now the property of the U.S. Treasury.
Earlier this year, former President Donald Trump floated the idea of a “$5,000 DOGE dividend” for taxpayers, funded by savings identified by his proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). However, no specific details or concrete plans for this proposal have been announced since.
In contrast to the lack of federal action, several states have issued their own financial relief to residents. These payments, often called “inflation relief checks” or “rebates,” are designed to offset the impact of higher consumer costs. For example, New York provided checks of up to $400 for eligible couples, while Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado have also distributed rebate checks to qualified taxpayers and property owners, each with unique eligibility criteria.
How to Track Tax Refunds
Federal Tax Refund Status
Taxpayers can monitor the status of their federal tax refund using the IRS’s official “Where’s My Refund?” online tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return.
The tool provides updates within 24 hours of an e-filed return being accepted. It displays one of three statuses: Return Received, Refund Approved, or Refund Sent.
Those who filed electronically and provided bank information can typically expect a direct deposit within 21 days of the IRS accepting the return. Refunds issued by paper check may take six to eight weeks to arrive by mail. For direct assistance, the IRS can be reached at 800-829-1954.
State Tax Refund Status
Most states offer their own online portals to track the status of state income tax refunds. Taxpayers in the following states can use these dedicated websites:
- Delaware: Delaware Division of Taxation
- New Jersey: New Jersey Division of Taxation
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
