Despite widespread online speculation, no new federal stimulus payments have been approved by Congress, and the IRS has not confirmed any upcoming distributions. The confusion appears to stem from the conclusion of past COVID-19 relief programs and a separate proposal by President Donald Trump for a “tariff dividend.”
The final round of pandemic-era Economic Impact Payments was issued in 2021. In 2024, the IRS did send automatic payments to eligible taxpayers who had not claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. The deadline to file for this credit, worth up to $1,400 per person, was April 15, 2025, and has now passed. Any future federal stimulus payments would require new legislation.
Separately, President Trump has proposed distributing “dividend-style refund checks” funded by revenue from tariffs. During a December 2 cabinet meeting, he stated, “Next year is projected to be the largest tax refund season ever, and we’re going to be giving back refunds out of the tariffs.”
This follows a November post on his Truth Social platform where he suggested “a dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!)” could be paid to everyone.
However, the proposal has been met with skepticism. “The numbers just don’t check out,” Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, told the Associated Press.
Even members of the administration have expressed uncertainty. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had not discussed the dividend with Trump and suggested it might take the form of tax cuts rather than direct checks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the administration’s commitment to the payments, which would reportedly target individuals or families earning $100,000 or less, though the feasibility and timing remain unclear.
Amid the rumors, the IRS is warning taxpayers about an increase in scams. Online claims of pending $1,702 or $1,390 checks are often fraudulent or misrepresent state-level programs, such as Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend.
To protect against scams, the public should remember:
* The IRS does not initiate contact through email, text messages, or social media.
* Official communication from the IRS typically begins with a letter sent through the mail, which can be verified through a secure IRS Online Account.
* While an agent may call after sending a notice, they will not leave threatening, pre-recorded messages or demand immediate payment.
* The IRS has largely ended unannounced in-person visits from revenue officers.
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