Washington, D.C. – Across social media and online forums, posts have been spreading fast with claims that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is preparing to roll out fresh stimulus checks in 2025. Some viral posts even list specific dollar amounts, creating confusion among taxpayers already facing financial strain from inflation.
But what’s fact, and what’s just speculation? Let’s break it down.
Where Did the 2025 Stimulus Rumors Come From?
The rumors began early in 2025, fueled by clickbait websites, TikTok videos, and misleading social media graphics. Many claimed that the federal government had quietly approved a new stimulus program to help families fight inflation.
Others referenced old pandemic-era relief programs, suggesting a fourth round of payments was “on the way.” These misleading claims quickly gained traction because many Americans still remember the three rounds of stimulus checks that were distributed between 2020 and 2021.
What the IRS Says About the Rumors
The IRS has officially denied these claims. In a recent statement, the agency made it clear:
“The IRS is not currently issuing or preparing to issue any stimulus checks in 2025. Any claims suggesting otherwise are false.”
The IRS also reminded taxpayers that if a new stimulus program were to be approved, it would only happen through Congressional legislation, followed by a nationwide announcement. So far, no such law has been passed.
A Look Back: Previous Federal Stimulus Payments
To understand why so many people believe the rumors, it helps to look at the history of stimulus checks in the U.S.
Here’s a breakdown of the last three official rounds:
| Round | Year Issued | Amount per Eligible Adult | Law/Program Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Check | April 2020 | $1,200 | CARES Act |
| 2nd Check | December 2020 | $600 | COVID-19 Relief Bill |
| 3rd Check | March 2021 | $1,400 | American Rescue Plan |
Since 2021, no additional federal stimulus checks have been approved.
Why the Rumors Keep Spreading
There are three main reasons misinformation about new stimulus money keeps circulating:
- Financial Strain – Inflation, rising housing costs, and grocery prices have made many Americans hopeful for more relief.
- Scammers and Clickbait – Fraudsters spread fake news to trick people into handing over sensitive data.
- State-Level Programs – Some states, like California and Colorado, continue offering tax rebates or inflation relief payments, which can be mistaken for federal stimulus checks.
Warning About Scams
The IRS has also issued a fraud warning. Scammers often exploit these rumors by sending fake emails or text messages claiming you’re eligible for a new stimulus.
🚨 Key IRS Reminder:
- The IRS never contacts taxpayers by text, email, or social media about stimulus checks.
- If you get a message asking for your Social Security number, bank account details, or login info, it’s a scam.
- Always verify updates through IRS.gov or trusted government channels.
What About State Payments in 2025?
While there are no new federal stimulus checks, some states continue to provide limited relief in the form of tax rebates, energy assistance, or inflation support.
Examples include:
- California: “Middle Class Tax Refund” program (2022–2023) still being finalized for some late filers.
- Colorado: Ongoing TABOR refunds.
- New Mexico: Occasional rebates depending on state budget.
These are state-managed programs and should not be confused with federal stimulus checks.
Bottom Line
Despite the online buzz, the IRS is not giving out stimulus checks in 2025. The last official payments were issued under the American Rescue Plan in 2021. Any claim of a “new 2025 stimulus” is misinformation or, worse, a scam attempt.
If another round of relief were ever approved, it would come directly from Congress and be announced publicly through official channels—not through viral posts or text messages.