As October 2025 arrives, numerous Americans are left curious whether they would receive another stimulus check, following speculations of fresh economic payments spreading across social media.
Although discussions of checks for amounts such as $1,390, $1,702, or even $2,000 have circulated on the web, there has been no word from Congress or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that a new federal stimulus payment is being made. Below is an explanation of what is fact, what is rumor, and how to safely monitor your IRS refund or state rebate status without becoming the victim of a scam.
Are New Stimulus Checks Coming in October?
Despite widespread buzz online, the federal government has not announced a fourth stimulus check. The IRS has specifically warned against misinformation, noting that scammers often impersonate officials through emails, text messages, or calls to trick taxpayers into sharing personal or financial information.
The reports of payments between the range of $1,390–$2,000 are unsubstantiated. There has been no legislation enacted to authorize the checks. At present, any report of federally guaranteed stimulus payments in October 2025 needs to be taken with skepticism.
What About the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025?
Although no stimulus has been signed into law, there is a bill currently pending that can offer relief. Missouri Senator Josh Hawley sponsored the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025. Should it pass, the bill would make payments between $600 and $2,400 to American taxpayer households.
But the proposal remains stuck in Congress, so no checks will be mailed until the legislature gives it the green light.
Previous Stimulus Payments and Deadlines
To clarify, three federal stimulus checks have been distributed in and following the COVID-19 pandemic:
- First check (2020): A maximum of $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, plus $500 for each child under 17.
- Second check (2021): A maximum of $600 for individuals, $1,200 for couples, and $600 for each child under 17.
- Third check (2021): A maximum of $1,400 for individuals and dependents.
The IRS extended the deadline to April 15, 2025, for claiming the third and last stimulus payment in the form of the Recovery Rebate Credit for tax year 2021. That date is now past, and any payment not claimed has been returned to the U.S. Treasury. Even allowing for tax extensions, the deadline could not be moved.
Trump’s Tariff Rebate and “DOGE Dividend”
President Donald Trump has also floated other concepts for relief payments, although none have been cemented. He has proposed using money generated by new tariffs to send rebate checks, as with former stimulus payments. In contrast to stimulus, rebates generally refund a portion of a purchase or tax payment upon meeting conditions.
Trump has also talked about a possible $5,000 “DOGE dividend”, a term referencing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk. Under this scheme, 20% of recognized government savings would be returned to taxpayers. No additional details or time frame for implementation have been made public, though.
State-Level Inflation Relief Checks
Although a new federal stimulus is not guaranteed, many states are sending or have sent their own relief checks to combat inflation:
- New York: One-time payments up to $200 for individuals making less than $75,000 and $400 for couples making less than $150,000.
- Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado: Similar rebate-type checks, often directed at homeowners or lower-income taxpayers.
Amounts and eligibility vary by state, so it’s important to check your local taxation department’s official website.
How to Check Federal Tax Refund Status
If you’re waiting for a federal tax refund, the IRS offers the “Where’s My Refund” tool on its website. It requires your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. The tool will show one of three statuses:
- Return received: Processing has begun.
- Refund approved: Refund is in preparation and pending.
- Refund sent: Payment has been made through direct deposit or paper check.
You may begin checking your refund 24 hours after e-filing, and updates are available once a day. Most electronic filers who have direct deposit can have their refunds in 21 days, while checks mailed take 6–8 weeks.
For phone support, taxpayers can call the IRS directly at 800-829-1954.
State Tax Refunds
Most states also have online portals for viewing refund status:
- Delaware Division of Taxation: Special online refund tracker.
- Pennsylvania: Online state tax refund status tool.
- New Jersey: Tracking refunds via the Division of Taxation’s portal.
Processing times for state refunds are different, so the best thing to do is check directly with your state’s system.
Avoiding Scams and False Claims
The IRS has cautioned time and again taxpayers to be cautious about scams for quick refunds or new stimulus payments. Such attempts at fraud usually come with an urgent tone, a phishing link, or even warnings of losing the stimulus amount. To be safe:
- Use only the official IRS.gov or state government sites.
- Don’t provide personal or banking information through texts, emails, or phone calls.
- Consult licensed tax professionals if you require further assistance.
Through October of 2025, there is no authorized federal stimulus check. Although plans such as the American Worker Rebate Act and Trump’s tariff rebate have been floated, neither has passed into law. State relief checks are being issued in some areas, and IRS refunds are proceeding as usual for those who have filed.
If you are holding out for payment, you can check using the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool or your state government’s official tax website. Most importantly, don’t be taken in by false information or scams that take advantage of confusion regarding stimulus payments.
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