Stimulus payments have been a significant form of economic relief for millions of U.S. citizens during times of financial hardship. As rumors circulate about the possibility of another round of payments in September 2025, many are seeking clarification on what to expect. According to sources like Economic Times, there has been much speculation regarding the timing and eligibility for new payments.
While uncertainty persists, it’s important to distinguish between stimulus payments and other forms of financial support. The IRS continues to process tax refunds for previous years, which adds to the confusion surrounding future government relief initiatives.
The Rumor Mill: Fourth Round of Stimulus Checks in September 2025?
As the end of summer 2025 approaches, rumors about a potential fourth round of stimulus payments have flooded social media platforms. Speculation has intensified, with many hoping for another round of financial relief similar to the stimulus checks issued in 2020 and 2021. However, the truth is, these rumors are unfounded.
The U.S. government has made it clear that there are no current plans for a new round of economic stimulus checks. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), they are focusing on processing tax returns and providing refunds for taxes filed in 2024, not issuing additional relief payments. It’s important to distinguish between these tax refunds and what many mistakenly believe are stimulus payments.
There is no recovery rebate credit for taxpayers to claim – stated an IRS spokesperson.
No formal legislation in this matter has been passed by Congress. Many officials believe this confusion might stem from mistaking the recovery rebate credit on 2021 tax returns for an additional stimulus payment.
IRS Confirms No New Economic Stimulus Checks
For months, people have been speculating about the possibility of new stimulus payments. These conversations gained traction after the IRS began issuing tax refunds to those who filed returns before the April 15 deadline. However, these refunds are not new stimulus checks. Tax refunds are simply a return of the money taxpayers overpaid in the previous year. They are not part of any new federal stimulus initiative.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury,
Normally, a taxpayer will qualify for the full amount of the Economic Impact Payment if they have AGI of up to $75,000 for singles and married persons filing a separate return, up to $112,500 for heads of household, and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns and surviving spouses.
Payment amounts are reduced for eligible individuals with AGI above those levels.
In response to the ongoing rumors, an IRS spokesperson confirmed that there is no recovery rebate credit for taxpayers to claim for 2025. While some might confuse the recovery rebate credit on 2021 tax returns with a fourth stimulus check, the reality is much simpler: unless Congress passes new legislation authorizing direct payments to the public, no new stimulus checks will be issued.
Historical Stimulus Payments: The Timeline and Numbers
The first, second, and third rounds of federal stimulus checks were issued in the following years:
- First payment: March and April 2020
- Second payment: January 15, 2021
- Third payment: Between March and December 2021
In addition, taxpayers had until April 15, 2025, to file their returns and claim the $1,400 recovery rebate credit for the third round of stimulus payments. After this date, any unclaimed stimulus money would revert to the U.S. Treasury.
Will There Be Any Relief Payments This Year?
While there is no new federal stimulus plan on the horizon, it’s important to note that several states have begun issuing their own relief payments to address the lingering effects of inflation and other financial challenges. States like New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado have provided their residents with relief checks. These payments are separate from the federal stimulus checks issued in previous years and are intended to provide state-level economic support.
However, federal relief payments, such as those authorized in 2020 and 2021, are unlikely to be enacted in 2025. Experts point out that the ongoing budget deficit and the lack of political agreement in Congress make it difficult for any major relief measures to pass at the federal level.
For now, U.S. residents are encouraged to focus on tax policy changes and updates to tax deductions, which are currently being prioritized by the IRS. If you are eligible for a tax refund, the best way to track its status is through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on the IRS website.
