Stimulus 2025: The three stimulus checks issued in the US during the Corona pandemic helped millions of Americans financially. But even today, many taxpayers are waiting in the hope whether they will get the fourth stimulus check from Donald Trump in 2025 or can they still get any old missed stimulus check from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service)?
In this article, we are going to give you the latest information about the second, third and fourth stimulus checks. Also, know what you can do now if any of your old checks have not been claimed.
The time to claim old stimulus checks is over now
First of all, know that the first stimulus check was issued in March-April 2020. The second stimulus check was issued till January 15, 2021. At the same time, the third stimulus check was sent to the people between March 2021 and December 2021.
According to the rules of the IRS, the last date to claim any tax refund is three years. On this basis, the last date to claim the third and last stimulus check was set as April 15, 2025. If you have not yet filed your 2021 tax return or claimed Recovery Rebate Credit, then you are no longer eligible for it. Now the IRS will not accept any appeal or extension.
Will there be a fourth stimulus check?
There are many rumors on social media and some websites that $2,000 can be given as a fourth stimulus check in 2025. Some have even started calling it “Trump Stimulus 2025”.
In February 2025, during a summit in Miami, former President Donald Trump shared a new plan in which he mentioned a plan called “DOGE Dividend”. According to him, 20% of government expenditure will be saved through DOGE i.e. Department of Government Efficiency and a part of the same will be returned to taxpayers in the form of an amount of $5,000.
However, Trump has not shared any formal document or detailed information about this plan. Nor has the US Congress or IRS made any official announcement regarding the fourth stimulus check so far.
That is, as of now there is no guarantee of a fourth stimulus check and the news going on social media can only be speculation or rumor.
Avoid fraud in claiming stimulus check
The IRS has already made it clear that if someone has missed their stimulus check, then they should stay away from any kind of fake website or scam.
If you were eligible and have not received any check till now, then apply for it only with the help of the official website of the IRS or an authentic tax professional.
Keep in mind, now the time to claim the 2021 refund or Recovery Rebate Credit is over. Now there will be no appeal or second chance. All unclaimed amount will go to the US treasury.
When will the tax refund be received in 2025?
Now let’s talk about the latest update regarding tax refund in 2025. If you have filed your tax electronically and have given your bank details correctly, then usually you get a refund within 21 days.
If you don’t provide your bank details, your refund will be sent in the form of a paper check, which can take 6 to 8 weeks.
Keep in mind that submitting a return and the IRS “accepting” it are two different things. When the IRS accepts your filing, a “Refund Sent” notification appears in the online status.
How to Check IRS Refund Status?
The IRS has released an online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” to track your refund. You can access it by visiting the official IRS website.
Here you can check the status of your refund by entering your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. The status can be of three types:
- Return Received (in processing)
- Refund Approved (refund approved, will be issued soon)
- Refund Sent (sent at bank or by mail)
According to the IRS Refund Schedule 2025, if you have filed your return by April 15, then you can get a refund by May 6 through direct deposit and may have to wait till June 16 for a paper check.
How to check state refund?
Almost every state has its own online website or portal where you can check the status of state tax refund.
- Delaware: Check on the website of Delaware Division of Taxation.
- Pennsylvania: Check state refund on Pennsylvania’s online portal.
- New Jersey: You can also check the status of refund by visiting New Jersey’s tax portal.
Final Words
So overall, there is no official update on the fourth stimulus check yet. Trump’s DOGE dividend plan is also still a question mark.
If you have filed your tax return yet, then use the methods mentioned above to get a refund. Stay away from any scam or fake website and always contact the IRS or a certified tax professional.
FAQs On Stimulus 2025: Latest IRS Updates on Fourth Stimulus Checks & Government Relief
Q. Can I still claim past stimulus checks?
A. No, the deadline to claim has passed.
Q. Is a fourth stimulus check confirmed?
A. No official confirmation yet.
Q. What is Trump’s $5,000 DOGE dividend?
A. An idea mentioned by Trump, not confirmed or official.
