As the holiday season approaches and economic pressures mount, rumors about new IRS relief payments or federal stimulus checks for 2025 have exploded across social media. But are these claims true? Here’s what’s really happening—and why you should be on high alert for scams.
No New Federal Relief Payments in 2025
Despite viral posts and widespread speculation,
there are no federal IRS relief payments or stimulus checks scheduled for 2025. Multiple reputable sources, including the IRS itself, have confirmed that no such payments are planned for this year or next. The last official federal stimulus payment was the
$1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, which could be claimed until April 15, 2025. That deadline has now passed, and no new programs have been authorized by Congress.
Viral Claims and the Truth Behind Them
In October, social media lit up with posts claiming a
$1,702 “stimulus” payment was on the way. These posts often referenced the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend—a state-specific payment funded by oil revenues, not a federal IRS program. Other rumors mentioned
$1,390 or
$2,000 checks, sometimes citing tariff refunds or new Congressional proposals. However,
none of these claims have been validated by the IRS or any federal agency.
Some politicians have floated proposals for new payments, but
no legislation has passed and there is no indication that Congress will approve additional stimulus checks in the near future. Lawmakers are currently focused on other priorities, such as government funding bills, leaving relief payment proposals stalled.
IRS Warnings: Watch Out for Scams
The IRS and Federal Trade Commission are urging Americans to be vigilant.
Scammers are exploiting the confusion, sending fake emails, texts, and social media messages that claim to offer relief payments or request personal information. These scams often use official-sounding language and may even reference expired programs like the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Key tips to avoid scams:- Only use the official IRS website for information.
- Ignore unsolicited messages about stimulus payments.
- Never pay fees to receive a government check—real payments are free and automatic.
- Report suspicious messages to the IRS or FTC.
What About Other IRS Relief?
While there are no new stimulus payments, the IRS has announced
penalty relief for employers and payors related to new information reporting requirements for tax year 2025. This relief is technical and applies to how businesses report tips and overtime—not to direct payments to individuals.
The Bottom Line
If you see headlines or social media posts promising a new IRS relief payment in 2025,
it’s misinformation or a scam. The only recent federal relief program—the Recovery Rebate Credit—expired in April 2025. Stay informed, protect your personal information, and rely on official sources for updates.
##
Sources
1. IRS direct deposit relief payment in November? Here's ...
2. IRS direct deposit relief payment in November? What we ...
3. Are stimulus checks being sent out? Latest news on 2025 ...
4. IRS confirms no stimulus checks for 2025–2026, warns ...
5. Is IRS Direct Deposit Relief Payment Coming Your Way in ...
6. Treasury, IRS provide penalty relief for tax year 2025 ...
7. News releases for current month | Internal Revenue Service
8. Stimulus check 2025; New update, IRS tax refund status ...
