Are new stimulus checks really coming?
With inflation still squeezing American households and the holiday season approaching, many citizens are once again hoping for an IRS direct deposit relief payment. Social media has been flooded with claims of upcoming stimulus checks, with some posts suggesting direct deposits of $1,702, $400, or even $2,000 under new federal relief programs.
However, according to an official AZCentral report, these rumors are false. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has not announced any new stimulus payments for 2025, and no legislation has been passed by Congress authorizing such funds. Experts are warning Americans to be cautious of online scams claiming to offer quick access to IRS direct deposit relief payments.
No official IRS direct deposit relief payment confirmed
The IRS and U.S. Treasury have confirmed that there are no active or pending relief programs that include nationwide direct deposit IRS payments or mailed stimulus checks this year. Officials note that many of the posts circulating online are attempts to collect personal data or bank information under the guise of processing relief funds.
While some lawmakers have floated proposals for additional aid, no official stimulus check plan has been approved. Congress is currently focused on budget negotiations and funding bills, leaving little room for new federal stimulus initiatives.
The rise and fall of “DOGE checks”
Earlier in 2025, rumors about “DOGE checks” gained attention online after certain politicians, including Donald Trump, mentioned the idea of using redirected government funds to issue payments to citizens. These so-called DOGE dividends were pitched as an innovative way to provide taxpayer relief while promoting economic growth.
Despite early excitement, the DOGE checks never materialized. Congress did not vote on the proposal, and there has been no progress on any related legislation for months. Officials have since confirmed that there are no federal programs tied to DOGE or cryptocurrency-based stimulus.
Trump’s $2,000 direct deposit idea
Another widely discussed proposal came from former President Donald Trump, who floated the concept of a $2,000 check for qualifying Americans. His plan aimed to offset the financial burden of tariffs and inflation, but like the DOGE checks, it remains only a proposal.
Similarly, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has proposed a $2,000 stimulus payment for individuals earning under $100,000 annually. The plan would use tariff revenue to fund the checks, offering relief to families hit hardest by price increases. However, as of November 2025, Congress has not taken any formal action on this bill either.
IRS warns taxpayers about scams
The IRS is urging taxpayers to remain vigilant about fraudulent messages related to stimulus checks and IRS direct deposit relief payments. Scammers often impersonate IRS officials, using texts or emails that request banking details “to deposit your payment.” The IRS has made it clear: they will never contact taxpayers by email, text, or social media to verify payment information.
If you receive such a message, it’s best to ignore it or report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through the agency’s fraud alert system. The IRS reminds Americans that legitimate relief payments — if ever approved — would be publicly announced through official government channels.
What about state-level relief programs?
While there is no national IRS direct deposit relief payment in 2025, some states are offering limited financial aid. States such as New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado have issued inflation relief or rebate checks for qualifying taxpayers.
For example:
- New York residents earning up to $75,000 received a $200 payment, while couples earning up to $150,000 received $400.
- Pennsylvania and Georgia provided similar one-time rebates for property owners and low-income households.
These programs are state-funded and not connected to the federal IRS, meaning eligibility and payment timelines differ by location.
Bottom line
As of November 2025, no federal stimulus checks or IRS direct deposit relief payments are being issued or approved. While political debate continues over how to best support working families, any claims of “automatic” or “imminent” payments should be treated with skepticism.
If Congress does approve a new relief bill, details will appear first on official IRS and Treasury websites — not on social media or text messages.
For now, Americans are advised to stay informed, verify sources, and avoid sharing financial information with unverified entities.
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