Confusion Over a New Stimulus Payment
Recent social-media chatter about a $1,702 IRS relief payment 2025 has caused widespread confusion among Americans hoping for another federal stimulus check. According to the latest report from FOX 5 DC, no new nationwide stimulus payment 2025 has been approved or scheduled by the federal government. The rumor originated from online posts misrepresenting Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) as a new federal relief program.
While many users online claim that the IRS will soon issue a $1,702 relief deposit, the IRS update clearly states that no such payments are being processed. Instead, the figure appears to reference Alaska’s annual state dividend, which distributes revenue from the state’s mineral wealth to eligible residents—not a federal stimulus effort.
What the IRS Says About Relief Payments
The IRS relief payment 2025 rumor has spread rapidly, but the agency has confirmed there are no federal stimulus or relief programs currently authorized. The last government-backed payment was the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit issued under the American Rescue Plan in 2021. That program officially closed to new claims on April 15, 2025.
This means that if you missed claiming your Recovery Rebate Credit before that date, you are no longer eligible to receive any payment from the IRS related to pandemic-era relief programs. Federal officials emphasize that any future IRS relief payment 2025 would require an act of Congress, which has not occurred.
The Alaska Payment That Sparked the Rumor
The viral claim about the $1,702 stimulus payment actually refers to Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), not an IRS-issued check. The Alaska Department of Revenue confirmed that this year’s dividend was $1,000, distributed in two rounds on October 2 and October 23. Last year’s payout was $1,702, which explains why that number is circulating online.
Only Alaska residents who meet eligibility requirements—such as living in the state for an entire calendar year—qualify for this payment. It is not a national stimulus, nor is it connected to the Internal Revenue Service. Despite this, misinformation continues to circulate on social platforms, leading many to believe a federal IRS relief payment 2025 is on the way.
Warning About Scams and Phishing Texts
Alongside the misinformation, officials are warning the public about phishing scams pretending to be from the Alaska Department of Revenue or the IRS. Some users have reported receiving texts or emails asking them to “update password information” to claim the $1,702 payment. Authorities have confirmed these messages are fraudulent. The IRS and Alaska’s revenue department never contact taxpayers via text or email requesting sensitive personal data.
To stay safe, individuals are urged to verify all information directly through IRS.gov or official state websites. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages claiming to offer IRS relief payment 2025 updates.
No New Federal Stimulus on the Horizon
Economic analysts note that while inflation and cost-of-living challenges continue, the federal government has not proposed any new stimulus payment 2025 packages. Congressional discussions on new relief measures have largely focused on infrastructure and housing, not direct payments to taxpayers. The IRS continues to focus on processing backlogged tax returns and implementing updated digital systems.
As of now, any reference to a new IRS relief payment 2025 is unfounded. Citizens are encouraged to rely on official government communications rather than viral social-media posts or unofficial websites promising quick payouts.
Bottom Line
In short, the IRS relief payment 2025 rumor is just that—a rumor. The only $1,702 payment on record was Alaska’s 2024 state dividend, not a new federal stimulus. The IRS has not announced any new relief programs for 2025, and there are no federal checks scheduled to hit Americans’ bank accounts this year.
Stay informed and avoid scams by following verified updates from the IRS and trusted news outlets. For more insights into finance, startups, and policy developments, visit Startup News—your reliable source for the latest business and tech trends.
