Tax Refunds & Stimulus Check 2025: Latest IRS Updates, Deadlines, and Fourth Payment Rumors Explained

July 6, 2025: Many U.S. taxpayers are currently waiting for their 2025 tax refunds, while rumors of a new stimulus check—possibly from former President Donald Trump or the IRS—continue to circulate. If you’re unsure about what’s real and what’s speculation, here’s a clear, factual breakdown of stimulus check history, deadlines, refund tracking, and the current situation.

A Quick Recap: The First Three Stimulus Checks

Here’s how much was paid in the previous stimulus rounds during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• First Stimulus Check (March-April 2020):
  • $1,200 for individuals
  • $2,400 for married couples
  • $500 per eligible child under 17
• Second Stimulus Check (by January 15, 2021):
  • $600 per individual
  • $1,200 per couple
  • $600 per qualifying child
• Third Stimulus Check (March to December 2021):
  • $1,400 per individual
  • $1,400 per dependent, regardless of age

Deadline for Third Stimulus Check Has Passed

The deadline to claim the third and final stimulus check or file for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021 was April 15, 2025. Even if you filed a tax extension, this deadline was non-negotiable.

If you missed this deadline, you’re no longer eligible to claim that payment. The IRS will not allow extensions or appeals, and any unclaimed stimulus money is now returned to the U.S. Treasury.

Missed a Payment? Here’s What to Do

If you believe you were eligible for a stimulus payment but never received it, your best course of action is to:

• Contact the IRS directly
• Consult with a licensed tax professional

Avoid third-party websites or social media posts offering shortcuts—they may lead to scams.

Is a Fourth Stimulus Check Coming?

There has been a lot of speculation online—especially on social media—about a $2,000 fourth stimulus check. However, there is no official confirmation from the IRS, U.S. Congress, or the federal government regarding such a payment.

Any claims suggesting otherwise should be treated with caution and verified through official sources.

What Is the DOGE Dividend Plan?

In February 2025, Donald Trump mentioned a proposal during a summit in Miami where he spoke about a $5,000 “DOGE Dividend”. He described it as a way to return 20% of government savings (identified by a theoretical Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)) to taxpayers.

However, no detailed plan, policy document, or timeline has been released since then. As of now, this remains a speculative idea—not an active program.

How to Track Your 2025 Federal Tax Refund

If you’ve filed your 2024 tax return and are waiting for your refund, here’s what you should know:

Expected Refund Timeline:

• If you filed electronically and included your bank account information:
  • Your refund should arrive within 21 days via direct deposit.
• If you did not include banking information:
  • A paper check will be mailed, which may take 6 to 8 weeks to arrive.

How to Check Your Refund Status:

Use the IRS’s official tool: “Where’s My Refund”

To use it, you’ll need:

• Your Social Security Number
• Filing status (Single, Married, etc.)
• The exact refund amount from your tax return

You can start tracking:

• Within 24 hours after e-filing
• Updates are posted once daily, usually overnight

The tool will show:

• Return Received
• Refund Approved
• Refund Sent

Once your refund is approved, direct deposit payments generally arrive within a few business days.

If you prefer, you can also call the IRS at 800-829-1954.

IRS Refund Schedule 2025

If your return was e-filed and accepted by April 15, 2025:

• Direct deposit refunds are expected by May 6
• Paper checks could arrive by June 16, depending on mail delivery timelines

How to Track State Tax Refunds

Most U.S. states have their own online portals for refund tracking.

For example, if you live in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue website and search for “PA state tax refund status” to find the official portal.

Each state may have slightly different timelines, so it’s best to check directly through their site.

Final Takeaways

• All deadlines for the first three stimulus checks have passed
• April 15, 2025 was the final date to claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit
• There is no approved fourth stimulus check as of now—avoid falling for online scams
• Use official tools like “Where’s My Refund” to track your tax return status
• Stay updated via the IRS website or consult a trusted tax advisor