Some taxpayers wonder if they are still owed a stimulus check or if they will receive another one in July. Others are awaiting tax refund deposits after filing returns this year. Here are the verified facts about both matters.
No official sources confirm additional stimulus payments for July. Those waiting for their tax refunds can check the status through established channels. This month, no government authority has announced any new economic stimulus distributions.
Taxpayers should rely solely on communications from the IRS or Treasury Department. Misinformation about additional payments lacks institutional backing. Checking the refund status is still the recommended procedure.
Status of past stimulus payments and deadlines
The first stimulus check offered up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples, with an additional $500 for each qualifying child under 17. The second stimulus provided up to $600 per person, $1,200 for couples, and $600 for eligible children. The third stimulus provided $1,400 per eligible person. Married couples filing jointly received an additional $1,400 per qualified dependent.
The deadlines for claiming the first payment (March-April 2020), second check (before January 15, 2021), and third check (March-December 2021) have expired.The deadline for requesting the third stimulus was April 15, 2025. This provided a three-year window to claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021.
Missing stimulus payments should be addressed directly with the IRS or a qualified tax professional. Even with tax extensions, returns for 2021 must be filed by April 15, 2025 to be eligible for the third stimulus. There are no extensions or appeals for missed deadlines; unclaimed stimulus payments become US Treasury property.
Rumors about new payments: Are they true?
Rumors of a fourth stimulus check of $2,000 circulate on social media and unverified websites. Congress and the IRS have not confirmed this. Be cautious of any news that may contain misinformation or fraudulent activity.
In February, Trump stated at a Miami summit that he would consider giving taxpayers $5,000 stimulus checks as a “DOGE dividend.”He cited a 20% savings identified by Musk’s Government Efficiency Department (DOGE). However, he has not provided any additional information about the potential “DOGE dividend” or its feasibility.
How to check your tax refunds or stimulus checks status?
To verify tax refund status, visit IRS.gov and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Taxpayers must provide their Social Security number (ITIN), filing status, and expected refund amount. Following submission, three statuses could appear:
The term “Return Received” indicates that the IRS has received and is currently processing the return.The “Refund Approved” status indicates that the refund is being prepared for the specified date. “Refund Sent” confirms that the IRS has sent payment to your bank or by mail. Bank deposits can take up to five days to process, while mailed checks can take several weeks.
Tax refund processing time varies based on filing method. Electronic returns process more quickly than paper filings. According to the IRS, most refunds are issued within three weeks.
The agency advises against relying on specific refund receipt dates for large purchases or bills. Some returns necessitate additional review, resulting in longer timelines.
The IRS cites errors, incomplete returns, and identity theft/fraud as common reasons for refund delays. Delays can occur due to corrections to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit, earned income tax credit claims, additional child tax credit claims, Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation), and bank processing times.
