Recent rumors spreading on social media claim the U.S. government will soon be issuing stimulus checks to taxpayers, but the IRS says these claims about $1,390 payments are false. Understanding current IRS stimulus checks eligibility remains crucial for taxpayers who may still be entitled to previous payments through the Recovery Rebate Credit program.
The landscape of federal stimulus payments has shifted significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. While new federal stimulus checks are not currently authorized, the IRS continues to process legitimate payments for eligible taxpayers who missed earlier distributions.
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Recovery Rebate Credit: The Real Story Behind Current IRS Payments
The IRS announced special payments going to 1 million taxpayers who did not claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, with payments automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check. These payments represent unclaimed stimulus money from previous pandemic relief programs, not new stimulus legislation.
The Recovery Rebate Credit serves as a safety net for Americans who didn’t receive their full Economic Impact Payments during 2020 and 2021. Each eligible individual can receive up to $1,400 from the payment, with full amounts available to those with Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) less than $150,000.
Current Eligibility Requirements and Deadlines
Eligibility for IRS stimulus checks eligibility through the Recovery Rebate Credit has specific parameters. As of April 15, 2025, the IRS stopped accepting returns for claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, as the three-year deadline is written into federal law.
However, taxpayers who previously filed returns but didn’t claim the credit may still receive automatic payments. The IRS has defined “qualified taxpayers” as those who filed a 2021 tax return but left the data field for the Recovery Rebate Credit blank, or filled out $0 when the individual was eligible to receive the credit.
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Key Eligibility Factors:
- Filed a 2021 tax return without claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit
- Met income thresholds for original stimulus payments
- Did not receive full Economic Impact Payments during 2020-2021
- Have valid contact information on file with the IRS
Debunking Recent Misinformation
Social media platforms have witnessed a surge in false claims about new stimulus payments. Online posts claim the IRS is set to send $1,390 stimulus checks to low- and middle-income taxpayers by summer’s end, but the IRS says that’s false.
These misleading posts often target vulnerable populations seeking financial relief. The IRS has not announced any new federal stimulus programs beyond the existing Recovery Rebate Credit distributions.
Financial experts recommend verifying all stimulus-related information directly through official IRS channels rather than relying on social media sources.
State-Level Alternatives and Programs
While federal stimulus programs have largely concluded, several states have implemented their own relief programs. Several states have stepped in to provide financial relief through state ‘stimulus checks,’ tax rebates, and other payments to eligible residents.
New York State, for example, has introduced inflation refund checks as part of their 2025-2026 budget. The state’s first-ever inflation refund checks provide relief to New Yorkers who have paid increased sales taxes due to inflation, with checks mailing over several weeks beginning in mid-October 2025.
What Taxpayers Should Do Now
Taxpayers concerned about missed stimulus payments should first verify their eligibility through official IRS tools. The agency maintains comprehensive resources for checking payment status and eligibility requirements.
Those who received automatic Recovery Rebate Credit payments should expect proper documentation from the IRS. Eligible taxpayers will receive a separate notice explaining the payment along with their direct deposit or paper check.
It’s essential to maintain updated contact information with the IRS to ensure receipt of any legitimate payments or important notices.
Looking Forward: No New Federal Stimulus Planned
Current federal legislation does not include provisions for additional stimulus payments beyond existing Recovery Rebate Credit distributions. Stimulus checks from the federal government are essentially a thing of the past, as those programs ended a couple of years ago.
Taxpayers should remain vigilant against scams and misinformation while focusing on legitimate tax credits and state-level programs that may provide financial assistance.
The IRS continues to emphasize that taxpayers should only rely on official government sources for accurate information about stimulus payments and tax credits. False information can lead to disappointment and potentially dangerous financial decisions.
Stay informed about legitimate tax credits and relief programs by regularly checking official IRS announcements and consulting with qualified tax professionals when needed.