Despite viral online rumours, the IRS has officially stated that no new $1,390 stimulus cheques are being issued this summer. We explain where the misinformation started and what you need to know about federal relief.
Putting an End to the Rumors: No New Stimulus Cheques from the IRS
Social media has been abuzz with claims that the IRS and Treasury Department are preparing to send out a new round of stimulus cheques, with many posts specifying a payment of $1,390.
However, the Internal Revenue Service has officially debunked these viral rumours.
In a statement, the agency confirmed that there is no new federal stimulus programme on the way, and no such payments have been authorised for distribution this summer. This clarification is a crucial reminder for the public to rely on official sources for financial information.
Where Did the Rumour Come From?
The misinformation appears to stem from a combination of factors. The most significant is a separate IRS initiative to distribute approximately $2.4 billion to taxpayers who failed to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. This was a one-time refundable credit, tied to the COVID-era stimulus programs, and was worth up to $1,400 per person.
The deadline to claim this credit by filing a 2021 tax return was April 15, 2025. The distribution of these long-overdue payments has been mistaken by some for a new, across-the-board stimulus program.
Adding to the confusion are ongoing political discussions. A proposal from Senator Josh Hawley, the American Worker Rebate Act, aims to use tariff revenue to send rebates to taxpayers. While this bill has been introduced, it has not passed either the House or the Senate, meaning it is currently a political concept and not a confirmed relief programme.
Why You Can’t Get a New Stimulus Check
The key to understanding why these rumours are false is knowing how stimulus cheques work. The IRS and the Treasury Department cannot issue new economic impact payments on their own. Any new round of stimulus cheques must be authorised by an act of Congress and signed into law. Since no such legislation has been passed, there is no legal basis for the payments.
The current economic climate, while challenging for many, is not classified as a national emergency on the same level as the COVID-19 pandemic, which was the justification for the last three rounds of federal stimulus. While some states have issued their own, more localized relief payments or tax rebates, these are not connected to a federal program.
For taxpayers looking for accurate information, it’s essential to visit the official IRS.gov website. The agency continues to warn the public about a rise in scams related to stimulus misinformation, advising people to avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unverified sources.
The message from the IRS is clear: unless you have a specific, unclaimed credit from a past tax year, no new federal stimulus payments are on the horizon.
