In mid-2025, millions of US taxpayers are still waiting for their tax refunds. People also want to know whether they have received the stimulus checks issued during the COVID pandemic, and if not, how to track them. Three major stimulus payments have already been made in the US and there are rumors about the possibility of a fourth payment, but it is important to know the truth. In this article, we will explain in detail how many stimulus checks have been issued so far, what were the eligibility criteria, what was the time limit to claim them, and how to check the status of tax refund in 2025.
A Look Back: All Three Federal Stimulus Checks and Who Qualified
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government issued three rounds of stimulus checks to provide direct financial relief to individuals and families affected by the economic crisis.
- First Stimulus Check (Issued March–April 2020):
- $1,200 per eligible individual
- $2,400 per married couple
- $500 per dependent child under 17
- Meant to help people struggling due to pandemic-related job loss and financial strain
- Second Stimulus Check (Issued before January 2021):
- $600 per person
- $1,200 per couple
- $600 for each eligible child
- Delivered via direct deposit or paper checks through mail
- Third Stimulus Check (March–December 2021):
- $1,400 per eligible person
- $1,400 for each dependent, regardless of age
- Could also be claimed through the Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2021 tax return if not received
Each round had slightly different eligibility thresholds, based mainly on income reported in recent tax filings. For the third check, individuals earning less than $75,000 (or couples earning less than $150,000) typically qualified for the full amount.
Can You Still Claim the Third Stimulus Check in 2025?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The final deadline to claim the third stimulus check (or the equivalent Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021) was April 15, 2025.
This deadline marked the end of a three-year claim window from the 2021 tax year. If you didn’t file a 2021 tax return or didn’t include the rebate credit, then your opportunity has expired. Even taxpayers who had a filing extension were still required to submit by April 15, 2025, to be eligible.
Many citizens mistakenly believed that taking an extension gave them more time to claim stimulus funds. However, stimulus claim deadlines do not extend beyond the fixed federal deadline.
Any unclaimed stimulus money is now returned to the U.S. Treasury and cannot be recovered.
What About the Fourth Stimulus Check? Separating Fact From Fiction
Talks of a fourth stimulus check have been making rounds on social media and unofficial websites, with claims of a $2,000 or even $5,000 payment on the way. These rumors are false.
There has been no official confirmation from the U.S. Congress, the IRS, or the White House regarding a fourth payment. Any claims suggesting otherwise should be viewed with extreme caution, as they may lead to fraud or identity theft.
In February 2025, former President Donald Trump hinted at a possible “DOGE Dividend”—a proposed $5,000 refund to taxpayers funded by government savings via the “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE),” supposedly led by Elon Musk. However, no concrete plans, legislation, or timeline have followed that statement. As of now, the plan remains speculative and unofficial.
Still Waiting for Your Refund? What You Need to Know in 2025
If you filed your 2024 or 2025 tax return and included bank account information, the IRS typically issues your refund within 21 days of return acceptance—if no errors or further verification are involved.
For those who didn’t opt for direct deposit, the IRS mails paper checks, which can take 6 to 8 weeks.
However, submitting your return and having it accepted by the IRS are two separate steps. Only once the IRS status shows “Refund Sent” can you expect funds to arrive shortly.
Track Your Refund: How to Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund” Tool
The IRS offers a user-friendly online tool called “Where’s My Refund”, which allows taxpayers to track the progress of their refund in real-time.
To use this tool, you’ll need:
- Social Security Number
- Filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)
- Exact refund amount stated in your return
The system updates once daily, usually overnight, and shows your refund status in three key stages:
- Return Received – IRS has accepted your tax return
- Refund Approved – Your refund has been processed and approved
- Refund Sent – Funds are on their way via direct deposit or mail
If your status is “Refund Approved,” the payment generally reaches your bank within a few days.
You can also call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 for updates if needed.
IRS Refund Schedule 2025: Estimated Payment Timeline
If you filed your tax return by the April 15, 2025 deadline and opted for direct deposit, you can expect your refund by around May 6, 2025.
If you chose to receive your refund via paper check or filed a paper return, your refund could arrive by approximately June 16, 2025.
Keep in mind, these dates are estimates. Your actual refund timing may vary depending on:
- IRS processing delays
- Errors or mismatches in your return
- Identity verification requests
It’s important to check your status regularly using official IRS tools.
What About State Tax Refunds? Where to Look
Aside from federal refunds, most U.S. states offer separate refund tracking systems on their state revenue department websites.
For example, if you live in Pennsylvania, you can check your refund status by visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue portal.
Each state has its own:
- Processing timeline
- Filing deadline
- Online tools and contact methods
So, to track your state tax refund, visit your state’s official website for the most accurate information.
Don’t Fall for Fake Stimulus Claims—Stay Informed, Stay Safe
In 2025, stimulus fraud and misinformation are still widespread. Scammers often use social media platforms, emails, and even text messages to trick taxpayers into sharing personal information in the name of “new relief checks.”
To protect yourself:
- Never trust unofficial websites or viral social media posts about government payments
- Never share your Social Security Number or banking info with unverified sources
- Rely only on trusted government sites like IRS.gov or USA.gov for updates
If a new stimulus or benefit is ever introduced, it will be announced officially through verified government platforms, press releases, and news briefings—not through online rumors.
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re still waiting on your refund or had questions about past stimulus payments, here are the steps you should follow:
- Check your IRS refund status using the “Where’s My Refund” tool
- Understand that third stimulus claims are now closed as of April 15, 2025
- Avoid falling for online rumors or scam messages about a fourth check
- Track state tax refunds directly through your state’s revenue department
- File future tax returns on time and choose direct deposit for faster processing
The best way to stay financially secure is to stay informed, stay compliant, and rely on official sources for any tax-related benefits.
FAQs
Q1. Can I still claim my third stimulus check in 2025?
A. No. The deadline to claim the third stimulus (2021 Recovery Rebate Credit) expired on April 15, 2025. Claims made after this date are not valid.
Q2. How can I track my IRS tax refund?
A. Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool online by entering your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
Q3. How long does it take to receive a refund after filing?
A. If you e-filed with direct deposit, refunds are typically issued within 21 days. Paper checks take 6–8 weeks.
Q4. Is a fourth stimulus check coming in 2025?
A. No. There is no official announcement or plan for a fourth stimulus check from Congress or the IRS.
Q5. What if I missed the deadline to claim my stimulus check?
A. Sadly, if you didn’t claim your check or file in time, you cannot recover the funds. They remain with the U.S. Treasury.
