Some taxpayers wonder whether they’re still owed a stimulus check or might receive another one in July. Others await tax refund deposits after filing returns this year. Here are the verified facts regarding both matters.
No official sources have confirmed additional stimulus payments for July. Those awaiting tax refunds can check status through established channels. No government authority has announced new economic stimulus distributions this month.
Taxpayers should base expectations solely on communications from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Treasury Department. Circulating misinformation about additional payments lacks institutional backing. Checking refund status remains the recommended procedure.
Status of past stimulus payments and deadlines
The first stimulus check provided up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples, plus $500 per qualifying child under 17. The second stimulus offered up to $600 per individual, $1,200 for couples, and $600 per eligible child. The third stimulus was $1,400 per eligible person, with married couples filing jointly receiving another $1,400 per qualified dependent.
Deadlines to claim the first payment (issued March-April 2020), second check (issued before January 15, 2021), or third check (issued March-December 2021) have expired. The cutoff to request the third stimulus was April 15, 2025, establishing a three-year window to claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021.
Those missing stimulus payments should address it directly with the IRS or qualified tax professional. Even with tax extensions, 2021 returns had to be filed before April 15, 2025 to claim the third stimulus. No extensions or appeals exist for missed deadlines; unclaimed stimulus payments become U.S. Treasury property.
Rumors about new payments: Are they true?
Speculation about a fourth stimulus check of $2,000 circulates on social media and unverified websites. Congress and the IRS haven’t confirmed this. Any such news warrants caution as it might constitute misinformation or fraud attempts.
In February, Trump stated at a Miami summit he’d consider paying $5,000 stimulus checks to taxpayers as a “DOGE dividend.” He explained using part of 20% savings identified by Musk’s Government Efficiency Department (DOGE). However, he hasn’t provided further details about this potential “DOGE dividend” or its feasibility.
How to check your tax refunds or stimulus checks status?
The tax refund status verification process uses the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at IRS.gov. Taxpayers must provide their Social Security Number or ITIN, filing status, and exact expected refund amount. After submission, three statuses may appear:
“Return Received” means the IRS has the return and is processing it. “Refund Approved” indicates approval with preparation underway for the stated date. “Refund Sent” confirms the IRS dispatched payment to your bank or by mail. Bank deposits may take five days; mailed checks several weeks.
Tax refund processing time depends on filing method. Electronic returns process faster than paper filings. Per the IRS, most refunds issue within three weeks. The agency advises against relying on specific refund receipt dates for major purchases or bills. Some returns require additional review, extending timelines.
Common refund delay reasons per the IRS include returns with errors, incompleteness, or identity theft/fraud impacts. Delays also stem from 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) inclusion, and bank processing times.
