In 2025, amid a turbulent world and an economy that has struggled to recover, tax refunds and stimulus checks are often a breath of fresh air for millions of middle-class and low-income Americans.
With inflation continuing to rise, the rising cost of living is triggering programs in several states to send stimulus checks and tax refunds (or inflation refunds, in one particular case). These programs are being distributed at the state level, not the federal level.
It should be noted that neither the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nor the Trump administration have announced new rounds of federal stimulus payments.
State economic relief programs in effect since 2025
Long gone are the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credits, whose deadline to claim them was April 15, 2025: it was a tax credit offering up to $1,400 per eligible taxpayer. Those who didn’t file their 2021 tax return by that date lost their right.
Proposals such as the “$5,000 DOGE dividend” proposed to President Donald Trump have not been approved. Such initiatives remain speculative concepts without legislative progress. Concerns about inflation and the national deficit are factoring in this situation, which, for now, has not fallen on fertile ground for growth and flourishing.
In the absence of federal relief, several states have activated their own financial support mechanisms. These programs seek to assist residents with current economic hardships. The initiatives confirmed for distribution in June 2025 are described below.
California is implementing the third phase of its Golden State Stimulus. Payments range from $200 to $600 for eligible households. Distribution is scheduled for June 7 to 21 of this year.
Eligibility requires filing a 2023 state tax return. State income limits must also be met. Filing status and the number of dependents influence the final award.
Residents can check their status on the Franchise Tax Board website. Payments are sent by direct deposit (3-5 business days) or paper check (up to 10 days). No additional application is required for those who already qualify.
Texas and Georgia stimulus checks: Who can claim these financial benefits?
Texas is offering a one-time $150 payment to low-income seniors. This aid is intended to help with utility bills. Distribution will occur between June 7 and 21, 2025.
Requirements include being at least 65 years old and having an income below the state threshold. Texas residency is also required. “Interested applicants should contact their local utility provider,” the program states.
The Texas Department of Human Services handles applications. It is not an automatic payment; it requires action by the potential beneficiary. The required documentation varies by service provider.
For its part, the state of Georgia is issuing surplus tax refunds to taxpayers who met key deadlines. The amounts are $250 for singles and $500 for couples filing jointly. Many residents have already received their payments since early June, while others are still waiting because more has yet to be sent.
Eligibility in Georgia requires filing your 2023 and 2024 tax returns by May 1, 2025. The refund calculation uses your 2023 federal adjusted gross income. No additional paperwork is required to receive your refund.
The Georgia Department of Revenue allows you to check your refund status online. A Social Security or Taxpayer Identification Number is required. Your 2023 Federal Adjusted Gross Income must also be provided.
Checks up to $500 for New Mexico residents
The state of New Mexico will distribute income tax refunds between June and July, with amounts ranging from $500 for single taxpayers and $1,000 for couples filing joint returns. These payments are automatic for those who filed their 2024 return.
Here, eligibility depends on having filed a 2024 state tax return; residency and other state criteria will also be verified. Residents can check the details on the Department of Taxation and Revenue website. Some states have programs scheduled for after June or without specific dates. Their schedules differ from the June payments already underway.
Refund and stimulus checks in New York, Virginia, and Arizona
New York will begin its inflation-based rebate checks in mid-October 2025. These offer up to $400 for households that meet income thresholds. Eligibility is automatic upon filing Form IT-201 for 2023.
Among the states we’ve found to tell you about is Virginia, which will issue refunds to those who file state tax returns before November 3, 2025. Payments will be issued after that date, not in June or July as in other states.
Pennsylvania is accepting applications for property/rental rebates through June 30, 2025, with payments subject to residency and income eligibility requirements, as in all other cases. Finally, Arizona offers rebates for dependents ($250 for children under 17, $100 for children over 17), but residents should check with their local state tax authority for details.
