Thousands of taxpayers still have questions swirling around in their heads regarding the possibility of receiving pending stimulus payments, or are anxiously awaiting their tax refunds in 2025. Thousands are still waiting for the “stimulus checks” they anxiously await every year.
The reality is that the windows to claim the first three federal stimulus checks are now officially closed, with no possibility of extension. The final deadline to apply for the third stimulus check, for up to $1,400 per person and qualifying dependent, was April 15, 2025.
A $1,500 tax refund has expired: What you can still claim in July 2025
If the 2021 return was not filed by that crucial date, even with extensions granted, those funds irrevocably become the property of the U.S. Treasury. The federal government will now use the unclaimed funds for operating expenses, and no taxpayers will be able to reclaim them.
This payment was part of the stimulus payment rounds during and after the pandemic. The first relief arrived in 2020 (up to $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples + $500 per qualifying child). A second payment followed in early 2021 (up to $600 for individuals, $1,200 for couples + $600 per child).
The third and final payment, disbursed during 2021, offered $1,400 per eligible person and for each dependent.
Given this situation, the only way to address missing stimulus payments is to speak directly with the IRS or consult a trusted tax professional, verifying eligibility to claim credits on current returns.
And what about a presumed fourth stimulus in 2025?
Persistent rumors circulate, especially on social media, about a supposed fourth check for $2,000 or even more. However, there is no official confirmation from Congress or the IRS to support these claims. Experts warn of possible attempts at fraud or misinformation.
In February, former President Donald Trump floated an idea in Miami for a $5,000 “DOGE dividend” funded by efficiency savings, but has not provided concrete details or confirmed its feasibility since.
The idea was presented by an entrepreneur who claimed that the savings Elon Musk was going to achieve in his “DOGE Department” (savings that were not as large as initially advertised) could be returned to American taxpayers because, after all, it was money they had paid in taxes, and it legally belonged to them.
But the DOGE dividend never materialized, and then Musk left the Trump administration without it even being scheduled or advanced in negotiations.
Focusing on reality: 2025 tax refunds
While past stimulus payments are a thing of the past, attention is turning to current tax refunds. If you filed your federal return electronically with bank details, the IRS estimates a direct deposit in about 21 days. Without bank details, expect a check in the mail in 6 to 8 weeks.
Filing is not the same as being accepted. Check the status using the official “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. It works 24 hours after e-filing. You’ll need your SSN, filing status, and the exact expected amount. The statuses are: “Return Received,” o, if it’s your case, “Refund Approved” (with estimated mailing date), and “Refund Sent.” Once approved, your money arrives quickly via direct deposit!