Widespread reports of a new $1,390 federal stimulus check for low- and middle-income Americans have ignited public interest, but conflicting information from official and unofficial sources is causing confusion. While some media outlets and online forums are touting a new round of payments set to begin "mid-summer," the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. government have not officially confirmed any such program.
The reports stem from a confluence of factors, including:
Proposed Legislation: Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has introduced the "American Worker Rebate Act of 2025," which would provide rebate checks to taxpayers funded by new tariff revenue. The proposed amounts are $600 for individuals and up to $2,400 for a family of four. However, this legislation has not been passed by Congress and faces an uncertain future.
Trump's Tariff Rebate Idea: President Donald Trump has also floated the idea of a "rebate" for taxpayers, utilizing revenue from recently imposed tariffs. While this has garnered attention, the White House has yet to provide any specific details, and congressional approval would be required.
Misinformation on Social Media: A surge of viral social media posts and online articles have inaccurately claimed that a new $1,390 stimulus check has been "approved" or "confirmed" by the IRS.
The IRS has explicitly stated that the deadline to claim the third and final Recovery Rebate Credit from the COVID-19 pandemic has passed as of April 15, 2025. The agency continues to warn the public against misinformation and scams related to stimulus payments.
Eligibility and Payment Methods for Past Stimulus
For context, past stimulus payments were generally issued to individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. Payments were distributed via direct deposit, paper checks, or EIP debit cards. The fastest way to receive payment was through direct deposit for those who had up-to-date bank information on file with the IRS.
What to Watch For
As of now, there is no new federal stimulus check program. Americans should be highly cautious of any requests for personal or banking information related to a new payment. The best way to stay informed is to rely on official sources such as the IRS website (IRS.gov) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury's official announcements.
While a federal stimulus is not on the immediate horizon, it is important to note that some states, such as New York and Georgia, are offering their own inflation-relief checks or tax rebates. Residents should check their state's department of revenue or taxation website for details on any potential state-level payments.
