2025 Federal Stimulus Checks: IRS Debunks Hoax

Recent weeks have seen widespread claims about new federal stimulus payments of $1,390.

Multiple news outlets and social media posts have reported that the IRS has “confirmed” new stimulus payments for eligible Americans.

However, official sources present a very different picture, creating confusion for taxpayers seeking reliable information.

The Stimulus Payment Claims Being Made

Several publications have reported that the IRS and Treasury Department have approved $1,390 stimulus payments for late summer 2025.

According to these reports:

These claims have appeared in outlets including NewsBreak, various financial websites, and social media platforms, often citing “India’s Economic Times” as an original source.

Contradictory Evidence

However, multiple fact-checking organizations and official sources have disputed these claims:

• Washington Post Fact-Check: Published fact-check article “No, taxpayers will not receive new stimulus checks this summer“ directly contradicting the viral claims.

• Fox News Investigation: Reported that “An IRS spokesperson said those claims are false“ and emphasized “The IRS says there are no new stimulus checks on the way.”

• Benzinga Report: Quoted IRS spokesperson stating there was “nothing else since then“ regarding stimulus payments beyond the Recovery Rebate Credit deadline (April 15, 2025).

• TipRanks Correction: Updated their initial report with official disclaimer: “UPDATE: The IRS has denied reports that it will be sending out stimulus checks this summer.”

What the IRS Actually Says

A comprehensive review of official IRS communications reveals a clear picture:

• No New Announcements: The official IRS newsroom contains zero announcements about new stimulus payments for 2025.

• Economic Impact Payments Status: The official IRS Economic Impact Payments page clearly states: “The IRS has issued all first, second and third Economic Impact Payments.”

• Recovery Rebate Credit Deadline: The only recent IRS payments relate to automatic distributions of unclaimed 2021 Recovery Rebate Credits, with a deadline that expired April 15, 2025.

Congressional Requirements

Understanding the legal requirements helps explain why these claims are problematic.

All Economic Impact Payments must be authorized through Congressional legislation passed by both chambers and signed by the President.

Historical Precedent

Previous payments were authorized through specific legislation:

• CARES Act (H.R.748 – 2020) – First round of Economic Impact Payments
• COVID-related Tax Relief Act (H.R.133 – 2020) – Second round payments
• American Rescue Plan Act (H.R.1319 – 2021) – Third round payments

Current Legislative Status

No legislation has been introduced or passed for new stimulus payments in 2025.

You can verify current Congressional activity at Congress.gov.

Related Proposals vs. False Claims

It’s important to distinguish between actual Congressional proposals and false claims.

Legitimate Congressional Proposals (Not Yet Law)

• American Worker Rebate Act: Senator Josh Hawley’s proposal for $600 payments funded by tariff revenue – currently in committee, not passed
• DOGE Proposals: Various efficiency-based rebate concepts – conceptual discussions only, no legislation filed

False Claims Being Circulated

• $1,390 “Confirmed” Payments: No Congressional authorization exists – completely false
• $2,000 August Payments: Viral social media claims – debunked by multiple fact-checkers

Scam Alert

Whenever stimulus payment rumors circulate, scammers often exploit the confusion.

IRS Will Never

• Call, text, or email asking for personal information
• Request banking details to process payments
• Ask for payment to receive a stimulus check

Protect Yourself

• Only check payment status at IRS.gov
• Never provide personal information to unsolicited contacts
• Report suspected scams to the IRS and FTC

As tax professionals, we recommend extreme caution regarding these claims until official confirmation occurs.

The weight of evidence currently suggests that reports of confirmed $1,390 stimulus payments may be premature or inaccurate.

Bottom Line

What This Means for You

• Do not make financial decisions based on unconfirmed stimulus payments
• Continue following legitimate tax planning strategies
• Stay alert for official announcements through proper channels
• Consult with tax professionals for verified information

While multiple sources have made claims about $1,390 stimulus payments, significant contradictory evidence exists.

Until the IRS makes an official announcement and Congress provides proper authorization, taxpayers should treat these reports with skepticism.

We will continue monitoring official sources and update our clients as verified information becomes available. For now, focus on confirmed tax benefits and legitimate planning opportunities rather than speculative payments.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and always verify through official channels.

If you’re unsure about your tax situation or need guidance on legitimate tax benefits available to you, a tax professional can help clarify the rules and ensure accurate planning.

Helpful Resources

Official Government Sources

• IRS Newsroom – Official Announcements Only
• IRS: Economic Impact Payments (Historical)
• U.S. Treasury Department News
• Congress.gov – Legislative Tracking

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Amro Badran, EA is the Managing Partner of BadranTax LLC,

Experienced and Trusted Tax Resolution Firm based in New Brunswick, NJ.

With over 40 years of experience and accreditation as a Federal Enrolled Agent, Amro Badran and his team of experts specialize in helping individuals and businesses resolve complex IRS issues and controversies.

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