You're eager to know about stimulus checks in 2025 and how to check their status with the IRS, aren't you? It's completely understandable! Many people are looking for financial relief and staying updated on potential government payments is a smart move.
Let's dive into how you can keep an eye on any federal stimulus checks that might be issued in 2025, and how to verify their status with the IRS, step-by-step.
Understanding Stimulus Checks in 2025: What You Need to Know First
Before we get into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand the current landscape of stimulus checks in 2025. As of June 2025, there have been no new federal stimulus checks authorized by Congress for 2025. The previous rounds of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) were issued in 2020 and 2021 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, there are still some scenarios where you might receive a payment related to past stimulus efforts, or through state-level programs. It's important to distinguish between these:
- Unclaimed Federal Stimulus Checks (Recovery Rebate Credit): If you were eligible for a previous federal stimulus check (from 2020 or 2021) but didn't receive it or received less than the full amount, you might still be able to claim it as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return. The deadline to claim the 2021 payment was April 15, 2025. For the 2020 payments, the deadline was May 17, 2024. If you missed these, unfortunately, the window to claim those specific federal funds has largely passed.
- State-Level Stimulus Programs: Some individual states are implementing their own stimulus or rebate programs. These are not federal stimulus checks but rather state-specific initiatives. For example, California and New York have announced or are considering various rebate programs. Eligibility for these varies by state.
- Other Federal Payments: The IRS also handles other types of payments, like tax refunds, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or the Child Tax Credit (CTC). While not "stimulus checks" in the traditional sense, these can also provide significant financial relief.
With that important context in mind, let's proceed with how you would generally check for any payments from the IRS.
Step 1: Confirming the Existence of a Federal Stimulus Program for 2025
First things first, before you start hunting for a payment, you need to ensure there's actually a federal stimulus program in place for 2025.
Sub-heading: Why this step is crucial
Don't waste your precious time looking for something that doesn't exist! The IRS is a federal agency, and it only issues payments that have been authorized by federal law. Rumors and unverified information often circulate, so it's vital to stick to official sources.
How to confirm:
- Check Official IRS News Releases: Regularly visit the IRS Newsroom at IRS.gov/newsroom. The IRS issues official announcements here regarding any major tax-related news, including economic impact payments. If a new federal stimulus is approved, it will be announced here.
- Monitor Reputable News Outlets: While less official than the IRS directly, reputable financial news sources (like The Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Associated Press, major news networks) will report on any confirmed federal stimulus legislation. Be wary of unverified sources or social media posts.
Remember: As of June 2025, there is no active federal stimulus check program. Any information you find about a "fourth stimulus check" from the federal government for 2025 is likely speculative or related to previous years' payments.
Step 2: Utilizing the IRS's "Get My Payment" Tool (If Applicable)
In previous rounds of federal stimulus checks, the IRS provided a dedicated online tool called "Get My Payment." This was the primary method for most people to check the status of their Economic Impact Payments.
Sub-heading: Understanding the tool's availability
The "Get My Payment" tool is currently available for checking the status of previous Economic Impact Payments (from 2020 and 2021). It is NOT used for tax refunds. If a new federal stimulus is authorized in 2025, it is highly likely the IRS would reactivate or create a similar tool.
How to use "Get My Payment" (if it becomes active for 2025 or for past payments):
- Visit the Official IRS Website: Go directly to IRS.gov.
- Navigate to the "Get My Payment" Section: Look for a prominent link or search for "Get My Payment" on the IRS website.
- Provide Required Information: You will typically need to enter the following information:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your Date of Birth.
- Your Street Address
(as it appears on your last tax return). - Your ZIP Code.
- Review Your Payment Status: The tool will then display your payment status, which could include:
- Payment Status: "Payment Sent" with the date and method (direct deposit or mail).
- Payment Not Available: This means you are not eligible or the IRS hasn't processed your payment yet.
- Need More Information: The tool might prompt you to provide additional details.
Note: The IRS updates this tool regularly, often overnight. If you don't see an immediate update, check back later.
Step 3: Checking Your IRS Online Account
The IRS provides an "Online Account" feature that can be incredibly useful for monitoring your tax situation, including any payments issued to you.
Sub-heading: Benefits of an IRS Online Account
Your IRS Online Account provides a comprehensive view of your tax records, including payment history, tax transcripts, and the ability to view certain notices. It's a powerful tool for staying informed.
How to check your IRS Online Account:
- Go to IRS.gov: Visit the official IRS website.
- Sign In or Create an Account: Look for the "Sign in to your Online Account" option.
- If you already have an account, sign in using your credentials (ID.me is often used for identity verification).
- If you don't have an account, you will need to create one and go through a rigorous identity verification process. This usually involves providing personal details, financial information (like a credit card number or loan account number), and potentially answering security questions.
- Navigate to Tax Records: Once logged in, look for a section related to "Tax Records" or "Account History."
- Look for Economic Impact Payment Information: Within your tax records, you should find details about any Economic Impact Payments issued to you, including the amount and date of payment. This information might be listed under "Economic Impact Payment Information" or similar.
Pro Tip: Creating an IRS Online Account can take some time due to the identity verification process, so it's a good idea to set it up in advance if you anticipate needing to check payment statuses in the future.
Step 4: Reviewing Your IRS Tax Transcripts
If you prefer a more detailed record, or if the "Get My Payment" tool or Online Account isn't providing the information you need, you can request your IRS tax transcripts.
Sub-heading: What are tax transcripts?
Tax transcripts are summaries of your tax returns and account information. They show most line items from your filed tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, etc.) and can also include information about payments made to you by the IRS, like stimulus checks.
How to get your tax transcripts:
- Online Access (Recommended):
- Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get Transcript Online."
- You'll need to log in to your IRS Online Account (see Step 3).
- Under "Record of Account," look for entries labeled "Economic Impact Payment" or "IRS TREAS 310" (the code for direct deposits of stimulus checks).
- By Mail:
- You can also request a tax transcript by mail if you don't want to create an online account or can't verify your identity online.
- Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get Transcript by Mail."
- You'll need to provide your SSN or ITIN, date of birth, and address.
- Transcripts typically arrive within 5 to 10 calendar days.
- By Phone: You can call the automated transcript order line at 800-908-9946.
Step 5: Checking Your Bank Account and Mail
This might seem obvious, but it's often the first place to look if you're expecting a payment.
Sub-heading: Why direct deposit is faster
If you provided direct deposit information on your most recent tax return, any IRS payment you receive will likely be sent that way. Direct deposit is significantly faster and more secure than paper checks.
How to check:
- Review Bank Statements: Regularly check your bank account statements for any deposits from the "IRS TREAS 310" (which indicates an IRS direct deposit).
- Check Your Mail: If you didn't provide direct deposit information, or if there was an issue with your direct deposit, the IRS will send a paper check. Keep an eye on your mailbox for an envelope from the Department of the Treasury.
Important: If you received a paper check, it's crucial to cash or deposit it promptly. Also, be aware of scams. The IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone or email, nor will they ask for your bank information via unofficial channels.
Step 6: What to Do if You Believe You're Eligible But Haven't Received a Payment
If you've followed the steps above and believe you were eligible for a payment but haven't received it, here's what you should consider:
Sub-heading: Filing a Recovery Rebate Credit
As mentioned, if you missed a federal stimulus check from 2020 or 2021, the primary way to claim it was through the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return for that specific year. The deadline for the 2021 payment was April 15, 2025. If you haven't filed your 2021 return by that date, you've likely missed the opportunity to claim it.
Sub-heading: Requesting a Payment Trace
If the IRS "Get My Payment" tool or your online account indicates that a payment was sent but you never received it (e.g., lost in the mail, incorrect account), you may need to request a payment trace.
- Confirm it was sent: Use the "Get My Payment" tool or your IRS Online Account to confirm the payment date and method.
- Wait for appropriate time:
- Direct Deposit: Wait 5 business days after the scheduled payment date.
- Mail: Wait 4 weeks after the scheduled payment date if mailed to a standard address. Wait 6 weeks if you have a forwarding address on file with the post office, or if the payment was mailed to a foreign address.
- Fill out Form 3911: If the payment still hasn't arrived, you can submit Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund. This form is typically used for lost or stolen refunds, but it can also be used for Economic Impact Payments. You can find this form on IRS.gov.
- Do NOT file another tax return or an amended return simply to claim the missing payment if the IRS shows it was already issued. This will only cause further delays.
Step 7: Staying Informed About Future Stimulus Possibilities
While no federal stimulus checks are planned for 2025 right now, economic situations can change, and new legislation could be introduced.
Sub-heading: Reliable information sources are key
Always rely on official and reputable sources to avoid misinformation and scams.
How to stay informed:
- Subscribe to IRS Updates: The IRS offers email subscriptions for news releases. You can sign up on their website.
- Follow Reputable News Organizations: Keep an eye on major financial news outlets for updates on economic policy and potential legislative changes.
- Consult a Tax Professional: If you have complex tax situations or need personalized advice, a qualified tax professional (like a CPA or Enrolled Agent) can provide guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions about checking stimulus checks, with quick answers:
How to check if I was eligible for a past stimulus check? You were generally eligible for past federal stimulus checks if you had a Social Security number, were not claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return, and met certain adjusted gross income (AGI) thresholds. Refer to the specific IRS guidelines for the 2020 ($1,200), 2020 ($600), and 2021 ($1,400) Economic Impact Payments.
How to claim a missing federal stimulus check from 2021? The deadline to claim the 2021 stimulus check as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return was April 15, 2025. If you filed by then and were eligible, the IRS would have processed it.
How to find my AGI to use the "Get My Payment" tool? Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be found on line 11 of your Form 1040 from your most recently filed tax return.
How to know if the IRS "Get My Payment" tool is active for 2025? The "Get My Payment" tool will only be active for new federal stimulus payments if and when Congress authorizes such a program. You will see announcements on IRS.gov if it's reactivated for a new round. Currently, it's for past payments.
How to create an IRS Online Account? Visit IRS.gov, click on "Sign in to your Online Account," and follow the prompts to create a new account. Be prepared for a robust identity verification process.
How to get a copy of my tax transcript? You can get your tax transcript online instantly through your IRS Online Account or request it by mail from IRS.gov (allow 5-10 days for delivery).
How to track my regular tax refund, not a stimulus check? Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov to check the status of your federal tax refund. You'll need your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and exact refund amount.
How to tell if a stimulus check email or text message is a scam? The IRS will never send unsolicited emails or text messages about stimulus checks. They also won't call demanding immediate payment or ask for personal financial information over the phone or email. Only rely on official IRS.gov resources.
How to request a payment trace if my stimulus check was sent but not received? If the IRS records show a payment was issued but you never received it, you can request a payment trace by completing and submitting Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund.
How to find out about state-specific stimulus programs? You'll need to check your individual state's Department of Revenue or Tax Board website for information on any state-level stimulus checks, rebates, or tax credits. These programs vary significantly by state.
