Stimulus Checks in 2025: What you need to know about $1,400 potential payments
Will stimulus checks be issued in 2025? Find out about the limited number of unclaimed $1,400 rebate checks available this tax season, and the potential for future tax refunds discussed by President Trump and Elon Musk.
As tax season kicks off, many Americans are asking if another round of stimulus checks will be issued in 2025. Although there are no current plans for widespread stimulus payments this year, there are key updates regarding unclaimed tax rebates from previous years, along with discussions about possible future refunds. Here’s what we know at this point.
Unclaimed stimulus checks: What’s available this tax season?
While no new economic impact payments are scheduled for 2025, the IRS has identified about 1 million taxpayers who failed to claim their full stimulus rebate credit from earlier in the pandemic. These taxpayers are set to receive a one-time payment of up to $1,400, with automatic deposits expected.
These payments stem from the Recovery Rebate Credit, which was part of the American Rescue Plan Act that provided up to $1,400 per filer and $1,400 per child in March 2021. If you didn’t claim this credit or received less than the full amount in 2021, you may be eligible for this backdated stimulus check.
What you need to know about the $1,400 stimulus rebate
For those who missed out on the original payments, the IRS is now issuing a $1,400 stimulus rebate to eligible taxpayers. This payment will be automatically deposited once the IRS processes your tax return for 2021. Be sure to check your eligibility and ensure all required tax information is submitted accurately to avoid delays.
Discover how the IRS is issuing $1,400 stimulus payments in early 2025 to eligible taxpayers who missed the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. Photo: 12News.
Elon Musk’s role in potential future stimulus payments
While 2025 is not seeing any large-scale stimulus checks, there’s been some buzz about potential future refunds. President Donald Trump, alongside Elon Musk, has been exploring ways to reduce federal government spending. This initiative, known as DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), has reportedly found excess spending that could be cut—potentially freeing up funds for tax refunds.
In a recent interview, both Trump and Musk discussed the possibility of using savings from government spending cuts to issue a "DOGE dividend" to taxpayers. While no formal plans have been announced, Musk has indicated that this is something they are exploring, suggesting that taxpayers could see a refund if enough savings are identified.