Fourth Stimulus Check Update: Eligibility and Payment Details

Rumors of a new $1,390 government stimulus payment for low and middle-income Americans have spread rapidly online, sparking hope and confusion. However, the Internal Revenue Service has issued a formal and definitive statement to address these claims directly. The agency has moved to clarify the situation, urging taxpayers to rely on official information rather than unsubstantiated online speculation.

The circulating rumor suggested the US government had agreed to issue these payments by the end of the summer. In an official statement, an IRS spokesperson explicitly stated that there is no recovery rebate credit for taxpayers to claim, as Congress has not passed any formal legislation authorizing a fourth round of Economic Impact Payments. Officials speculate this confusion may stem from taxpayers mistaking the now-expired Recovery Rebate Credit on 2021 tax returns for a new stimulus initiative.

How to Check Your Existing Tax Refund or Stimulus Status

For those awaiting a standard tax refund or inquiring about past stimulus credits, the IRS provides a dedicated online portal. The “Where’s My Refund” tool allows applicants to check their status 24 hours after e-filing by entering their Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. The portal provides one of three statuses: Return Received (processing), Refund Approved (with an issued date), or Refund Sent. For direct assistance, individuals can contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1954.

The timeline for receiving a refund depends on the method. According to the IRS schedule, direct deposits should have arrived by May 6, while mailed checks could have taken until June 16. It is critical to understand that these are for processed tax returns and claimed credits, not for any new, unlegislated stimulus payments.

Will There Ever Be a Fourth Federal Stimulus Check?

The concept of another broad stimulus payment has been discussed in various forms. One proposal, initially pitched by James Fishback of Arizona Investment, suggested that savings from government efficiency could be returned to taxpayers. This idea received theoretical support from figures like Elon Musk and former President Trump, potentially amounting to significant payments per household. However, these discussions have not resulted in any actionable legislation.

More recently, Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri introduced the American Worker Rebate Act. This bill proposes sharing revenue from tariffs with eligible citizens through rebates of at least $600 per individual, with additional sums for qualifying children. The rebates would phase out for individuals with an adjusted gross income above $75,000. While the bill has been read in the Senate, it has not advanced toward becoming law. As of now, there is no official order from Congress, the IRS, or the White House regarding a possible fourth economic impact payment.

The definitive takeaway is that no fourth stimulus check, including a $1,390 payment, has been approved by the U.S. government. For accurate information on tax refunds and credits, always refer directly to the official IRS website to avoid misinformation and protect your personal data.

Must Know

Is the US government sending out a fourth stimulus check?
No, the IRS has officially stated that no fourth stimulus check has been authorized by Congress. All rumors of a new $1,390 payment are false and are not based on any passed legislation.

What was the recovery rebate credit?
The recovery rebate credit was a tax credit for eligible individuals who did not receive the full amount of their first, second, or third Economic Impact Payments. The deadline to claim any outstanding credit for the 2021 tax year was April 15, 2025.

How can I see if I am owed a past stimulus payment?
You must check your IRS account transcript for the 2020 and 2021 tax years. If you believe you were eligible but did not receive a payment, you may need to file an amended return, though the deadline for the 2021 credit has now passed.

Who was eligible for the previous stimulus payments?
Eligibility was based on adjusted gross income (AGI). Full payments were available to singles with an AGI up to $75,000, heads of household up to $112,500, and married couples filing jointly up to $150,000. Payments were reduced for incomes above these thresholds.

What is the status of Senator Hawley’s stimulus proposal?
Senator Josh Hawley’s American Worker Rebate Act, which proposes direct rebates funded by tariff revenue, has been introduced and read twice in the Senate. However, it has not received a vote and has not been approved into law.