Many taxpayers are still wondering whether they’ll receive another stimulus check in July or if they might have missed one. Others are waiting for tax refunds after filing their returns. This article clears up the facts regarding both matters, so you know exactly what to expect.
No New Stimulus Payments in July
There is no official confirmation of additional stimulus payments for July. If you’re waiting for a stimulus check, you should be aware that no government authority has announced any new payments for this month.
Some rumors are circulating, but there’s no solid backing from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) or the Treasury Department regarding any upcoming payments.
If you’re waiting for a tax refund instead, it’s best to track the status through official channels. You can do this by visiting the IRS website, where you’ll find the tools to check your refund’s status.
Understanding Past Stimulus Payments
Let’s take a quick look at the stimulus checks you may have received in the past and when the deadlines were for claiming them:
First Stimulus Check (2020): This provided up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples, plus $500 for each qualifying child under 17.
Second Stimulus Check (2020): This offered up to $600 per individual, $1,200 for couples, and $600 per eligible child.
Third Stimulus Check (2021): This gave $1,400 per eligible person, with married couples filing jointly receiving another $1,400 for each qualified dependent.
The deadlines for these payments have already passed. For example, to claim the third stimulus, you had to file your taxes before April 15, 2025, to be eligible for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit. If you missed any of these payments, you should reach out directly to the IRS or consult a tax professional.
Unfortunately, once the deadlines have passed, you cannot claim the missed payments, and they become property of the U.S. Treasury.
Are There New Stimulus Payments on the Way?
There have been rumors about a fourth stimulus check of $2,000, especially circulating on social media and some unverified websites. However, this is not confirmed by Congress or the IRS. It’s important to be cautious about such claims because they could be part of misinformation or even fraud.
In February, former President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of paying $5,000 stimulus checks to taxpayers as a “DOGE dividend” at a summit in Miami.
He suggested using part of the 20% savings identified by Elon Musk’s Government Efficiency Department (DOGE). However, no further details have been given about this, and it’s unclear if this idea will ever materialize.
How to Check the Status of Your Tax Refund or Stimulus Check
To check the status of your tax refund or stimulus check, you can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website. You’ll need to provide your Social Security Number (or ITIN), filing status, and the exact expected refund amount.
Here are the three possible statuses you might see:
- “Return Received” means the IRS has your tax return and is processing it.
- “Refund Approved” means your refund has been approved, and the IRS is preparing to send it.
- “Refund Sent” means the IRS has sent your refund to your bank account or by mail.
The IRS recommends waiting at least five days for direct deposit payments and several weeks for mailed checks.
The time it takes to process your tax refund can depend on how you filed your return. Electronic returns are processed faster than paper filings. According to the IRS, most refunds are issued within three weeks. However, some returns require extra review, which can delay the process.
Common Reasons for Refund Delays
There are several reasons why your refund might be delayed, including:
Errors in your tax return.
Missing information or incomplete details.
Identity theft or fraud concerns.
Issues related to the Child Tax Credit, Recovery Rebate Credit, or Earned Income Tax Credit.
Claims that include Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation).
Bank processing delays.
In conclusion, there are no new stimulus checks coming in July, and if you’ve missed past payments, the deadlines for claiming them have passed.
The IRS is the best source of information, so check your refund status using their official tools. Be cautious about rumors regarding future stimulus payments, and always verify any news from trusted sources.
