BBB warns of stimulus check text message scam
The IRS is issuing $1,400 tax rebate checks to eligible taxpayers, but scammers are sending fake texts pretending to be the IRS.
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Wondering if you’re still owed a stimulus check or heard about the possibility of another one coming in July?
Taxpayers might also still be waiting for a refund deposit if they filed their taxes this year.
Here’s what to know about any potential stimulus and tax refund checks.
Can I still claim a stimulus check?
The first stimulus check was for up to $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples, plus $500 per qualifying child under the age of 17. While the second check was up to $600 per individual, $1,200 for married couples and $600 per qualifying child under 17.
The third stimulus check was for $1,400 per eligible individual and married couples filing jointly received an additional $1,400 for each qualifying dependent.
The opportunities to claim or file for the first stimulus payment (issued in March and April 2020) or the second stimulus check (issued by Jan. 15, 2021) or the third stimulus check (issued between March and December 2021) have now passed.
The deadline to file for the third and final stimulus check was April 15, 2025, marking a three-year deadline to claim any tax refunds or, in this case, the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021.
It is best to work directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a reputable tax professional to address missing stimulus payments or claim the relevant Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return, if eligible.
Even if you received a tax extension, you still needed to file your 2021 tax return by the April 15, 2025 deadline to claim that third stimulus check. There are no extensions or appeals available for missed deadlines, and any unclaimed stimulus payments become the property of the U.S. Treasury.
Is there a fourth stimulus check on the way?
Speculation of a fourth stimulus check of $2,000 has surfaced on social media and unverified websites. There has been no official confirmation from Congress or the IRS to support this claim, and any such news should be taken with caution, as it may be misinformation or an attempt at fraud.
What happened to the $5,000 DOGE stimulus check?
In February, Trump said he would consider the plan to pay out $5,000 stimulus checks to taxpayers in the form of a “DOGE dividend” during a summit in Miami. He explained it as using part of the 20% of the savings identified by Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and giving it back to taxpayers. However, he has not shared any further specifics or details about the possible “DOGE dividend” or its certainty since then.
Where’s my refund? How to check your tax return status
The process of seeing your tax refund status is easy.
On the IRS.gov site, taxpayers who have filed their returns can view their refund status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. To know the status, you must enter the following information:
- Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
- Your filing status
- The exact refund amount on your return
Once the information is entered, you will see one of the following:
- Return Received – The IRS received your return and are processing it.
- Refund Approved – The IRS approved your refund and are preparing to issue it by the date shown.
- Refund Sent – The IRS sent the refund to your bank or you in the mail. It may take five days for it to show in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.
How long will it take for my refund to be deposited?
The timeline for your refund depends on how you filed the tax return.
If you file electronically, your return is processed much faster than if you file a paper return and wait for a check. According to the IRS, most refunds are issued in less than three weeks.
The IRS advises taxpayers not to depend on receiving a refund by a specific date, particularly when making significant purchases or paying bills. Some returns may need further review, which could take more time.
Why is my refund delayed?
There is a bevy of reasons why a tax return gets delayed. Here are the most common reasons, as per the IRS:
- The return has errors, is incomplete, or is affected by identity theft or fraud.
- The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount.
- The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation PDF.
- The time it takes a taxpayer’s bank or credit union to post the refund to the taxpayer’s account.
Can I still file taxes past the due date?
Yes, you can file past the due date. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can file late even if you missed the April 15, 2025 deadline.
- If you have requested an extension, October 15, 2025 is the final date to file your federal income tax return.
- If you didn’t file or request an extension, it’s best to file as soon as possible to minimize penalties and interest.
USA TODAY Network Maria Francis contributed to this report.
(This story was updated to add a photo gallery.)