IRS direct deposit stimulus 2025: Are Americans really getting a $2,000 payment in October?

As October 2025 unfolds, residents in New Jersey and New York are seeing some financial relief arrive in their mailboxes — but not the kind many Americans are hoping for. While ANCHOR property tax relief checks and state-issued inflation refunds are being distributed in these states, talk of a “fourth federal stimulus check” or Donald Trump’s proposed tariff rebate has sparked confusion and speculation across social media.

So what’s real, what’s rumor, and could Texans or anyone else in the U.S. expect a payment soon? Here’s the full picture.

Are Fourth Stimulus Checks Really Coming in October 2025?

Despite the online buzz, there is no evidence or confirmation that a fourth round of federal stimulus checks is being prepared. No legislation has been passed by Congress, and neither the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) nor the White House has announced any new payment initiative.

Any form of national stimulus would require congressional approval, and given the current economic focus on fiscal tightening and cost-cutting, such a plan appears unlikely in the near future.

Rumors of a “$2,000 direct deposit” began circulating in early October after several unverified accounts on X (formerly Twitter) shared posts claiming that “U.S. citizens will receive $2,000 in October.” However, these posts were not based on any official statement, and the IRS has since warned Americans about scam messages and fake refund claims seeking to steal personal or banking information.

The Truth About DOGE and the “Tariff Rebate” Idea

Part of the renewed excitement stems from discussions around DOGE, short for the Department of Government Efficiency, a temporary federal initiative launched under President Donald Trump. The program — reportedly guided by Elon Musk as a special government advisor — was designed to reduce wasteful federal spending, streamline regulations, and modernize government systems.

Earlier this year, Trump floated the idea of a “DOGE dividend” — a $5,000 rebate check for Americans funded by the 20% savings DOGE identified within the government budget. He also suggested that revenue from new tariffs could be used to provide tax rebates to households, much like the stimulus payments of the pandemic era.

However, since that February 2025 summit in Miami, no concrete details, timelines, or legislation have emerged to make the DOGE dividends or tariff rebate a reality. For now, these remain concepts under discussion, not active programs.

Inflation Refunds in New York and New Jersey — But Not Texas

In contrast to the federal silence, state-level relief programs are moving forward in a few parts of the country.

• New Jersey residents are receiving ANCHOR property tax relief checks, designed to ease the burden of rising housing costs.

• New York is distributing one-time “inflation refund” checks of up to $400 to eligible residents to help offset high living expenses.

But in Texas, no such checks are planned. The state’s tax structure — notably, its lack of a personal income tax — makes it difficult to distribute refunds tied to earnings. Instead, Texans typically benefit from property tax relief and energy rebate programs rather than direct stimulus payments.

In 2023, Governor Greg Abbott signed an $18 billion property tax relief package, the largest in state history, compressing school district rates and raising the homestead exemption. Lawmakers approved another tax cut plan in June 2025, which voters will decide on in the upcoming November ballot.

What About Other Federal Relief Efforts?

While the “fourth stimulus” rumor is false, there is one legitimate proposal gaining quiet traction in Washington: the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, introduced by Senator Josh Hawley (R–MO). The bill seeks to send between $600 and $2,400 to qualifying American taxpayers. However, the proposal has not yet passed Congress, and there’s no timeline for a potential vote.

For context, the three previous stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic distributed up to:

• $1,200 per individual (first round)

  
  
  

• $600 per individual (second round)

• $1,400 per individual (third round)

Those programs have long expired, and the last claim deadline passed on April 15, 2025.

If you’re in Texas or most other U.S. states, don’t expect a check or direct deposit this month. The federal government has not approved any new round of stimulus or rebate programs. For now, the only confirmed relief payments are state-specific — and the rest are little more than wishful social media speculation.

FAQs

Q1: Is there a fourth federal stimulus check coming in 2025?
No. There’s no approved plan or legislation authorizing a new round of federal stimulus payments.

Q2: What are “DOGE dividends” or “tariff rebates”?
They refer to an unconfirmed proposal by Donald Trump to return tariff-generated revenue to taxpayers. No official rollout has occurred.

Q3: Which states are sending out inflation or relief checks in October 2025?
New Jersey (ANCHOR property tax refunds) and New York (one-time $400 inflation refunds).

Q4: Are Texans getting any relief payments?
No direct payments. Texas offers property tax cuts instead.

Q5: What should I do if I receive a text about a new stimulus or rebate check?
Ignore it. It’s likely a scam. Verify any financial aid claims via IRS.gov or your state’s official website.