Truth about $2,000 fourth stimulus checks revealed

FOR several months, there have been rumors of potential stimulus checks for select Americans this year.

Some posts online claim that a fourth payment is in the works for residents of a key state ranging between $1,390 to $2,000.

Getty

Americans have been wondering if they’ll get another stimulus check (stock image)[/caption]

Getty

Unfortunately for Florida taxpayers, this isn’t accurate, as there’s no official confirmation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that a stimulus check is on the way anytime soon, per News-Press.

There have only been three stimulus checks related to programs created as a result of financial hardship from the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

The most recent distribution had a deadline to claim that already passed on April 15, 2025, as well.

It’s important to note that stimulus checks, previously known as Economic Impact Payments, are no-strings-attached funds sent from the federal government to spur spending and boost the economy.

This is not much different from a tax rebate, which is typically a return of money from the government.

It’s not a refund, as it can be a standalone payment not dependent on the amount of tax already paid for something.

REBATE HOPE

That being said, Americans nationwide, including Florida residents, could soon see a tax rebate as part of a newly introduced bill from Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO).

Known as the American Worker Rebate act of 2025, certain families would get a minimum distribution of $600 per adult and child dependent, or maximum of $2,400 for a family of four, per a press release.

“Americans deserve a tax rebate after four years of Biden policies that have devastated families’ savings and livelihoods,” Hawley said in the release.

“Like President Trump proposed, my legislation would allow hard-working Americans to benefit from the wealth that Trump’s tariffs are returning to this country.”

The rebate also benefits from tariff revenue, as if it exceeds expectations, it would mean more money for Americans.

As of the time of writing, the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 hasn’t passed through Congress.

President Donald Trump also suggested using part of tariff revenue toward stimulus checks earlier this year.

During a Miami summit in February, Trump called for a “DOGE dividend” worth $5,000.

It would supposedly be funded from 20% of the savings located by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), notably helmed by billionaire Elon Musk.

Despite President Trump emphasizing in July that the government has been “thinking about rebates” in relation to the “DOGE dividend” and tariff revenue, there have been no developments since.

INFLATION-BUSTING CHECKS

Florida also isn’t getting any “inflation relief checks” as of September, something that states like New York are in the midst of.

At least eight million residents in the state are getting up to $400 deposited into their bank accounts or sent in the mail this month as part of an inflation rebate program.

Despite facing backlash from some officials, Governor Kathy Hochul pushed forward and set aside $2 billion in state funds for the program, noting in a statement that the cost of living was too high in the state, and checks were needed.

“The cost of living is still too d**n high, so I promised to put more money in your pockets — and we got it done,” Hochul explained.

New Yorkers didn’t have to apply to get the money throughout this month and October, but they must meet a few criteria.

ELIGIBILITY BREAKDOWN

They must’ve filed Form IT-201, a New York State Resident Income Tax Return, for at least the 2023 tax year, for example.

They must’ve also not been claimed as a dependent on any other taxpayer’s return.

Check amounts are based on filing status and adjusted gross income (AGI) and range between $150 and $400.

A complete breakdown of payments can be found on the New York Department of Taxation and Finance’s website.

There are also at least five relief checks up to $1,500 that Americans can still get this year.

Some are also eligible for $1,702 checks starting October 2.