Is another stimulus check on the way this October? While rumors about a “fourth stimulus check” have been buzzing online, the truth is a bit more complicated. With new state-level inflation relief checks, ANCHOR property tax rebates, and talks of tariff-based rebates, there’s a lot going on in the world of government relief—but what does it all mean for you in October 2025? Let’s break it down.
Are We Getting a Stimulus Check in October 2025?
The short answer is no—there is no official confirmation of a federal stimulus check for October 2025. While social media has been rife with rumors about payments of $1,390, $1,702, or even $2,000, these are not backed by any official sources, like Congress or the IRS. So, if you're seeing those numbers online, it’s important to be cautious—they may just be misinformation or an attempt at fraud.
That said, there are several forms of relief payments currently going out, and it’s worth tracking them to see if you're eligible for any.
What’s Going on With State-Level Inflation Relief Checks?
While a federal stimulus check might not be on the horizon, several states are taking matters into their own hands and offering inflation relief checks to ease the burden of higher prices. States like New York, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Colorado have already sent or are in the process of sending out checks to residents who have felt the pinch from inflation.
New York Inflation Relief Checks
New Yorkers earning up to $75,000 annually are eligible for a $200 check, while married couples with a combined income of up to $150,000 can get $400. These payments are intended to offset the effects of higher sales taxes, helping families feel a little less pressure at the grocery store and gas pump.
Other States Offering Inflation Refunds
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Pennsylvania: A similar rebate program provides inflation refunds to property owners and taxpayers.
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Georgia and Colorado: These states are issuing one-time relief checks to residents who qualify.
Check your state’s website or tax department for eligibility details and payment dates, as these programs vary in criteria and payment amounts.
What About the ANCHOR Property Tax Relief in New Jersey?
If you’re a New Jersey resident, you might qualify for a different type of relief altogether. The ANCHOR Property Tax Relief Program offers financial assistance to homeowners and renters in the state.
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Homeowners aged 65 and older could receive up to $1,750.
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Younger homeowners may be eligible for up to $1,500.
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Renters aged 65 and older can receive up to $700, while younger renters may be eligible for up to $450.
If you haven’t already applied, you can still do so before the October 31 deadline, so make sure you don’t miss out on this potential boost to your budget.
Is There a “Fourth Stimulus Check” or Trump’s Proposed Tariff Rebate?
Some people have floated the idea of a fourth federal stimulus check or a tariff rebate from former President Donald Trump. Here's the lowdown:
The “Fourth Stimulus Check”
There’s been a lot of noise on social media about the possibility of a fourth stimulus check. However, despite viral claims and rumors circulating about a new $2,000 check, these are baseless and unsupported by any government or IRS announcement. As of now, there are no plans for another round of federal payments tied to COVID relief.
Trump’s Tariff Rebate Proposal
Former President Trump has also floated the idea of using revenue generated by new tariffs to issue rebate checks. His proposed plan, still in the discussion phase, would return money to taxpayers in the form of rebates, possibly based on income levels. However, details on this plan remain scarce, and it hasn’t moved beyond the idea stage. He’s also mentioned a “DOGE dividend,” which would see taxpayer rebates funded by savings from government efficiency measures. As interesting as these ideas sound, we’re still waiting on concrete plans—or even legislation—to move forward.
Tracking Your IRS Tax Refund or Stimulus Payment
If you’re wondering where your tax refund or stimulus payment might be, the IRS has tools to help you stay in the loop. Here’s how you can check:
Checking Your Federal Tax Refund Status
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Direct Deposit: If you e-filed your return with banking info, you can expect your refund within 21 days.
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Paper Checks: If you didn’t include banking info, your refund will come by mail within six to eight weeks.
You can track your refund status on the IRS "Where’s My Refund" tool. After submitting your return, it can take 24 hours for the IRS to accept and process it. Once accepted, you’ll get a notification with updates like “Refund Approved” or “Refund Sent.”
State Tax Refunds
States also provide online portals to track refunds. Popular state websites include:
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Pennsylvania: The state tax department has a portal where you can check on your refund status.
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New Jersey: Check the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s website for updates.
Should You Be Worried About Scams?
It’s crucial to be cautious, especially with all the rumors and misinformation about stimulus checks and rebates. The IRS has issued warnings about text scams, fake emails, and impersonators trying to steal your personal information by pretending to offer refunds or payments. Always check the legitimacy of sources and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
To stay safe:
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Never share your personal or financial information with someone who contacts you unsolicited.
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Use official IRS or state websites to check on the status of your tax refund or stimulus payment.
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Watch for any red flags in emails or messages (like urgent language or offers that sound too good to be true).
Personal Insight
It’s a bit frustrating to keep hearing rumors about stimulus checks that aren’t backed up by anything official. While I understand why people are hoping for relief, especially with everything going on in the world, it’s important to be cautious. Sometimes, waiting for the “next big payment” can feel like a game of uncertainty, but it’s crucial to stay informed and avoid falling for scams along the way.
Conclusion
So, while October 2025 might not see a federal stimulus check, there are still plenty of ways some Americans will receive relief. Whether it’s through state-level inflation checks, property tax rebates like ANCHOR, or other relief programs, there’s financial help available if you know where to look. But beware of rumors about a fourth stimulus check—until Congress or the IRS says otherwise, those are just speculative and possibly fraudulent claims.
Are you planning to apply for an inflation rebate or tax relief in your state? Share your thoughts in the comments below!