No Fourth Stimulus Check Coming: IRS Clarifies False Claims About Additional Payments

Recent social media posts have been circulating online claiming that a fourth stimulus check is headed to Americans in the coming months, with alleged amounts ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the state. However, the Internal Revenue Service has officially denied these claims, confirming that no such fourth round of Economic Impact Payments has been approved or scheduled.

The False Claims Spreading Across Social Platforms

The viral posts making rounds on social media assert that individuals who have bank accounts on file with the IRS will automatically receive deposits, or alternatively, those who received paper checks for tax refunds would get their stimulus payment. The posts cite vague sources like “Google & IRS” and include specific details about deposit methods based on address information on file. These misleading claims appear designed to create false hope among taxpayers already struggling with financial uncertainty.

What the IRS Really Said About Additional Payments

In an official statement, IRS spokesperson Anthony Burke confirmed definitively that no fourth round of Economic Impact Payments has been authorized by Congress. He noted that the most recent legitimate stimulus program was the American Rescue Plan, a comprehensive $1.9 trillion relief package enacted by the federal government in 2021. This clarification comes as the agency continues to combat misinformation about government assistance programs.

Your Legitimate Options: Recovery Rebate Credit and Ongoing State Relief

For those who missed receiving previous stimulus payments or didn’t receive the full amount, there is a legitimate avenue available. Taxpayers may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing their tax returns. This refundable credit applies to anyone who was entitled to Economic Impact Payments issued during 2020 and 2021 but did not receive them in full.

To claim this credit, individuals must file a tax return. Unlike the false social media claims suggesting automatic deposits, the IRS emphasizes that money from the Recovery Rebate Credit must be claimed through the tax filing process—it will not be automatically sent to bank accounts.

In separate developments, several states including Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas have announced they will be issuing state-level tax-related payments and relief funds over the coming months. These state programs operate independently of any federal fourth stimulus check and represent genuine assistance opportunities for eligible residents.

The bottom line: citizens should rely on official IRS communications rather than viral social media posts when seeking information about government payments. Checking the IRS website directly or contacting the agency remains the safest way to verify eligibility for any legitimate relief programs.