Rumors about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends swirled throughout 2025, and they’re continuing to circulate as we head into 2026. But is there any truth to them?

Over the past few months, rumors about stimulus checks have been making the rounds on the news and social media. Stimulus checks are direct federal payments the U.S. government has sent to households during times of economic stress to help people with ...

Despite renewed online chatter, no federal agency or congressional leader has announced or confirmed any plan to distribute new stimulus payments this year. Without approval from Congress or the Internal Revenue Service, no payment can be issued.

No new stimulus checks are approved, and the IRS has not confirmed December payments. The last official relief was $1,400 credits tied to 2021 returns, with deadlines now passed. Trump’s proposed $2,000 tariff dividend faces skepticism. WASHINGTON - Hold ...