As of February 06, 2026, rumors regarding a new round of federal stimulus checks have flooded social media, leading many Americans to wonder if a fourth payment is imminent. However, official data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury confirm that no new federal stimulus checks have been authorized by Congress at this time.
The Truth About the Viral $2,000 “Tariff Refund”
Recent reports and viral social media posts have suggested that a $2,000 “tariff rebate” or “fourth stimulus check” is being distributed this month. While President Donald Trump has discussed the concept of a $2,000 rebate check funded by tariff revenue, these payments have not been approved by the legislature. Financial experts warn that many online claims regarding a “February stimulus” are misleading or part of phishing hoaxes designed to steal Social Security numbers.
Status of Past Economic Impact Payments
The IRS has officially concluded the distribution of the first, second, and third rounds of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) authorized during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most eligible taxpayers received these funds years ago. According to the latest IRS guidance:
- First and Second Payments: These were based on 2020 tax year eligibility. The deadline to claim these via the Recovery Rebate Credit was April 15, 2024.
- Third Payment: This was tied to the 2021 tax year. The deadline to claim any missing portion of this credit passed on April 15, 2025.
- Current Status: The “Get My Payment” application is no longer active. Taxpayers can only view their past payment history by accessing their individual IRS Online Account.
IRS Phasing Out Paper Checks in 2026
While no new stimulus is arriving, the IRS is implementing significant operational changes this month. Starting in early 2026, the agency has begun a phase-out of paper tax refund checks. Individual taxpayers are being strongly encouraged to set up direct deposit for their 2025 tax returns to avoid delays. This transition is part of a broader effort to modernize the Treasury’s payment systems and reduce fraud associated with physical mail.
What to Do if You Are Missing a Past Payment
If you believe you were entitled to a previous stimulus payment that was never received—perhaps due to a wrong address or a lost check—you may still have options, though the window for tax credit claims has closed. Taxpayers can submit Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to initiate a trace on a check that was issued but never cashed. Note that this applies only to payments that were already authorized and sent, not to new claims for credits.
Summary of Eligibility Thresholds (Historical)
For those reviewing their past tax records, the standard eligibility for full stimulus amounts was generally limited to:
- Single Filers: Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $75,000.
- Married Filing Jointly: AGI up to $150,000.
- Phase-out: Benefits were completely eliminated for single filers exceeding $99,000 and joint filers exceeding $198,000 (without children).
Taxpayers are urged to rely only on official updates from IRS.gov to avoid falling victim to scams promising “instant” stimulus relief in 2026.