In the era of social media, misinformation can spread like wildfire. Recently, a Facebook post circulated, asserting that millions of residents across 10 states are slated to receive a fourth IRS stimulus check on November 30.
The post claimed that taxpayers with information on file would receive payments ranging from $500 to $3,284, depending on the state.
Beware of False Claims
The post begins with an attention-grabbing headline, “STIMULUS CHECKS COMING Due date: Nov. 30, 2023,” creating a sense of urgency. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this is nothing more than a hoax.
The truth is that no fourth IRS stimulus check is on the horizon. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has explicitly stated that there has been no authorization for another round of Economic Impact Payments.
Even the Treasury Department’s website affirms that the federal government has already authorized and disbursed three rounds of stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the last round distributed in March 2021.
While some of the mentioned states are indeed providing rebate payments, these are not stimulus checks, and the amounts do not align with the figures mentioned in the misleading Facebook posts.
For example, Arizona is issuing rebate payments as part of its Families Tax Rebate program, providing a one-time payment of up to $750 to taxpayers with dependent children. Similarly, Virginia initiated the distribution of one-time tax rebate checks of up to $400 last month.
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No Fourth IRS Stimulus Check Coming
It is essential to differentiate between these state-level rebates and the federally sanctioned Economic Impact Payments, which were designed to stimulate the national economy during the pandemic.
Although the IRS is not issuing a new stimulus check, the agency recently issued a reminder that individuals who missed out on previous payments can still claim them.
Through the Recovery Rebate Credit, taxpayers can claim missed stimulus money by filing a tax return.
The deadlines for filing a return and claiming the credits for the years 2020 and 2021 are May 17, 2024, and April 15, 2025, respectively, as mentioned in the IRS press release.
As we navigate the information landscape, it is crucial to verify claims before sharing or falling victim to false information.
In this case, the purported fourth IRS stimulus check is nothing more than a social media-driven hoax, and individuals should exercise caution and rely on official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.
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