False Claims of a Fourth Round of Stimulus Checks in Certain States Debunked

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In recent days, a viral social media post has been making rounds, asserting that a fourth round of stimulus checks is set to be distributed to residents in ten specific states on November 30th. The states mentioned in the post include Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas. The post further claims that the payment amounts will vary from $500 to $2,000, depending on the state.

However, an assessment by the Associated Press (AP) has confirmed this claim to be false. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially denied the existence of any fourth round of stimulus funds. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government did issue three rounds of such payments, but the last round was distributed almost two years ago.

The viral post asserts that individuals with their account information on file with the IRS would receive the money automatically, while those who received a paper check for their tax refund this year would also receive the stimulus payment. It suggests that if individuals have moved and the IRS does not have their new address, it becomes their responsibility to update it.

Contrary to these claims, Anthony Burke, a spokesperson for the IRS, has confirmed that no authorization has been given for a fourth round of Economic Impact Payments related to the pandemic. To receive any such funds, individuals would need to file a tax return and claim the money through the Recovery Rebate Credit. The deadlines for filing a return and claiming the 2020 and 2021 credits are May 17, 2024, and April 15, 2025, respectively.

It’s important to note that while some of the states mentioned in the social media post are indeed issuing tax-related payments in the near future, these payments are unrelated to federal stimulus checks. For example, Arizona is distributing rebate checks as part of its Families Tax Rebate program, Michigan is making adjustments to its Earned Income Tax Credit, and Virginia is providing a one-time tax rebate. These initiatives are designed to address specific state-level concerns and are not aimed at stimulating the national economy as the federal stimulus checks were during the pandemic.

Furthermore, three of the states mentioned in the post—Florida, Texas, and Tennessee—do not have a personal income tax, and their tax and revenue websites do not indicate any plans for rebates or stimulus funds.

In summary, the claim of a fourth round of stimulus checks in specific states on November 30th is false. The IRS has not authorized such payments, and any state-level tax-related payments mentioned in the post are unrelated to federal stimulus efforts. It is essential to rely on verified and official sources for accurate information and to be cautious of misleading claims circulating on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stimulus Checks

More about Stimulus Checks

• Associated Press (AP) Fact Check
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Official Website
• Details on Recovery Rebate Credit
• Arizona Families Tax Rebate Program
• Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit
• Virginia Tax Rebate Information
• Information on Florida’s Tax System
• Texas Taxes and Rebates
• Tennessee Department of Revenue