October Stimulus Checks: Track ANCHOR Rebates, IRS Refunds, and Inflation Payments
Government Shutdown Continues as Senate Vote Falls Short
The ongoing government shutdown has carried over into the weekend as recent Senate votes did not meet the required thresholds to reopen. Despite two Democrats and an independent voting to end the shutdown, the resulting 54-44 vote was insufficient for Republicans to push forward.
Tracking Tax Refunds Amid Shutdown and Stimulus Speculation
American taxpayers continue to receive ANCHOR checks and inflation refunds in October, yet reports of a fourth stimulus payment remain unfounded. Additionally, President Donald Trump’s potential tariff rebate is still only a proposal. To ensure you receive what you are owed without being scammed, learning how to track your IRS state or federal tax refund is essential.
Rumors about a new stimulus payment, with amounts of $1,390, $1,702, or $2,000, are false. Neither Congress nor the IRS has officially confirmed such payments. Misleading social media reports and online speculations should be approached with skepticism. Emegypt advises caution as these could be misinformation or fraudulent attempts.
Beware of Tax Scams and New Proposals
The IRS has issued notifications about scams that involve texts or impersonators attempting to deceive taxpayers about refunds, credits, payments, or unverified stimulus amounts. Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley introduced the American Worker Rebate Act, which aims to provide payments from $600 to $2,400, but it remains unapproved in Congress.
| State | Relief Measure |
|---|---|
| New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Colorado | Inflation Relief Checks |
| New Jersey | ANCHOR Property Tax Relief |
Past Stimulus Checks and Remaining Deadlines
Three previous COVID-related stimulus checks were distributed, with the last opportunity to claim expiring on April 15, 2025. Deadlines for these payments have passed. Eligible recipients can work with the IRS or trusted tax professionals to address missing payments or claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their tax returns.
Prospects of a Stimulus Check in 2025
While speculation about a fourth stimulus payment circulates, no official action has been taken. President Trump has suggested using tariff revenue to issue taxpayer rebates, similar to pandemic stimulus checks. Additionally, a “DOGE dividend” was proposed, involving savings from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but no further details have been provided since the idea was floated.
Current State of Inflation and ANCHOR Relief Payments
Some states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Colorado, have issued inflation relief checks to residents affected by high sales taxes. Meanwhile, New Jersey’s ANCHOR program provides property tax relief for qualifying property owners and renters. Residents can still apply for these relief funds.
Checking the Status of Your Federal Tax Refund
If you filed federal taxes electronically, a direct deposit should arrive within 21 days; paper check refunds could take six to eight weeks. The IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool allows users to track their returns using specific personal details. Alternatively, taxpayers can call the IRS for assistance.
State Tax Refund Tracking Resources
Most states offer online portals for monitoring income tax returns. For example, the Delaware Division of Taxation and other state entities provide digital resources for taxpayers to verify their state refund status.
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