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?
Here’s a quick look at the facts:
Federal Stimulus Payments for January 2026
What we know:
– The last round of federal economic impact payments went out in 2021, and any new checks would require legislation from Congress.
– In 2024, the IRS issued automatic payments to eligible taxpayers who had not claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 returns. Those payments, up to $1,400 per person, were sent by direct deposit or check between December 2024 and January 2025.
– At this point, Congress has not approved new stimulus payments, and the IRS has not announced any upcoming checks.
Trump’s $2,000 Tariff Dividend Proposals
What we know:
– President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that every American could receive a $2,000 “dividend” funded by import taxes, but a November analysis estimated the proposed payments would cost between $279.8 billion and $606.8 billion.
– Tariff revenue is projected to total $158.4 billion in 2025 and $207.5 billion in 2026, far short of what would be needed to cover the payments.
– Tariff dividend details remain scarce, and no final plans have been announced.
DOGE Dividend Payment Proposals
What we know:
– In 2025, Trump briefly floated the idea of sending a DOGE dividend to U.S. citizens, but Republican lawmakers and administration officials have expressed skepticism.
– Economists warn that such payments could fuel inflation by boosting consumer spending.
$1,776 Warrior Dividend and Devotion to Duty Payments
What we know:
– In December 2025, Trump announced that nearly 1.5 million service members would receive a $1,776 Warrior Dividend bonus.
– Separately, U.S. Coast Guard members will receive a $2,000 Devotion to Duty payment before taxes.
Stimulus Scams and Recurring Rumors
– Recurring claims of “$1,702” or “$1,390 stimulus checks” often trace back to state-level programs or outright scams.
– The IRS warns taxpayers to watch for emails, texts, websites and social media posts that request money or personal information, as the agency does not contact taxpayers this way.