Recently, there have been viral social media posts asserting that residents in 10 U.S. states will receive a fourth round of stimulus checks amounting to $2,000.
The mentioned states are Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. These posts have generated widespread speculation and anticipation. However, is there any truth to these claims? Let’s examine the facts.
Background
The U.S. government has previously issued three rounds of direct payments known as Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to boost spending during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns.
The first round in March 2020 involved $1,200 per income tax filer and $500 per child (CARES Act). The second in December 2020 included $600 per income tax filer and $600 per child (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021). The third round in March 2021 involved $1,400 per income tax filer and $1,400 per child (American Rescue Plan Act).
The Claim
Several Facebook posts claim that a fourth $2,000 stimulus check will be released on Thursday, November 30, 2023. Messages posted on the platform suggest that checks will be issued in the aforementioned states, with amounts ranging from $150 to $3,824. The posts imply that if your account information is on file with the IRS, you will automatically receive the money in the account they have on file.
The Facts
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has stated that all first, second, and third-round EIPs have been issued. Individuals who missed stimulus payments may be eligible for a Recovery Rebate Credit, depending on which payment was missed.
The IRS recently issued a statement reminding individuals who missed payments that they can still claim the money. However, contrary to social media claims, the payments won’t be sent automatically to bank accounts. Those who may be eligible will need to file a tax return.
While a small number of states have continued to provide cash back to residents as tax rebates or inflation aid, the claim about stimulus checks is untrue. Two popular online petitions calling for a fourth round of $2,000 stimulus checks have garnered more than 170,000 and 3 million signatures, respectively, but have slowed in recent months.
Conclusion
Based on the available information, the claim that a fourth round of $2,000 stimulus checks is being deposited into bank accounts in 10 states today is false. The IRS has confirmed that no further stimulus checks are being issued. It’s important to rely on official sources for such information and to be cautious of misinformation circulating on social media.
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