The IRS is not giving out money in 2025 the way it did during the pandemic
The IRS does not have a general cash distribution program running in 2025. The large stimulus payments that went to most households in 2020 and 2021 ended years ago. What the IRS does in 2025 is process tax refunds (money you overpaid in taxes during 2024), handle tax credits you may be may have access to to claim, and pursue certain debt collection. If you have heard that the IRS is "giving out money," the claim usually refers to one of these three things, or it is a scam.
The confusion often comes from tax credits—money the government returns to you through your tax return because you meet certain conditions. These are real, but they are not gifts. They are part of how the tax code works. You claim them when you file your 2024 taxes, usually between January and April 2025.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS processes tax refunds when you have overpaid taxes in 2024, but this is your own money being returned, not new money from the government.
- Tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit can put money in your pocket, but you must meet income and family requirements to claim them.
- The IRS does not send unsolicited checks or emails offering information programs—any message claiming to do so is a scam.
- If you are owed a refund, the IRS processes it automatically when you file your return; you do not need to contact them or pay a fee to receive it.
Tax refunds: getting back what you overpaid
A tax refund is money the IRS returns to you because you paid more in taxes during 2024 than you actually owed. This happens when your employer withheld too much from your paychecks, or when you made quarterly estimated payments that turned out to be larger than necessary. The refund is your own money; the IRS is not giving you anything new.
You receive a refund by filing your 2024 tax return. The IRS does not contact you first or send the money unprompted. You file through the IRS website (irs.gov), through tax software, or with a tax preparer. If you are owed a refund, the IRS will process it and send it to you by direct deposit or check, usually within 21 days of accepting your return. You do not pay a fee to receive your refund, and you do not need to contact the IRS to claim it.
Tax credits that put money back in your pocket
Tax credits are different from refunds. A credit reduces the tax you owe, and some credits are refundable, meaning if the credit is larger than the tax you owe, the IRS sends you the difference. These are real money, but you must meet the requirements to claim them.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the largest refundable credit for working people with low to moderate income. In 2025, you may be may have access to to this credit if you earned between roughly $16,000 and $63,000 (the exact amount depends on your filing status and number of children). The credit can be worth up to $3,733 per year. The Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per child under age 17 if your income is below certain thresholds. The Dependent Care Credit helps pay for childcare if you work or look for work.
You claim these credits when you file your tax return. You do not explore for them separately, and the IRS does not send them to you without a return. If you think you may be may have access to to a credit, file your return and claim it on the appropriate line.
Scams claiming the IRS is giving out money
Scammers frequently pose as the IRS and claim you are may have access to to a refund or payment you have not heard about. They may email you, text you, or call you claiming you need to "verify" your information or pay a fee to unlock the money. These are always scams. The real IRS does not initiate contact by email or text, does not ask for personal information by phone, and does not demand payment upfront.
If you receive an unsolicited message claiming the IRS is sending you money, delete it or hang up. Do not click links, read attachments, or provide any information. If you are unsure whether a message is real, go directly to irs.gov or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 using the phone number on the IRS website itself—do not use a number from the message you received.
How to check if you are owed a refund
You can check the status of a refund you are expecting by using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on irs.gov. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day and will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, or has issued your refund.
If you filed your return more than 21 days ago and the tool says the IRS has not received it, your return may not have been submitted successfully. Contact the tax preparer or software you used to confirm it was filed. If you filed on paper, allow up to four weeks for the IRS to process it.
Special situations: offsets and wage garnishment
In some cases, the IRS may hold or reduce a refund you are owed. This happens when you owe back taxes, child support, or certain other federal or state debts. The IRS will offset your refund to pay down what you owe. You will receive a notice explaining this before your refund is processed.
If you believe an offset was made in error, or if you need to set up a payment plan for the debt, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. Bring documentation of any payments you have made or disputes you have about the debt.
What changed from 2024 to 2025
Tax brackets, standard deductions, and credit amounts change slightly each year to account for inflation. For 2024 taxes (filed in 2025), the standard deduction increased, and the income thresholds for credits shifted upward. The Child Tax Credit remains at $2,000 per child, and the EITC amounts are similar to 2024, but the income ranges that may have access to have moved.
No major new refund or payment program launched for 2025. The tax code works the same way it has for years: you file a return, claim the credits and deductions you are may have access to to, and the IRS processes your refund or bill accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the IRS send me money if I do not file a tax return?
No. The IRS does not send refunds or credits without a filed return. If you are owed a refund or may have access to to a credit, you must file your 2024 tax return to receive it. You have until April 15, 2025, to file for 2024 taxes, though you can request an extension.
Is there a way to get my refund faster than 21 days?
No. The IRS processes refunds in the order they are received. Direct deposit is faster than a mailed check, but the processing time is the same. Paying a tax preparer or software company extra for "fast refund" or "refund advance" does not speed up the IRS; it only costs you money.
What if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?
If you owe taxes, you can pay in full by the filing important date, or you can set up a payment plan with the IRS. You can pay online at irs.gov, by phone, or by mail. If you cannot pay in full, the IRS offers short-term extensions and installment agreements.
Can I claim a tax credit if I did not work all year?
It depends on the credit. The EITC requires you to have earned income during the year, but the amount can be small. The Child Tax Credit does not require you to work. Other credits have different rules. File your return and claim the credits you think you may have access to for; the IRS will accept or reject each one based on your situation.
Is there a government program giving out money in 2025 that is not tax-related?
Yes, but it is not run by the IRS. Other federal agencies offer grants, information programs, and benefits based on income, disability, age, or other factors. These are separate from taxes. You can search for programs at benefits.gov or contact your local social services office to learn what may be available in your area.