Reports circulating on social media about a new $4,983 federal relief payment are false.
As of October 2025, there is no federal law, Treasury authorization, or IRS announcement approving any new direct payments or stimulus checks of that amount.
No Record of a $4,983 Relief Program
Neither the U.S. Department of the Treasury nor the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has published any statement, funding notice, or press release confirming such a payment.
You can verify this directly through official sources:
- IRS Newsroom: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom
- Treasury Department Press Releases: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases
- Congressional Legislation Tracker: https://www.congress.gov
No bill, budget allocation, or emergency relief order mentions a $4,983 payment.
If such a program existed, it would require congressional approval, a Treasury disbursement schedule, and publication in the Federal Register—all of which are absent.
Where the Claim Originated
The false claim appears to stem from viral social-media posts and fabricated online news articles.
These posts typically combine legitimate language from past stimulus programs with fake figures and dates to make the claim appear credible.
Some even mimic IRS graphics or reference “May 2025 deposits” to lure readers into providing personal information.
The IRS has repeatedly warned taxpayers about these scams, stressing that it does not contact individuals via text, email, or phone to request banking information or promise relief payments.
What Is Actually Happening
While there is no new $4,983 federal payment, several legitimate financial developments are taking place in late 2025:
- Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): Officially announced each October, with higher benefits starting January 2026.
- State-Level Rebates: Alaska, Minnesota, and a few other states have issued local relief or dividend payments in 2025. These are state programs, not federal.
- Tax Credits: Eligible taxpayers can still claim past Recovery Rebate Credits from the 2020–2021 stimulus programs on prior-year tax returns.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive emails, texts, or social-media messages promising a $4,983 payment:
- Do not click any links or provide personal data.
- Verify information only on official government websites ending in .gov.
- Report scams to the IRS Phishing Center at phishing@irs.gov or through the form at https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing.
- Call the official IRS helpline at 1-800-829-1040 if you need clarification on any payment notice.
FAQs:
Is the IRS really sending out $4,983 direct deposits in 2025?
No. The IRS and U.S. Treasury have issued no announcement or authorization for any $4,983 relief payments. The claim circulating online is false.
Where did this rumor come from?
It originated from misleading social media posts and fake financial news articles that reused language from past federal stimulus programs, attaching new amounts and dates that have no legal basis.
Are any federal relief or stimulus payments planned for 2025?
No new federal payments have been approved. The only automatic adjustments this year come from the Social Security COLA increase for 2026, which begins in January. Any state-level rebates (such as Alaska’s PFD) are local programs, not federal ones.
