December 6, 2025 – “Last day to claim your $2,000 federal deposit before 2025 ends!” – if that’s buzzing in your feeds, you’re amid a massive scam wave hitting families squeezed by 3% higher holiday costs and 2.5% inflation on basics. Viral posts scream IRS deadlines like December 31 for automatic direct deposits – but the IRS has no such program or deadline. No legislation passed, no Treasury funds, no “last day” grabs. Commissioner Danny Werfel: “No new stimulus – delete scam texts.” The trigger? Misinfo on Trump’s November 9 Truth Social tariff “dividend” ($2,000/person from import taxes, excluding high earners) – stalled proposal, mid-2026 at earliest, no 2025 action. Hawley’s bill? No vote. COVID? Closed April 15. FTC: 170K+ scams 2025. Report to phishing@irs.gov. What’s really going on? States paid November (AK PFD, NM rebates); December waves stack $300-$1,700 ($2,000 combos). $72B unclaimed – no “last day,” but deadlines loom for states. This guide fact-checks the hoax, timelines the proposal, and preps real cash.
What’s Really Going On with Federal $2,000 Deposits in 2025? Hoax Alert & Proposal Scoop
The “last day” frenzy? Clickbait from unverified sites claiming December 31 IRS cutoff for $2,000 – pure fiction, no official deadline. IRS: Silent on stimulus – tax tips only. Trump’s tariff dividend? November 9 post exploded: “$2,000/person (not high-income!)” from $195B tariffs FY25 – but $600B round vs. $300B yearly? No. Hawley’s act? Stalled. Bessent: Tax cuts, not checks – mid-2026 maybe. States? Delivered November; December waves no “last day” but apply soon.
Hoax vs. Truth
- Hoax: IRS $2,000 December 31 deadline.
- Truth: 2026 proposal; states December.
Full Eligibility for Federal $2,000 Deposits Proposal: 2026 Rules
No 2025 fed – Trump/Hawley: U.S. residency, SSN, 2024 AGI <$75K single/$150K joint (full; $0 at $100K). Families: +$600/kid, max $2,400 for four. Non-filers: Simple return. SSI/SSDI/VA: Auto if fit. ~123M <$100K.
| Group | Qualifies? (If Passed) | Est. Amount | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singles <$75K | Yes (Full) | $2,000 | 2024 AGI; SSN |
| Families <$150K (4) | Yes (Max) | $2,400 | $600/person + kids |
| $75K-$100K | Partial | $500-$1,500 | Phases out |
| Over $100K | No | $0 | Excluded |
| SSI/SSDI Low-Income | Yes | $2,000 | Auto via records |
Simple IRS Rules for Proposal: SSN, Filing & Phase-Outs
IRS would manage: Valid SSN/ITIN, 2024 return filed (even $0), direct deposit setup. Phase-out: 5%/$1,000 over threshold. Tax-free like EIPs. No state double-dip.
Exact Payment Dates for Proposal: Mid-2026 If Approved, December States Now
No 2025 federal – IRS refunds e-file 21 days. Proposal: Mid-2026 weekly batches, deposit (1-2 days)/check (7-10). Track IRS.gov “Get My Payment.”
Proposal Timeline
- Vote: Early 2026.
- Payouts: Mid-2026.
Legit December State Waves (No “Last Day” – Apply Now)
E-file ASAP; some deadlines Dec 31.
| State | Payment Window | Method | Dec 6 Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska PFD ($1,702) | Dec 18, 2025 | Deposit/check | Residuals for Dec 10 eligibles; 95%+ out |
| New York Rebate | Nov 25-Dec 20, 2025 | Check/deposit | Seniors by Dec 10; 8M waves |
| Pennsylvania Property | Dec 2025-Jan 2026 | Check/deposit | Apply by Dec 31; rolling |
| Colorado TABOR | Dec 1-31, 2025 | Refund/deposit | 2024 filers now |
Prep for Proposal & Claim States: 5 Steps (No “Last Day” Panic)
No federal deadline – but states have Dec 31 apps. 15 mins:
- File 2024 Taxes: Free File (<$79K); dependents max.
- Update IRS/Bank: Routing IRS.gov; SSA benefits.
- Track Proposal: Congress.gov Hawley; senators.
- State Claim: “[State] rebate 2025”; e-file auto.
- Scam Shield: No texts/links; FTC.gov. IRS: 800-829-1040.
VITA: Free filing.
Stack December: $2,000+ Without Feds
States: SS COLA (2.8%, +$56 Jan 2026); LIHEAP ($200-1K heating); EITC ($7,830 2025 taxes). Tariff? $3T decade, $600B/round tough. SNAP: Groceries.