No, the federal government isn’t sending out a new stimulus check—but don’t tune out just yet. If you live in the right state and filed your 2023 taxes, you could still be getting up to $1,600 in your mailbox or bank account in 2025. That’s right—several U.S. states are launching their own inflation relief and rebate programs, and some are handing out real cash to millions of residents.
So, What’s This $1,600 Check All About?
While it’s not a federal stimulus check like the ones from 2020 and 2021, states like Colorado, New York, California, and Pennsylvania are using leftover budget surpluses, tax law provisions, or inflation relief funds to send out one-time payments. These programs vary by state but are automatic in many cases, meaning there’s no need to apply or jump through bureaucratic hoops.
One of the biggest 2025 relief programs is happening in Colorado, where residents can get up to $1,600 just for having filed a 2023 state income tax return.
Let’s Break It Down by State
Colorado: Up to $1,600 via TABOR Refunds
Colorado’s refund comes from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), which requires the state to return excess tax revenue to its residents.
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Joint filers: up to $1,600
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Single filers: up to $800
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No need to apply—if you filed your 2023 Colorado tax return by April 15, 2025, you’re already in the system.
Checks are expected to go out in late summer or early fall.
New York: Automatic Inflation Checks ($150–$400)
As part of its 2025–26 budget, New York State is sending out rebate checks ranging from $150 to $400 based on household income and tax filing status.
These are automatically calculated from your 2023 state tax return—no paperwork required, just make sure your address is up to date.
California: Final Golden State Stimulus + Energy Rebates
While California’s Golden State Stimulus officially ended in 2023, some final rounds of energy bill relief credits—worth up to $725—are still being distributed in 2025. These are aimed at low- and middle-income households and appear automatically as bill credits or debit card deposits.
Pennsylvania: Property Tax and Rent Rebates Up to $1,000
Pennsylvania expanded its Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program this year, offering up to $1,000 for:
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Seniors (65+)
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Widows/widowers (50+)
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People with disabilities (18+)
Applications are required, but eligibility is income-based, and most payouts begin in mid-2025.
What You Need to Do
In most cases, if you filed your 2023 state income tax return, you’re good to go. Here’s your quick checklist:
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Make sure you filed state taxes for 2023
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Verify your mailing address and direct deposit info
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Watch for updates from your state’s Department of Revenue or Taxation
You can check your payment status on your state’s official .gov website. Avoid clicking on random links or responding to texts promising money—many scam sites are falsely advertising a “$1,600 federal stimulus”, which doesn’t exist.
Final Takeaway
These aren’t nationwide checks, but they are real relief payments. Whether you’re in Colorado hoping for a $1,600 rebate, in New York counting on $400, or in Pennsylvania applying for a property tax rebate, it’s all about what your state is doing to help with inflation and high costs in 2025.
There’s no blanket stimulus for “everyone,” but if you’re in the right place and meet the income or filing rules, your money could be on the way—automatically.
