'Stimulus Checks' 2026: State Tax Rebates and Property Relief
State 'stimulus checks,' tax rebates, and other payments are on their way to eligible residents in some states. Is your state one of them?
While federal pandemic-era stimulus checks are a thing of the past, 2026 brings some financial relief at the state level.
From Oregon’s $1.4 billion "Kicker" to New Jersey’s $6,500 unified property tax relief, many states are finding ways to return surplus cash to residents.
Here's more of what you need to know.
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IRS Payments
IRS stimulus checks?
The IRS has essentially wrapped up its distribution of $1,400 stimulus payments for unclaimed tax credits by automatically issuing up to $1,400 per taxpayer to approximately 1 million people.
Those individuals missed claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
As of January 1, 2026, the window to claim unclaimed stimulus has closed. Focus has now shifted to tax changes in the Trump/GOP 2025 tax bill and proposed so-called "tariff dividends."
For more information, see Kiplinger's report IRS Sending Up to $1,400 to One Million People: Are You Eligible?
Tariffs
Trump $2,000 stimulus check coming soon?
- President Trump has proposed a $2,000 "tariff dividend" for 2026.
- Economists widely criticize the dividend proposal as impractical.
An idea floated last year was that millions of U.S. workers could receive new “stimulus checks” (tax rebates) funded by revenue from President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
President Trump has floated a $2,000 “tariff dividend” to be funded by new import tariffs, sparking heated debate.
Economists widely criticized the idea as impractical, arguing that tariff revenues could not cover such costs and warning that the plan would likely increase prices for everyday Americans, thereby undermining any potential benefits.
However, on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down many of the Trump administration's tariffs as illegal. So any notion of tariff dividends has dwindled as the focus is now on "tariff refunds" for importers who paid tariffs, not consumers.
For more information, see: Are New Trump $2,000 Payments Coming?
State Tax Rebates
Special state payments in 2026
Getting back to this year's special state payments, the eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and delivery timelines differ from state to state.
Here's a breakdown of some states issuing rebate payments and “stimulus checks.”
Colorado TABOR Refunds
- Colorado TABOR refunds are paid from a $1.7 billion surplus.
- Due to potential legislative changes, future TABOR payments could decrease.
Colorado TABOR refunds (also known as "Cash Back" payments) are being sent to eligible Coloradans (age and residency rules apply) who filed a Colorado income tax return for a specified year or applied for a Colorado property tax/rent/heat credit (PTC) rebate. The amount depends on your filing status on your applicable Colorado state tax return.
TABOR payments are based on whether the state exceeds a certain surplus revenue threshold.
For Colorado taxes in general, see Kiplinger's Colorado Tax Guide.
2026 Update: The "Cash Back" program remains active, but the 2026 payout is significantly lower due to slowing revenue growth. Expect payments between $41 and $137 per filer this year. If you filed your 2024 return on time, these payments will arrive via check or direct deposit throughout the first half of 2026.
Florida Property Tax Rebate
- Florida is considering a proposal for a $1,000 property tax rebate for homeowners' school levies.
- This proposal is still in the legislative pipeline and would not help renters.
Florida is considering a significant property tax relief proposal. If approved, homeowners could receive $1,000 rebates on school levies, benefiting about 5.1 million households.
Note: This plan is still in the legislative pipeline, so it's uncertain.
However, critics argue it might not help renters or those without property, but advocates, including Gov. Ron DeSantis see it as a big win for homeowners if passed.
Stay tuned for more from Kiplinger on this developing story.
Georgia Tax Rebates
- Georgia issued $250–$500 tax rebates in 2025 based on filing status.
- Payments were automatically processed for eligible filers and funded by the state’s $11 billion surplus.
Georgia issued $250-$500 tax rebates last year, marking the third consecutive year of direct relief. The state legislature approved House Bill 112, which offers $250 for single filers, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for married couples.
Gov. Brian Kemp supported the measure, citing Georgia's $11 billion surplus as the funding source. The rebates are part of a broader tax-cutting agenda, including a reduction in the income tax rate to 5.19% for 2025, down from 5.39%.
For more information on the rebates, see: Georgia Surplus Tax Refunds.
2026 Note: After three years of one-time surplus checks, Georgia has pivoted to permanent relief.
As of January 1, 2026, the state’s flat tax rate has dropped to 5.19%. While no "one-time" stimulus check is currently scheduled for 2026, the $11 billion surplus is being used to accelerate these rate cuts, effectively increasing your take-home pay in each paycheck.
Related: Georgia Has a New Income Tax Rate
Michigan Working Famlies Tax Credit
- Over 700,000 families received checks averaging $550 from the expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit (EITC).
- The Michigan EITC will be automatically calculated and included in the taxpayer's regular refund.
Michigan tax credit checks have been sent to more than 700,000 families since the state’s expanded working families tax credit became effective two years ago. The rebate checks are based on previous state tax returns and differ from any Michigan state tax refund that eligible residents receive for a given tax year.
The payments are due to an expansion of Michigan's earned income tax credit (Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families, also called the Working Families Tax Credit) and were expected to average $550 per family.
To qualify, individuals must have earned income, meet federal EITC eligibility criteria, and file both federal and state tax returns.
As Kiplinger reported, state officials previously expected the process to take up to six weeks.
Update: As of January 1, 2026, the 15% expansion of the Working Families Tax Credit is fully integrated into the tax system. So eligible residents will automatically receive this relief as part of their standard state tax refund.
State officials say the credit has already made a tangible impact, with over 653,000 recipients benefiting in the past year, averaging $836 each.
For more information, see: Michigan Tax Credit Checks
New Jersey
- New Jersey's ANCHOR Program (property tax relief) is revamped via the PAS-1 application for easier filing.
- The combined application allows eligible residents to claim up to $6,500 in total property tax benefits.
New Jersey's ANCHOR Program is getting a revamp. The new PAS-1 application combines ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and StayNJ benefits into one form, making it easier for eligible residents to claim up to $6,500 in combined relief.
Related: What's Going on With New Jersey Property Tax Relief Programs?
Update: As of January 2026, the new PAS-1 application is live. This single form allows seniors and disabled residents to apply for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ all at once.
Notably, the first quarterly installments of the Stay NJ benefit (which provides up to $6,500 in total property tax relief) are scheduled to begin mailing on February 9, 2026. The deadline to file the PAS-1 for this cycle is November 2, 2026.
New York Tax Relief
- New York Inflation Relief payments have concluded.
- New York offers families other targeted tax relief for 2026.
One-time New York inflation relief checks issued in late 2025 have concluded.
For more information, see: New York Inflation Relief Checks: What to Know.
For 2026, New York’s primary relief comes via the expanded Empire State Child Credit. Under the new budget, families can receive up to $1,000 per child under age four and $500 for older children.
Additionally, the STAR program continues to provide approximately $2.3 billion in property tax relief; ensure you are registered by the March deadline to receive your 2026 credit.
New York's School Tax Relief Program (STAR) is in progress. Under this property tax relief program, some eligible homeowners can expect to receive hundreds of dollars in relief.
- As Kiplinger reported, STAR is essentially two programs rolled into one: Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR (E-STAR). Both provide school district property tax relief but with different eligibility requirements.
- New York state officials estimate the tax reduction per household will be about $290 for Basic STAR and $650 for E-STAR.
- It's important to note that STAR and E-STAR program relief comes in the form of a tax exemption or tax credit.
For more information, see New York School Tax Relief Checks.
Oregon Kicker Tax Credit
- The Oregon "kicker" tax credit is returning state surplus revenue in 2026.
- The credit is applied to increase state tax refunds or reduce tax liability.
Oregon's unique "Kicker" credit is back for the 2026 tax season. Because state revenues exceeded forecasts by more than 2%, a massive surplus is being returned to taxpayers.
Look for this as a tax credit on your 2025 state return (filed in early 2026), which will either reduce your tax bill or increase your refund significantly.
While many Oregonians welcome the “kicker” as a windfall, some economists worry this recurring rebate leaves state budgeting unpredictable. Some policymakers are calling for more accurate forecasting to protect funding for essential services.
Pennsylvania Rebates and Credits
- The expanded Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate program offers a maximum of $1,000 for eligible residents.
- Eligibility has an income limit for homeowners and renters (excluding 50% of Social Security benefits).
Gov. Shapiro’s historic expansion remains in effect for 2026.
Eligible seniors (65+), widows/widowers (50+), and people with disabilities (18+) can now apply for rebates of up to $1,000 on property taxes or rent paid in 2025.
Thanks to a new cost-of-living adjustment, the income limit has increased to $48,110 for 2026.
Applications are open now and must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
To be eligible for a payment under the recently expanded Pennsylvania's "Property Tax/Rent Rebate" program, you must be at least 65 years old, a widow(er) at least 50 years old, or a person with disabilities at least 18 years old.
There's also an annual income limit: $45,000 for homeowners and $45,000 for renters (50% of your Social Security benefits are excluded).
The standard Pennsylvania rebate amount depends on your income and whether you own or rent your home.
To date, funding has been available to allow all who qualify to benefit from the program.
For additional information on Pennsylvania taxes, see our Pennsylvania Tax Guide.
Related: Pennsylvania Rebate Checks: What You Need to Know
Also: the new "Working Pennsylvanians" Tax Credit is a brand-new refundable credit for workers with low- to moderate-income
Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), it provides an additional 10% match of your federal credit.
Eligible residents can receive up to $805 automatically when filing their 2025 state tax return (PA-40) this spring.
Related
- State Tax Changes to Know for 2026
- Three Critical Tax Changes Could Boost Your Paycheck
- Frugal Habits People Are Using to Save Money This Year
