State stimulus checks in 2025 are landing in mailboxes and bank accounts across Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, New York, New Jersey and Virginia, though eligibility and amounts vary widely by state and income level.
Why These Payments Exist
Each state has its own justification for cutting checks this year. Alaska's payout comes from oil royalty revenue collected through a fund created in 1976. Colorado's refund traces back to a 1992 voter approved measure called the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, which forces the state to return revenue collected above a set threshold. Georgia and Virginia are refunding taxpayers because of budget surpluses, while New York and New Jersey are targeting relief at inflation and property tax burdens specifically.
Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend
Alaska residents will receive a $1,000 dividend in 2025 from the Alaska Permanent Fund, though the payout changes year to year depending on fund performance. To qualify, a person must have lived in Alaska the previous year and plan to stay indefinitely. There's no minimum age, so even infants born before the qualifying period can collect a check.
Colorado's Shrinking TABOR Refund
Colorado taxpayers got a hefty refund in 2025 for tax year 2024, with single filers earning $329,001 or more receiving up to $565 and joint filers up to $1,130. Looking ahead to 2026, the projected refund tied to 2025 income drops sharply: just $62 for single filers and $124 for joint filers in that same top income bracket. Lower earners receive smaller amounts. The refund is not guaranteed every year since it depends on how much revenue exceeds the state's constitutional cap.
| State | Payment Type | Maximum Amount | Key Eligibility Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Permanent Fund Dividend | $1,000 (2025) | Residency, no minimum age |
| Colorado | TABOR sales tax refund | $565 single / $1,130 joint (2025); $62 / $124 projected for 2026 | Income level, filing status |
| Georgia | Surplus tax refund | $250 single / $500 joint | Timely 2023 and 2024 filings, had tax liability |
| New York | Inflation refund check | $200 single / $400 joint | 2023 income, residency, not a dependent |
| New Jersey (ANCHOR) | Property tax relief | $1,750 (homeowners 65+, lower income) | Age, income, homeowner or renter status |
| Virginia | Tax rebate | $200 single / $400 joint | Had a 2024 tax liability |
Georgia's Third Round of Surplus Refunds
Georgia is sending out its third surplus tax refund, this time worth up to $250 for single filers and $500 for joint filers. The money reflects taxes owed for 2023, meaning residents who had no tax liability that year won't see a check. Filers also needed to submit both their 2023 and 2024 returns on time. Anyone claimed as a dependent in 2023 without earned income is excluded, along with a few other narrower exceptions.
New York's First Ever Inflation Checks
New York is trying something new this year. Governor Kathy Hochul announced in May 2025 that the state would send inflation refund checks starting this fall, funded by extra sales tax revenue the state collected as prices climbed. Single filers can expect between $150 and $200, while married couples filing jointly qualify for $300 to $400. Eligibility hinges on 2023 adjusted gross income, current residency and dependent status. Anyone listed as a dependent on someone else's return is shut out.
New Jersey's ANCHOR Property Tax Relief
New Jersey began issuing ANCHOR payments on September 15, with the state automatically filing applications for many eligible residents. The payout structure leans heavily on age and income. Homeowners 65 or older earning $150,000 or less can receive up to $1,750, while those in the same age bracket earning between $150,000 and $250,000 get up to $1,250. Homeowners under 65 earning $150,000 or less qualify for up to $1,500, dropping to $1,000 for those earning up to $250,000. Renters fare more modestly: up to $700 for those 65 and older, and up to $450 for younger renters. Residency as of October 1, 2024 is required, and the application deadline is October 31, 2025. The state warns that direct deposits can take up to 90 days, and residents can track payment status online using a Social Security number and ZIP code.
Virginia's Rebate and Its Fine Print
Virginia taxpayers began seeing rebates in October 2025 tied to a state revenue surplus, following similar rebates issued in 2022 and 2023. Single filers can get up to $200, joint filers up to $400, but only if they had an actual tax liability in 2024. There's a catch worth knowing: if a taxpayer already owes money to certain government agencies or institutions, the rebate gets applied to that debt first, with only the leftover balance paid out.