$8700 Stimulus Check 2024: Recent online speculation about a new $8,700 IRS stimulus check has caused confusion among many Americans. Despite widespread social media claims, this purported stimulus payment does not exist. Here’s what you need to know about current tax benefits and how to protect yourself from related scams.
The Reality of Current Tax Benefits
While new COVID-related federal stimulus payments have ended, legitimate tax benefits are still available. The Child Tax Credit remains the primary form of assistance for eligible families in 2024, offering up to $2,000 per qualifying child. This is significantly different from the rumored $8,700 stimulus check.
To qualify for the Child Tax Credit:
- Single filers must earn less than $75,000 annually
- Married couples filing jointly must earn less than $150,000
- Children must:
- Be under 17 years old
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Be claimed as dependents
- Be U.S. citizens or legal residents
- Not be claimed by another taxpayer
Origin of the $8700 Stimulus Check Rumor
The widespread searches for “IRS $8700 stimulus check IRS gov” during summer 2023 reflected growing public interest in potential government assistance. However, IRS spokesperson Robert Marvin has explicitly confirmed that these claims are false and may be part of scam attempts.
These rumors likely gained traction due to:
- Lingering financial hardship from the pandemic
- Memories of previous legitimate stimulus payments
- Widespread sharing of misinformation on social media
- Scammers exploiting public hope for additional government aid
How to Identify Stimulus Check Scams
Scammers are using the false $8,700 stimulus check story to deceive people through various methods:
- Fake social media posts claiming presidential or congressional approval
- Fraudulent emails appearing to be from government agencies
- Deceptive phone calls about stimulus eligibility
- Misleading advertisements on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Historical Context: Legitimate Stimulus Payments
During 2020 and 2021, the U.S. government did issue legitimate Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to help Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments were distributed in three rounds and were officially administered through the IRS. However, this program has concluded, and no new federal stimulus checks are planned.
Current Financial Assistance Programs
While the $8,700 stimulus check is fictional, various legitimate assistance programs exist:
- Standard Child Tax Credit payments
- State-specific relief programs
- Local financial assistance initiatives
- Regular tax credits and deductions
These programs, though different from pandemic-era stimulus payments, continue to provide financial support to eligible Americans.
Protecting Yourself from Stimulus-Related Fraud
To avoid becoming a victim of stimulus check scams:
- Verify information only through official government websites (ending in .gov)
- Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers
- Remember that legitimate government agencies won’t request sensitive information via email
- Be skeptical of social media posts about new stimulus payments
- Check official IRS communications for accurate information about tax credits and payments
The Bottom Line
The rumored $8,700 IRS stimulus check for 2024 is not real. While legitimate financial assistance programs continue through various government channels, they are not related to new COVID-19 stimulus payments. Anyone claiming otherwise may be attempting to scam vulnerable individuals.
For accurate information about available tax credits and legitimate financial assistance, consult the official IRS website or speak with a qualified tax professional. Stay vigilant against scams and verify any claims about government payments through official channels before sharing personal information or responding to unsolicited offers.
