Federal stimulus checks are a thing of the past. All stimulus payments issued around the COVID-19 epidemic have since been issued, and there aren’t any initiatives currently to issue new ones anytime soon.
In 2025, there were rumors and talks of a $2,000 “tariff dividend” for 2026, something that was floated by Donald Trump that has received wide criticism from many as impractical.
There’s no update about this, and the U.S. Supreme Court even ruled in February that Trump had no legal authority to issue these tariffs in the first place.
However, some states across the nation have started issuing or formulating plans for special state-level economic payments. These payments, which are commonly issued as rebates or tax credits, can sometimes be called “stimulus” by residents.
Here’s what to know about the status of some of these special state-issued payments.
Colorado TABOR Refunds: What to Know About 2026 “Cash Back” Payments
Colorado residents may be able to receive extra money from the state through something known as a TABOR refund. These payments are sometimes called “Cash Back” checks, and they are sent out when the state collects more tax revenue than it is legally allowed to keep.
If you live in Colorado and filed a state tax return, you may qualify. Here’s how it works and what to expect in 2026.
What Is a TABOR Refund?
TABOR stands for the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, a Colorado law that limits how much revenue the state can collect and spend each year.
When state revenue goes above that legal limit, the extra money must be returned to taxpayers. Instead of keeping the surplus, Colorado sends refunds directly to eligible residents.
In simple terms, if the state collects more than it’s allowed to, taxpayers get a share of the difference.
Who Can Get It?
Not everyone automatically qualifies. To receive a TABOR refund, you must:
- Be a Colorado resident for the qualifying tax year
- Meet age and residency requirements
- File a Colorado state income tax return for the specified year
Some residents may also qualify if they applied for the Colorado Property Tax, Rent, and Heat Credit (PTC) rebate.
Your refund amount depends on the filing status you used on your Colorado tax return. For example, single filers and joint filers may receive different amounts.
How Much Is The Rebate?
The exact payment varies from year to year. It depends on:
- How much surplus revenue the state collected
- Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
- Whether you filed on time
Due to slower revenue growth, refunds for 2026 are expected to range between $41 and $137 per filer.
If you filed your 2024 Colorado state tax return on time, your payment should be issued automatically. You do not need to apply separately.
Payments will be sent by direct deposit if that’s how you received your tax refund. Otherwise, you can receive a paper check if direct deposit information is not available
Georgia Tax Rebates and Income Tax Cuts: What Residents Should Know
Over the past few years, Georgia taxpayers have received direct rebate checks as part of the state’s effort to return surplus funds. In fact, last year marked the third straight year that eligible residents received one-time tax relief payments.
In 2026, the approach is shifting. Instead of sending out another round of rebate checks, Georgia is focusing on permanent income tax cuts. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and what it means going forward.
Georgia’s Recent Rebate Checks
Last year, Georgia lawmakers approved House Bill 112, which authorized direct payments to eligible taxpayers. The rebates were structured based on filing status:
- $250 for single filers
- $375 for heads of household
- $500 for married couples filing jointly
These payments were possible because Georgia reported a large budget surplus. Governor Brian Kemp supported the plan, pointing to the state’s $11 billion surplus as the funding source.
Income Tax Cuts
Alongside the rebate checks, Georgia also began reducing its state income tax rate.
For 2025, the income tax rate dropped to 5.19%, down from 5.39%. That reduction became effective as part of a long-term plan to lower taxes statewide.
Lowering the income tax rate means:
- Less money withheld from paychecks
- Smaller overall tax bills for many residents
- Ongoing savings instead of one-time payments
Rather than issuing temporary relief each year, state leaders signaled a move toward permanent tax reductions.
2026 Update: No New Stimulus Check Planned
As of January 1, 2026, Georgia’s flat income tax rate officially stands at 5.19%.
At this time, there is no new one-time rebate or stimulus check scheduled for 2026. Instead, the state is using surplus funds to continue accelerating permanent tax rate cuts.
This shift means taxpayers may not see a lump-sum payment this year, but they should notice slightly larger take-home pay in each paycheck due to lower tax withholding.
Michigan Working Families Tax Credit
Michigan’s credit is based on the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. The federal program is designed to support low- to moderate-income workers by reducing the amount of taxes owed and, in many cases, providing a refund.
Michigan expanded its own version, often called the Working Families Tax Credit, to increase the benefit for qualifying residents.
Because of that expansion, more than 700,000 Michigan families have received tax credit payments. These checks were separate from regular state tax refunds, and the average payment was initially expected to be around $550 per family.
These payments were based on prior tax returns and issued as additional relief.
2026 Update: No More Separate Checks
As of January 1, 2026, the system has been streamlined. The expansion of Michigan’s Working Families Tax Credit is now fully integrated into the state’s tax system. That means eligible residents will no longer receive a separate paper check.
Instead, the credit will be included automatically in their standard Michigan state tax refund when they file in the spring.
In other words:
- No separate waiting period
- No additional payment process
- The credit will be built directly into your refund calculation
New Jersey Property Tax Relief
New Jersey recently introduced a combined application called PAS-1, which brings several popular tax relief programs together into a single form.
For seniors and disabled residents in particular, this update could simplify the process and increase access to thousands of dollars in potential benefits. The new form is designed to combine three major property tax relief programs into one streamlined application:
- ANCHOR Program
- Senior Freeze
- Stay NJ
Instead of filling out separate paperwork for each program, eligible residents can now apply for all three at once using the PAS-1. This update can reduce confusion and paperwork, especially for older residents who previously had to manage multiple applications and deadlines.
How Much Relief Is Available?
Through the combined programs, eligible residents may be able to qualify for up to $6,500 in total property tax relief.
Each program works a little differently:
- ANCHOR provides direct property tax relief payments to homeowners and renters.
- Senior Freeze reimburses eligible seniors and disabled residents for property tax increases above a set base year amount.
- Stay NJ offers additional property tax relief, with benefits that can total up to $6,500 when combined with other programs.
The exact amount you receive depends on factors such as income, residency, age, disability status, and property tax payments.
Payment Schedule
The first installments of the Stay NJ benefit are scheduled to begin mailing in February 2026. Instead of waiting for a single lump-sum payment at the end of the year, qualifying residents may receive benefits in installments.
If you plan to apply for this cycle, the filing deadline for the PAS-1 form is November 2, 2026.
Missing the deadline could delay or reduce your eligibility for that payment cycle, so it’s important to apply on time.
New York Child Credits and Property Tax Savings
New York offers the Empire State Child Credit, which offers larger benefits for families with children.
Under the updated rules for this year, families can receive up to:
- $1,000 per child under age four
- $500 per older qualifying child
This credit is designed to help offset the high cost of raising children, including childcare, food, clothing, and housing. Unlike a deduction, a tax credit directly reduces the amount of tax you owe. Depending on your situation, it may also increase your tax refund.
In addition to this, New York also offers help to homeowners through the School Tax Relief Program, commonly known as STAR.
The STAR program is focused on reducing school district property taxes. For many New Yorkers, school taxes make up a large portion of their annual property tax bill.
The state estimates that STAR will deliver about $2.3 billion in property tax relief overall. If you want to receive your 2026 benefit, it is important to register by the March deadline.
Basic STAR vs. Enhanced STAR
STAR is actually two programs in one:
Basic STAR
Designed for most eligible homeowners, Basic STAR provides a reduction in school property taxes. State officials estimate the average tax reduction is about $290 per household.
Enhanced STAR (E-STAR)
Enhanced STAR is geared toward eligible seniors who meet specific age and income requirements. The estimated average benefit is higher, around $650 per household.
While both programs reduce school district taxes, eligibility rules differ. Income limits and age requirements determine which version you qualify for.
Oregon’s Kicker Credit
The Oregon Kicker is a unique state law that requires excess revenue to be returned to taxpayers. Here’s how it works:
- State economists forecast how much revenue Oregon expects to collect.
- If actual revenue exceeds that forecast by more than 2 percent, the surplus must be refunded.
- The refund is issued as a tax credit on eligible residents’ state income tax returns.
Unlike one-time stimulus checks mailed separately, the kicker shows up directly on your Oregon tax return.
How Will You Receive the Credit?
You won’t receive a separate check in the mail. Instead, the kicker will appear as a credit on your 2025 Oregon state tax return, filed in early 2026.
It will either reduce the amount of state tax you owe or increase your state tax refund. Because it is built directly into the tax return process, there is no separate application required beyond filing your Oregon taxes correctly and on time.
Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebates
Pennsylvania residents who are older, widowed, or living with disabilities may qualify for property tax or rent rebates of up to $1,000 in 2026.
Thanks to a recent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), more people may now be eligible. If you paid property taxes or rent in 2025, this could be an opportunity to receive money back.
You may qualify if you meet one of the following age or disability requirements:
- Age 65 or older
- A widow or widower aged 50 or older
- A person with disabilities aged 18 or older
You must also meet income guidelines to receive a payment. Because of a cost-of-living adjustment, the income limit has increased to $48,110 for 2026.
When calculating income, note that only 50 percent of Social Security benefits are counted. This change may allow additional residents to qualify who were previously just above the cutoff.
Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
In addition to property tax and rent rebates, Pennsylvania recently introduced a brand-new refundable credit for workers. The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
The tax credit provides an additional 10 percent match of your federal EITC. It’s refundable, meaning you can receive money back even if you owe little or no tax
Eligible residents may receive up to $805.
You don’t need to apply separately. If you meet the qualifications, the credit is applied automatically when you file your 2025 Pennsylvania state tax return (PA-40) in the spring.