Stimulus checks gained widespread attention in 2020 due to the pandemic’s devastating impact on jobs, leading to challenges for Americans in managing their household finances. While many forms of pandemic-related assistance ended some time ago, a few states are still providing payments akin to stimulus checks.
In most instances, these payments take the form of property or income tax rebates. States like New Mexico and Montana are able to offer these rebates due to their state budgets showing a surplus, a result of receiving significant pandemic relief funds from the federal government.
Montana saw a surplus of $1.9 billion for the 2022 fiscal year, while New Mexico’s surplus reached an impressive $3.6 billion, according to a report by the Associated Press.
Here are five states where residents might still receive a stimulus-like payment.
Idaho
Idaho intends to distribute approximately 800,000 rebates, totaling up to $500 million, by the end of this year. This announcement was made by state tax officials in October of last year. The Special Session Rebate amounts vary from $300 for individuals filing their state taxes separately, to $600 for families filing jointly. Eligibility is open to anyone who resided in Idaho throughout 2020 and 2021.
Residents awaiting their payments can track them at tax.idaho.gov/rebate.
Illinois
Around six million residents were identified to receive income and property tax rebates, as per an announcement from the state last year. These payments began in September of the prior year, as reported by CBS Chicago. However, it may take several months for all recipients to receive their checks, as mentioned by state tax officials.
The maximum property tax rebate is $300, while the income tax rebate is $50 for individuals filing singly, and up to $100 for couples filing jointly. Families with dependents can receive up to $300.
Massachusetts
State legislators in Massachusetts indicated that approximately 3 million taxpayers would collectively receive around $2.9 billion in tax rebate funds, as reported by CBS News Boston. This amount equated to about 13% of a resident’s state income for 2021.
Residents began receiving their “Chapter 62F” payments in October, and by now, most taxpayers have received their funds. Those who have not yet received payments have until September 15 to file their 2021 state taxes to be eligible.
Montana
Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana announced that homeowners in the state will receive property tax rebate checks amounting to a maximum of $1,350 over the next two years. To qualify, an individual must have lived in or owned a Montana residence for a minimum of seven months during the previous year and have paid property taxes for that residence. Starting from August 15, homeowners can apply for these rebates at getmyrebate.mt.gov. Claims must be submitted by October 1.
New Mexico
Around 26,000 low-income residents of New Mexico began receiving “economic relief” payments of either $500 or $1,000 last month, according to state officials. These stimulus payments, all of which have been disbursed, were part of a $15 million initiative to allocate surplus state funds, as stated by New Mexico’s Human Services Department.
The state of New Mexico also issued separate income tax rebates of $500 or $1,000 to nearly 1 million residents who filed tax returns in 2021. These checks were sent out at the end of June, as reported by state officials. Residents who have not yet filed their 2021 tax returns have until May 31, 2024 to do so in order to receive the rebate check.