Federal stimulus checks may be over, but several states are still offering financial relief in 2026 through tax rebates, property tax assistance, and expanded tax credits.
These programs are not part of a new nationwide stimulus package. Instead, they are state-level initiatives funded through budget surpluses, tax reforms, or targeted relief programs. Depending on where you live, the benefit could come as a direct payment, lower taxes, or a larger refund during tax season.
Here is a closer look at the major state relief programs available in 2026 and how they work.
Federal
The IRS has completed the distribution of most remaining federal stimulus-related payments tied to the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Approximately one million taxpayers previously received automatic payments of up to $1,400 after failing to claim the credit on their 2021 federal tax returns. However, the final deadline to claim any remaining federal stimulus money expired on January 1, 2026.
As a result, financial relief discussions have increasingly shifted toward state-run programs and tax policy changes.
Tariffs
President Donald Trump previously proposed a $2,000 “tariff dividend” that would have used revenue from import tariffs to fund payments to American households.
Supporters argued the proposal could return tariff revenue directly to taxpayers. However, many economists questioned whether tariff collections would be large enough to support nationwide payments. Some also warned that tariffs could increase consumer prices, reducing any potential financial benefit.
The proposal lost momentum after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on February 20, 2026, that several Trump-era tariffs were unlawful. Current discussions are now focused more on possible refunds for importers that paid tariffs rather than direct payments to consumers.
Colorado
Colorado continues issuing TABOR refunds, commonly known as “Cash Back” payments, when state revenue exceeds constitutional spending limits.
Refund amounts in 2026 are lower than in prior years because state revenue growth has slowed. Eligible taxpayers who filed their 2024 Colorado tax returns on time may receive payments ranging from $41 to $137.
Colorado TABOR Refunds
| Filing Status | Estimated Refund |
|---|---|
| Single Filers | $41-$68 |
| Joint Filers | $82-$137 |
Payments are being distributed through direct deposit or mailed checks during the first half of 2026.
Florida
Florida lawmakers are reviewing a proposal that could provide homeowners with up to $1,000 in property tax rebates related to school levies.
Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed support for the plan, which could affect roughly 5.1 million households if approved.
At the same time, critics note that renters would likely not receive any benefit. As of now, the proposal remains under legislative consideration and has not yet been finalized.
Georgia
Georgia has moved away from one-time surplus rebate checks and is now focusing on permanent tax reductions.
The state’s flat income tax rate has been lowered to 5.19%, down from 5.39%.
Previous Georgia Rebates
| Filing Status | Prior Rebate |
|---|---|
| Single | $250 |
| Head of Household | $375 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $500 |
State officials say the lower tax rate is intended to provide ongoing relief by increasing workers’ take-home pay over time.
Michigan
Michigan’s expanded Working Families Tax Credit remains one of the state’s largest tax relief programs for working households.
The credit is tied to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and eligible taxpayers automatically receive the benefit through their state tax refund.
Michigan Working Families Credit
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Benefit | $836 |
| Families Receiving Credit | 653,000+ |
| Qualification | Federal EITC eligibility required |
According to state officials, the expanded credit has provided meaningful support for many lower- and middle-income families.
New Jersey
New Jersey has streamlined several property tax relief programs into a single application called PAS-1.
The combined form allows eligible residents to apply for:
- ANCHOR
- Senior Freeze
- Stay NJ
Qualified seniors and disabled residents may receive up to $6,500 in combined property tax relief.
New Jersey Property Relief
| Program | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ANCHOR | Property tax relief |
| Senior Freeze | Tax reimbursement |
| Stay NJ | Senior property assistance |
The first Stay NJ payments began mailing on February 9, 2026. The filing deadline for this cycle is November 2, 2026.
NewYork
New York’s temporary inflation relief checks ended in 2025, but several tax benefit programs continue in 2026.
Families may qualify for an expanded Empire State Child Credit worth:
- Up to $1,000 for children under age four
- Up to $500 for older children
The STAR and Enhanced STAR property tax relief programs also remain active for eligible homeowners.
STAR Program Estimates
| Program | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|
| Basic STAR | About $290 |
| Enhanced STAR | About $650 |
Applicants must meet income and residency requirements to qualify.
Oregon
Oregon’s “Kicker” tax credit is returning again in 2026 after state revenue exceeded projections by more than 2%.
The surplus, estimated at approximately $1.4 billion, is being returned to taxpayers through a credit claimed on Oregon state tax returns.
Instead of separate rebate checks, the credit either reduces taxes owed or increases state refunds during the filing season.
While many taxpayers welcome the additional refund, some policymakers continue debating whether recurring surplus payments make long-term budgeting more difficult.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate program remains available in 2026.
Eligible applicants include:
- Seniors age 65 and older
- Widows and widowers age 50 and older
- Individuals with disabilities age 18 and older
Pennsylvania Rebate Eligibility
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Seniors | Age 65+ |
| Widows/Widowers | Age 50+ |
| Disabled Residents | Age 18+ |
Qualified residents may receive rebates of up to $1,000 for property taxes or rent paid during 2025.
The income limit increased to $48,110 for 2026 following a cost-of-living adjustment. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
Pennsylvania also provides a state earned income tax credit equal to 10% of the federal EITC, allowing some taxpayers to receive up to $805 in additional relief.
Outlook
Although federal stimulus checks are no longer available, many states continue offering financial assistance through tax rebates, credits, and property tax relief programs. Some programs focus on seniors and homeowners, while others are designed to support working families through expanded tax benefits.
Because each state program has different eligibility rules and deadlines, taxpayers may benefit from reviewing their state’s requirements carefully to avoid missing available relief in 2026.
FAQs
Are federal stimulus checks still available?
No, the deadline expired on January 1, 2026.
How much is New Jersey property relief?
Eligible residents may receive up to $6,500.
What is Oregon’s kicker credit?
It returns surplus state revenue to taxpayers.
Is Florida’s rebate proposal approved?
No, lawmakers are still reviewing the plan.
