As the 2026 tax filing season gains momentum, several states are moving forward with scheduled rebate programs and property tax relief payments. While federal stimulus checks are not currently being issued, many residents can expect direct financial relief through state-level initiatives and the processing of 2025 tax year refunds.
Significant activity is expected throughout February 2026 as state revenue departments distribute surplus funds and property tax credits to eligible households.
New Jersey Stay NJ Program: First-Quarter Payments Begin
The New Jersey Division of Taxation has officially scheduled the distribution of the first-quarter payments for the 2024 Stay NJ Program to begin on February 9, 2026. This program provides substantial property tax relief specifically for senior citizens and eligible residents.
Eligible recipients who opted for physical mail will receive their paper checks starting this week. The Stay NJ benefit is paid in four equal quarterly installments throughout the year. To qualify for the current round of payments, residents must meet specific age and residency requirements outlined by the NJ Division of Taxation.
Additionally, the state is mailing the Property Tax Relief Application (Form PAS-1) this month to newly eligible individuals and those who previously filed paper applications for the Senior Freeze and ANCHOR programs.
Internal Revenue Service: 2026 Tax Filing Season Update
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officially opened the 2026 tax filing season on January 26, 2026. Taxpayers are now submitting their 2025 tax returns to claim various federal credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit.
For most early filers who choose direct deposit and have no issues with their returns, the IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days. This means many Americans who filed in late January will see their federal “stimulus” in the form of tax refunds arriving in bank accounts during the first and second weeks of February.
The IRS Newsroom reminds taxpayers that those claiming the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may face a slight delay due to the PATH Act, with these specific refunds generally becoming available in late February.
State-Specific Rebates and Financial Relief
Beyond New Jersey, several other states have active programs or surplus distributions occurring in early 2026.
Georgia Surplus Tax Rebates
Georgia is continuing the distribution of its surplus tax rebates. Eligible residents who filed their 2024 and 2025 state tax returns may receive payments ranging from $250 for single filers to $500 for married couples filing jointly. These payments are automatically issued based on tax data, provided the taxpayer had a tax liability in the previous year.
Pennsylvania Property Tax and Rent Rebate
Pennsylvania’s expanded Property Tax/Rent Rebate program continues to accept and process applications. Eligible homeowners and renters aged 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and people with disabilities aged 18 and older can receive up to $1,000.
Minnesota Child Tax Credit Advance Payments
Minnesota residents who opted for advance payments of the Minnesota Child Tax Credit will see scheduled installments during the 2026 calendar year. While the primary credit is claimed on the state tax return, the advance payment system allows families to receive a portion of the $1,750 per-child credit earlier to assist with monthly expenses.
Disaster Relief Deadlines: New Mexico and Texas
Taxpayers in specific regions of New Mexico and Texas who were impacted by severe storms and flooding in 2025 had their filing deadlines extended to February 2, 2026. For these individuals, the early part of February marks the final window to submit returns and make payments to avoid penalties.
This extension applied to various federal individual and business tax returns, as well as quarterly estimated income tax payments that were originally due in late 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state is sending rebate checks on February 9, 2026?
New Jersey is scheduled to begin issuing the first-quarter Stay NJ property tax relief payments on February 9, 2026.
Are there new federal stimulus checks in February 2026?
No, there are no new federal stimulus checks. Most “checks” received now are standard tax refunds from 2025 filings or specific state-level rebates.
How can I track my state rebate status?
Residents should visit their state’s Department of Revenue website and use “Where’s My Refund” tools, which require a Social Security number and the exact refund amount.
A former Wall Street analyst turned independent advisor, Mike specializes in retirement planning, 401(k) strategies, Social Security optimization, and late-career financial moves for everyday Americans.