millions of Americans Direct payments of $16,728 to begin in July 2025 – IRS makes it official, millions of Americans are on the list If you’ve been surfing social media this week, you may have seen some tempting posts claiming that “A $16,728 IRS payment will arrive on July 15—are you eligible?”
These captions may sound appealing, but before you get too excited, let’s understand what’s really going on and why you won’t get extra money in your account.
The $16,728 Mystery Explained millions of Americans
This $16,728 figure isn’t some surprise IRS bonus or special payment. Rather, it’s derived from a hypothetical example used by financial newsletters to explain how delaying Social Security payments can increase lifetime payouts.
In this example, a person who waits until age 70 to claim their Social Security benefits rather than starting at age 62 would get about $16,728 more each year.
But here’s the key thing: This money isn’t paid out in a single check. It’s split into 12 monthly payments. So, although the math behind it makes sense, the idea of a big “bonus” arriving in your account this July is completely hypothetical.
What’s really coming from the IRS in July 2025?
Although there are no “secret payments” coming from the IRS, there are still some legitimate refunds and credits being processed:
2024 tax refunds: The IRS is still processing tax returns that were filed after the April deadline. If you e-filed between June 16-30, your refund should arrive between July 4-17. Those who filed paper checks should get their refund between July 11-24.
Interest on delayed refunds: If the IRS takes longer than 45 days to issue a refund, it must add statutory interest. This interest is nominal, calculated at a 7% annual rate, and is added to your refund.
Catch-up stimulus or Recovery Rebate Credit: If you filed before the 2025 deadline and claimed the missed third round of stimulus, it will be included in your regular refund, not as a separate payment.
Clean energy refund: Tax-exempt entities and businesses that applied for clean energy credits under the Inflation Reduction Act will start receiving their refunds, but individual households will not be affected.
So, if you’re expecting a large lump sum, it may be a rumor or a misunderstanding. Double-check the status of your refund using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool or contact a trusted tax expert to confirm.
Legal ways to increase your Social Security benefits
Although you won’t get a magical IRS bonus, there are some strategies that can help you legally increase your Social Security benefits:
A record of 35 earning years: Social Security determines your benefits based on your maximum 35 years of earnings. Missed years are considered zero, so working more years can increase your average earnings.
Increase earnings in later career years: The formula for your Social Security benefit is adjusted according to your recent years of earnings. So, if you earn more in the later years of your career, it can offset lower earnings in the early years, increasing your monthly benefit.
Delay claiming benefits: If you wait until your full retirement age (usually around 66 or 67) to claim benefits, your monthly payment will grow by about 8% each year, until age 70.
Coordinate with a spouse: If you’re married, you can maximize benefits by coordinating your filing strategies. This may help you get a higher payment for a survivor or spouse.
Take care of your taxes: Keep your taxable income below certain limits to avoid paying more taxes on your benefits, which may help you keep more of your monthly payout.
It’s easy to fall for social media posts promising big payouts, but it’s important to be careful not to completely trust these claims.
The IRS hasn’t released any secret or surprise payments in July 2025, and the $16,728 figure is just one example of how delaying claiming Social Security can lead to increased payments over time.
If you want to increase your Social Security benefits, consider these legal strategies that can help you make the most of your rights.
What is the $16,728 IRS payment being discussed on social media?
The $16,728 figure is a misconception. It is derived from an example that shows how delaying Social Security benefits can increase lifetime payments. However, this amount is not a lump sum payment from the IRS, but an increase in monthly Social Security deposits
Will there really be a $16,728 IRS payment in July 2025?
No, there is no $16,728 IRS payment being issued in July 2025. The IRS is processing regular tax refunds for 2024 returns, including interest on delayed refunds and credits such as the Recovery Rebate Credit. No new, one-time payments are being issued.
How can I legally increase my Social Security benefits?
To legally increase your Social Security benefits, you can report earnings for up to 35 years, increase earnings in the final years of your career, delay claiming until your full retirement age, coordinate with a spouse, and manage your taxable income to avoid higher taxes on benefits.