Well, a proposal named “DOGE Dividend” in the US talks about giving stimulus checks of up to $5,000 per household to each of the families deemed eligible. It is a proposal to return a part of the government’s savings to the taxpayers. Let’s understand how it works in detail, along with who is eligible.
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What is the $5,000 stimulus check?
This proposal slightly differs from a normal stimulus check. The COVID-19 checks were part of the government’s spending package. But this time, this new $5,000 check is under a different concept. Hence, DOGE Dividend is defined as one part of the savings provided by the government’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) to be given to taxpayers.
What is the DOGE Dividend?
The change was introduced to the DOGE Dividend by James Fishback, CEO of Azoria Investment Firm. He suggests that 20 percent of the total savings made by the DOGE department should flow directly back to the families who paid the tax.
In his own words:
“DOGE is going to save a lot of money in the coming years, some of that should be refunded to the hard-working taxpayers who sent this money to Washington.”
What does the DOGE department do?
DOGE, or Department of Government Efficiency, is a temporary agency formed with the aim of making all of the government more efficient. Its aim is to:
- Reduce government fraud
- Simplify and speed regulations
- Cut down costs
DOGE’s aim is to save $2 trillion a year. Apart from these amazing savings, the department has accomplished many amazing feats, saving more than $150 billion.
What is currently happening with the proposal?
A saving of $160 billion is expected by the DOGE department by 2025. That means an average of $1,000 in savings per taxpayer.
Now, Fischbach and DOGE desire that 20% of this return goes to the people in the form of a $5,000 check. However, this proposition remains a proposition — it will need the green light of Congress and the President to turn into reality.
Elon Musk also said in March 2025 that the ultimate decision rest with Congress over this decision. He said this would benefit the common people as it will reduce government expenditure and affect inflation.
Who will qualify for the check?
The check is not for everyone. Only a family that pays federal taxes—i.e. “net-payers”—is going to qualify for it. This means that those who pay taxes to the government, but do not benefit directly from the government in any way, are the ones who will receive this check.
Eligibility requirements:
- You must pay federal taxes
- People who pay little or no taxes will not be eligible for this check
- This check will go to the whole household and not an individual
- Some Social Security beneficiaries may also be supported as long as they are taxpayers
Will this check be taxed?
That depends on how the government calls it. If it’s called tax “refund,” it won’t be taxable. But if dividend “payment,” then it can actually come after the regular counts of tax based on your income.
According to experts, if this proposal goes through, Congress will have to clarify its tax status.
Is this plan going to become a reality?
Now this is only a proposal. But the backers like DOGE, and Fishback are hopeful it can get implemented shortly. Support from people like Elon Musk and Donald Trump further gives strength to this plan.
Conclusion
This $5,000 new stimulus check can be a huge relief for those families that have been paying taxes in the first place. This kind of scheme hasn’t been seen before when government savings get transferred directly to those who have contributed in the form of taxes.
Although everything is not clear yet, if this passes, it will be a lifeline for those households struggling with inflation and expenses.
FAQs
Q1. What is the $5,000 Stimulus Check?
A. The $5,000 stimulus check, also known as the DOGE dividend, is a proposal to return part of the savings generated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) back to federal taxpayers. The check will be based on savings, not a spending package like past stimulus checks.
Q2. Who qualifies for the $5,000 stimulus check?
A. Only federal taxpayers who are considered “net-payers” will qualify for the $5,000 stimulus check. This includes individuals and households who pay more in taxes than they receive back. Low-income individuals who don’t pay federal income taxes are likely not eligible.
Q3. When will the $5,000 stimulus check be sent?
A. The $5,000 stimulus check is still a proposal. If approved, the payment could be issued in the coming months, but it requires approval from both Congress and the President.