The IRS has announced that some Americans may still be eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check under the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you missed claiming this credit on your 2021 tax return, you have until April 15, 2025, to file and receive your payment.
The Recovery Rebate Credit was introduced as part of the Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many taxpayers received their stimulus payments automatically, but some individuals may have missed out due to various reasons, such as filing errors or incomplete tax returns.
The IRS is now making automatic payments to eligible taxpayers who never claimed the credit on their 2021 tax returns.
Who is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
To qualify for full payment, you must meet the following criteria:
- File your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025.
- Meet the income limits set by the IRS.
- Not have received the full amount in previous stimulus payments.
Income Limits for Eligibility
The Recovery Rebate Credit follows the same income limits as previous stimulus checks. Your eligibility depends on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from 2021:
| Filing Status | Full Payment (Income Limit) | Partial Payment (Phase-Out Limit) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Filers | Up to $75,000 | Phase-out begins at $80,000 |
| Married (Joint Filers) | Up to $150,000 | Phase-out begins at $160,000 |
| Head of Household | Up to $112,500 | Phase-out begins at $120,000 |
Dependents Can Also Receive
Unlike previous stimulus payments, dependents—regardless of age—are also eligible for the full $1,400 payment if claimed on a qualifying 2021 tax return.
How Do You Receive the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The IRS has confirmed that no action is needed for eligible taxpayers who have not yet received their payments. The agency is using internal data to identify individuals who overlooked claiming the credit.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stated, “One million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible. To minimize headaches, we’re making these payments automatic.”
If you believe you qualify but haven’t received the payment yet, you can check your status by:
- Visiting IRS.gov and using the Get My Payment tool.
- Reviewing your 2021 tax return to confirm if you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Contacting the IRS if you need further assistance.
Deadline to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check
The deadline to file a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025. If you fail to file before this date, you will lose eligibility for the payment.
Why Is the IRS Sending These Payments Now?
The IRS reviewed its data and found that over one million taxpayers who were eligible never claimed their stimulus payments. The agency is now correcting this oversight by sending payments automatically to those who qualify.
How Much Money is Being Distributed?
The IRS estimates that approximately $2.4 billion in payments will be sent out to eligible taxpayers. Individual payments will vary based on income and filing status, but the maximum amount remains $1,400 per person.
How to Check If You Qualify
If you’re unsure whether you are eligible, you can check your status in the following ways:
- Visit the official IRS website (IRS.gov) and use the Recovery Rebate Credit Eligibility Tool.
- Review your 2021 tax transcript to see if you previously claimed the credit.
- Consult a tax professional for help filing an amended return if needed.
The $1,400 stimulus check offers a second chance for Americans who may have missed out on their Recovery Rebate Credit. If you meet the eligibility criteria and file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025, you can still claim your payment.
To avoid missing out, check your status, review your tax filings, and visit IRS.gov for official updates.