With rising inflation and the cost of living putting pressure on millions of Americans, the IRS is issuing special payments of up to $1,400 to eligible taxpayers. This payment is part of the Recovery Rebate Credit, a refundable tax credit linked to the Covid-19 stimulus payments.
If you missed out on this credit in your 2021 tax return, you might still have a chance to claim it—but time is running out.
Who Qualifies?
The IRS is automatically issuing payments to taxpayers who:
Filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Were eligible for the Economic Impact Payments (EIP) but either left the credit field blank or incorrectly entered $0.
If you fall into this category, you don’t need to do anything—the IRS has already identified eligible recipients and is processing payments.
However, if you never filed a 2021 tax return, you may still be eligible. The IRS states that individuals must file a return to claim the credit, even if they had little or no income.
How and When Will Payments Arrive?
The IRS is distributing payments via:
- Direct deposit (if a bank account was provided on your 2023 tax return).
- Paper checks sent to the mailing address the IRS has on file.
While an exact timeline hasn’t been set, the distribution is expected to be completed by January 2025.
Last Chance to Claim the $1,400 Refund
If you never filed a 2021 tax return, you still have time to submit a return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS has set a final deadline of April 15, 2025, for taxpayers to file and claim their payment.
To qualify, you must:
File a 2021 tax return (even if you had no income).
Ensure you properly claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
File before the April 15, 2025 deadline.
What to Do Now
Check if you received all three stimulus payments. If you missed the third round of EIP, you may qualify for the $1,400 credit.
Review your 2021 tax return. If you left the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or entered $0 incorrectly, the IRS is automatically correcting it for you.
File a 2021 tax return if you haven’t already. Even if you had no taxable income, you can still claim the credit.
Monitor your IRS account. Visit IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040 for updates.
Millions of Americans are set to receive these payments, but if you never filed a return, don’t miss your last chance—April 15, 2025, is the final deadline to claim your $1,400 refund!
FAQs
Who is eligible for the $1,400 payment?
Taxpayers who qualified for the 2021 stimulus but didn’t claim it.
Do I need to take action to get my payment?
No, if you filed in 2021 but missed the credit, the IRS is processing it.
What if I never filed a 2021 tax return?
You must file before April 15, 2025, to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
How will I receive my payment?
By direct deposit if on file, otherwise by check mailed to your address.
Where can I check my eligibility?
Visit IRS.gov or call 1-800-829-1040 for more details.
