$1,400 Stimulus Check IRS Payment
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Who Is Still Eligible For The $1,400 Stimulus Check IRS Payment?
Time is running out for those eligible for the $1,400 stimulus check IRS payment. As previously discussed in a Forbes article, the majority of eligible individuals have already received their payments. However, you might still qualify if you meet two criteria. Firstly, you were eligible for the $1,400 third stimulus check back in 2021. Secondly, you have not yet received the payment—be it as a stimulus check, a payment from the IRS, or a tax credit.
If you’re eligible, you’ll need to file (or amend) a 2021 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and receive your $1,400.
How To Claim The $1,400 Stimulus Check IRS Payment Via The Recovery Rebate Credit
Ensure You File a 2021 Tax Return if You Haven’t Already: It is essential to submit a 2021 Form 1040 (or 1040-SR for seniors) to claim the credit, even if you have minimal or no income and typically do not file taxes. The IRS strongly encourages eligible non-filers to file a return by April 15, 2025, to receive their $1,400 credit. You can file electronically or via paper; if your income is low, consider using IRS Free File for 2021 through designated providers. Remember, April 15, 2025, is the final date; any refunds for 2021 will be claimed forfeited after this date.
Collect Proof of Payments Received (if applicable): When preparing your return, indicate how much (if any) of the third stimulus payment you received to accurately determine the credit. The full amount for most individuals was $1,400. The IRS issued Letter 6475 in early 2022 showing how much was received from the third stimulus. You can also use the IRS Get My Payment tool to verify if you received a stimulus check in 2021. Locate that letter or check your IRS online account to see your records. If it shows you received $0 (or less than expected), you can claim the difference as a credit.
Calculate and Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit: There is a designated line for the Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2021 return. If using tax software, it will prompt you with questions regarding your stimulus payment and assist in calculating the credit. If you were eligible for $1,400 (plus $1,400 for each qualifying dependent) and did not receive it, you can claim that amount as a credit. This credit directly increases your tax refund (or lowers any tax owed) dollar-for-dollar. Most eligible individuals who missed the stimulus will end up with a $1,400 refund check per person upon filing, as the credit is refundable.
Filed 2021 but Missed the Credit? If you submitted a 2021 tax return but accidentally omitted the credit, you have a couple of options. First, if you filed by the end of 2024, check if the IRS rectified this automatically. According to an IRS news release, the agency processed $2.4 billion in January this year for individuals who had filed their 2021 returns but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. However, note that the IRS does not automatically issue payments to those who missed the 2021 stimulus check by not filing a 2021 return.
If you filed your 2021 return and did not receive an automatic payment but believe you should have, you may need to submit an amended 2021 return (Form 1040-X) to correctly claim the credit. The IRS provides guidance on this process, but filing the original return (for non-filers) by the deadline is critical.
Beware of Scams: Be cautious as the IRS will not send text messages or emails regarding claiming stimulus money—any unsolicited message about a 2025 stimulus check is likely fraudulent. To receive your legitimate $1,400, ensure you file an official tax or amended return. Avoid giving personal information or fees to anyone who claims they can process your stimulus.
The Conclusion For Claiming The $1,400 Stimulus Check IRS Payment
After filing, eligible taxpayers should anticipate receiving the stimulus check as part of their tax refund. According to the IRS, any refund (including the Recovery Rebate Credit) can still be issued if you file by the deadline. However, if you miss the April 15, 2025 deadline, you will no longer be able to claim the 2021 credit—the law prohibits the IRS from issuing it after that date. In other words, act quickly, or you will lose your $1,400 permanently.
