IRS gives chance to apply for $1,400 stimulus payment – know how to claim
If you have not filed your 2021 tax return and have not received the stimulus payment (Economic Impact Payment) or have received less, then you still have a chance to get it. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has clarified that eligible taxpayers can apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit by April 15, 2025. This is a great opportunity for those who were deprived of financial assistance despite their eligibility.
Who will get this payment?
If you are eligible for this credit, then you must meet the following conditions:
- Were eligible for stimulus payment in 2021, but did not receive it.
- Have not filed 2021 tax return yet.
- Must file 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025.
- Must have a valid Social Security number.
- Must fall within the income requirements set by the IRS.
If your 2021 income was low or you were unemployed, you may still be eligible for this credit. The IRS is advising all taxpayers to check their eligibility by logging into their IRS online account.
How to get an automatic refund?
The IRS has identified about 1 million people who did not claim this credit in their 2021 tax returns. For their convenience, the IRS has activated the automatic payment system. This means that in some cases, eligible taxpayers will not need to file any additional documents, and they may receive this payment automatically.
- If you provided bank details in your 2023 tax return, your refund will be received via direct deposit.
- If there are no bank details, the IRS will send a paper check to your registered address.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel confirmed in December 2024,
“We are making sure that eligible people receive their payments automatically, without the need to submit any additional documents.”
If you are in doubt whether you received this payment or not, you can check its information in the Economic Impact Payment section by visiting the IRS online account.
How to claim?
If you have not received the stimulus payment yet or have received a lesser amount, you can still apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
For this, follow these steps:
1. See which year you have to apply for:
- First and second stimulus payment (for 2020) → Have to file 2020 tax return.
- Third stimulus payment (for 2021) → Have to file 2021 tax return.
2. Log in to IRS online account and look for “Economic Impact Payment Information” section.
3. Check the notice sent by IRS:
- Notice 1444: First Stimulus Payment (2020)
- Notice 1444-B: Second Stimulus Payment (2020)
- Notice 1444-C: Third Stimulus Payment (2021)
4. File your tax return before April 15, 2025 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you receive any stimulus money you are owed before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit?
People who did not receive a 2021 stimulus check or received a smaller amount.
What is the deadline to apply for this credit?
The deadline to file tax returns is April 15, 2025.
How much can be received from the Recovery Rebate Credit?
Eligible taxpayers can receive up to $1,400.
How to check if I received a stimulus payment?
Log into your IRS online account and look for details in the Economic Impact Payment section.
Do I have to file an amended tax return for this credit?
No, if you are eligible for an automatic refund, the IRS will process it without an amended return.
Conclusion
If you haven’t filed a 2021 tax return and missed out on a stimulus check, this could be your last chance. The IRS has implemented an automatic payment system, but if you haven’t received the money, file a tax return before April 15, 2025, and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. This could get you an additional amount of up to $1,400, which could improve your financial situation.