Towards the back end of 2024, the IRS announced a major initiative to make up for lost Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) for around 1 million eligible taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new stimulus checks, valued at $1,400 each, are to be paid to eligible individuals who either did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 tax returns or did not file their tax returns at all.
Payments, according to the IRS, will be rolled out starting December 2024 all the way to January 2025. Thus, there is a need for eligible taxpayers to know what are the criteria for eligibility, how the payments will be made, and the steps on how to file for payment in case not received automatically. This article explores $1,400 stimulus checks in 2025 in terms of eligibility, delivery process, and important deadlines to make sure you don’t miss payment.
Why Is the IRS Issuing $1,400 Stimulus Checks in 2025?
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered three rounds of Economic Impact Payments, also called stimulus checks, sent to Americans in 2020 and 2021. These payments were part of the federal government’s response to ease the financial hardship suffered by individuals and families affected by the pandemic.
However, due to various reasons, millions of eligible taxpayers did not receive the full or partial payment during the previous stimulus rounds. This primarily included:
Non-filers who did not submit a 2021 tax return.
Taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 tax return despite being eligible.
Recognizing this gap, the IRS has taken action to ensure that all eligible taxpayers who were overlooked during the earlier rounds will now receive a $1,400 stimulus payment in January 2025.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check in 2025?
The $1,400 stimulus check is not a new payment but rather a recovery payment for individuals who:
Did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 tax return.
Did not file a tax return in 2021, hence missing out on the original stimulus payments.
Eligibility Breakdown
1. Taxpayers Who Didn’t Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)
The Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) was introduced as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to ensure that taxpayers who did not receive their full stimulus payments could claim the balance on their 2021 tax return.
However, many taxpayers:
- Left the RRC section blank on their tax return.
- Entered $0 despite being eligible for the payment.
- As a result, these individuals missed out on the $1,400 stimulus check. The IRS is now automatically distributing these payments to eligible taxpayers who failed to claim the credit.
2. Non-Filers for the 2021 Tax Year
Another group eligible for the $1,400 stimulus check are individuals who:
Did not file a tax return in 2021.
Had little or no income, leading them to believe they were not required to file a return.
Were unaware of their eligibility for the stimulus payments.
The IRS has now extended the deadline to file a 2021 tax return until April 15, 2025, allowing these individuals to claim their Recovery Rebate Credit and receive their stimulus payment.
How Will the $1,400 Stimulus Check Be Distributed?
The IRS began distributing the $1,400 stimulus checks in December 2024, with most payments expected to reach taxpayers by late January 2025. The method of payment will depend on the taxpayer’s information available with the IRS.
1. Direct Deposit
For taxpayers who provided bank account information on their 2021 tax return, the IRS will automatically deposit the $1,400 stimulus check into their bank account. This is the fastest method of receiving the payment.
2. Paper Checks
Taxpayers who did not provide banking information or had incorrect bank details will receive a paper check mailed to their last known address on file.
Delivery of paper checks may take longer (up to 3-4 weeks) based on the location and postal service efficiency.
To track the status of the payment, taxpayers can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website.
3. IRS Payment Letter
In addition to the payment, the IRS will send a separate confirmation letter to all eligible recipients confirming that the $1,400 stimulus payment was issued. This letter can be used for tax filing or claim disputes if the payment does not arrive.
What Should You Do If You Haven’t Filed a 2021 Tax Return?
For non-filers or individuals who did not file a 2021 tax return, the IRS strongly recommends filing as soon as possible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) and receive the $1,400 stimulus payment.
Deadline to File
- April 15, 2025 is the final deadline to file a 2021 tax return and claim the stimulus check.
- Even individuals with zero income or minimal income should file to claim their payment.
- How to File a Tax Return
- Visit IRS Free File on the IRS website.
- Use Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) if your income is below $67,000.
- Hire a tax professional if unsure about your filing status.
Why Is This $1,400 Stimulus Check Important?
The $1,400 stimulus payment is expected to offer critical financial relief to over one million taxpayers who were previously overlooked during the pandemic-era stimulus rounds. These funds can be used to:
- Pay rent or mortgage payments.
- Cover utility bills or groceries.
- Reduce outstanding debts.
- Moreover, by issuing these payments, the IRS aims to ensure that no eligible taxpayer is left behind in receiving the financial assistance they were entitled to under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Summary of the $1,400 Stimulus Payment
Aspect Details
- Payment Amount Up to $1,400 per eligible individual
- Eligibility Criteria – Did not claim Recovery Rebate Credit on 2021 tax return.
- Did not file a 2021 tax return.
- Distribution Timeline December 2024 – January 2025
- Distribution Methods Direct Deposit or Paper Check
- Action Required No action for filers.
- Non-filers must file by April 15, 2025
- Notification Separate letter from the IRS confirming the payment
- What Should You Do Next?
If you believe you’re eligible for the $1,400 stimulus check but haven’t received it yet, here’s what you should do:
Check Your 2021 Tax Return: If you did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), you may still qualify.
File a 2021 Tax Return: If you did not file in 2021, you have until April 15, 2025 to claim the payment.
Track Your Payment: Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website to track your payment status.
Contact the IRS: If your payment doesn’t arrive by January 2025, contact the IRS for assistance.
Final Thoughts
The IRS’s 2025 $1,400 stimulus payments are crucial for over one million Americans who did not receive their initial Economic Impact Payments. If you missed out on the Recovery Rebates Credit due to an unfiled tax return, do not despair. You still have the time to apply for your payment. File your 2021 tax return and claim your stimulus payment before April 15, 2025.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the $1,400 stimulus check in 2025?
Individuals with low to moderate income, senior citizens, SSI, SSDI recipients, and families with dependents may qualify.
2. When will the $1,400 stimulus check be distributed in 2025?
The distribution is expected to start in early 2025, with direct deposits happening first, followed by paper checks.
3. How can I claim my $1,400 stimulus check?
Eligible recipients can file their tax returns, ensure updated bank details, or visit the IRS portal to claim their payment.
4. Will I receive the payment if I don’t file taxes?
Yes, non-filers such as SSI, SSDI, VA beneficiaries, or low-income individuals may still qualify and receive the payment.
5. Where can I check the status of my $1,400 stimulus payment?
You can check your payment status using the IRS “Get My Payment” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app.