There is good news for US taxpayers! If you have not yet claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return, you can still receive a stimulus check of up to $1,400. This payment is for taxpayers who did not receive the amount given for economic assistance during 2021 or it was not recorded in their records.
Why did the IRS issue new stimulus checks?
In December 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that they will distribute an amount of about $2.4 billion, i.e., up to $1,400 per person, to taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
The IRS found after reviewing internal data that many eligible taxpayers did not file the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns, causing them to miss out on receiving economic assistance. To overcome this shortcoming, the IRS decided to issue this new payment.
What if someone did not file a 2021 tax return?
Those who missed filing tax returns in 2021 still have a chance. According to the IRS, such taxpayers can file their tax returns by April 15, 2025 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
If you do not file tax returns by this date, you will not get the benefit of this stimulus check. So, if you have not filed your tax return till now, complete it soon.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the stimulus check issued by the IRS:
- You must have filed a tax return in 2021 but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit in it.
- You have not filed your 2021 tax return yet, but you will file it before April 15, 2025.
- The Recovery Rebate Credit column on your 2021 tax return is blank or has $0 entered.
If you meet these conditions, you may be eligible for up to $1,400 in aid.
How to check if you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit?
Look at your 2021 tax return and see if the Recovery Rebate Credit column is filled in or blank. If it’s $0 or blank, you may receive a stimulus check from the IRS.
How to get a stimulus check?
If you’ve already filed a 2021 tax return, you don’t need to do anything.
- The IRS begins sending payments automatically in December 2024.
- Eligible taxpayers will receive a letter confirming their payment.
- Payments will be sent by direct deposit or as a paper check.
If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, you must file it before April 15, 2025 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
How much money will you get?
According to the IRS, the maximum amount an eligible taxpayer can get is up to $1,400.
File your tax return as soon as possible!
If you don’t want to miss out on this financial aid, file your 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
This stimulus check is a great opportunity for those who missed out on earlier aid. So, don’t delay and claim your money!
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the $1,400 IRS stimulus check?
A. Taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return or have not yet filed their 2021 tax return.
Q. How can I check if I claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit?
A. Review your 2021 tax return—if the Recovery Rebate Credit field is blank or shows $0, you may be eligible.
Q. Do I need to take any action to receive the stimulus check?
A. If you filed a 2021 tax return without claiming the credit, the IRS will send payments automatically. If not, you must file by April 15, 2025.
Q. How will I receive my stimulus check?
A. Payments will be sent via direct deposit or paper check, and eligible recipients will receive a notification letter from the IRS.
Q. What is the deadline to claim the $1,400 stimulus check?
A. Taxpayers must file their 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to claim the credit and receive their payment.