The IRS has confirmed that approximately 1 million Americans who failed to claim their 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) will receive a final stimulus payment of up to $1,400 in 2025. These payments were expected to be sent throughout December 2024 and arrive by late January 2025 for most eligible taxpayers. If you haven’t received your payment yet, it should arrive within the next two weeks at the latest.
The IRS estimates that these final payments will total $2.4 billion, providing much-needed financial relief to eligible taxpayers. Those who did not file a 2021 tax return but believe they qualify still have time—the deadline to claim the credit is April 15, 2025.
Who Will Receive the 2025 IRS Stimulus Check?
Most eligible taxpayers have already claimed their 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. However, the IRS identified a large group of people who missed out on this benefit. The stimulus payments will be sent to the bank account or mailing address listed on recipients’ 2023 tax returns.
Additionally, the IRS will send a letter confirming the payment to each recipient. If your bank account has changed, the payment will be mailed as a paper check to the most recent address on file.
💡 Interesting Fact: The IRS stimulus checks are among the largest direct financial aid payments issued to U.S. residents. Many taxpayers rely on them to catch up on bills, savings, or unexpected expenses.
Eligibility Requirements for the IRS Stimulus Check 2025
To qualify for this final $1,400 payment, taxpayers must meet the following criteria:
✅ Filed (or will file) a 2021 tax return
✅ Earned less than $75,000 as an individual in 2021
✅ Head of household earners must have made $112,500 or less in 2021
✅ Married couples filing jointly must have earned $150,000 or less in 2021
If you meet these conditions but have not yet received your payment, the IRS will automatically issue it as long as you file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025.
IRS Stimulus Check 2025: Latest Updates
📢 What if I haven’t received my check yet?
Most eligible taxpayers should have already received their payment. However, if you haven’t, don’t worry—the IRS is still processing the final batch of payments. Check the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov to verify your payment status.
💳 How will I receive my stimulus check?
-
Direct deposit (if you have a bank account on file)
-
Paper check by mail (if you don’t have a bank account on record or if your direct deposit failed)
📅 Deadline Alert:
If you still haven’t filed your 2021 tax return, you can still claim your stimulus payment. But don’t wait—you must submit your return by April 15, 2025, to be eligible.
Why Are These Payments Being Sent Now?
These stimulus payments are part of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), which was designed to help Americans who didn’t receive their full Economic Impact Payment (EIP) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The IRS discovered that millions of eligible taxpayers had failed to claim the credit, leaving billions of dollars unclaimed. In response, the agency is issuing these final payments to ensure everyone who qualifies receives their stimulus money.
FAQs About the 2025 IRS Stimulus Check
1. What is the purpose of these stimulus payments?
These payments are meant for taxpayers who missed out on the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC). They are essentially a catch-up payment for people who did not receive their full stimulus amount during the COVID-19 relief efforts.
2. How do I check if I qualify?
Visit IRS.gov and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check your payment status. You can also review the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
3. What if my banking information has changed?
If your bank account is no longer active, the IRS will automatically send a paper check to your latest address on file. Make sure your mailing address is updated with the IRS.
4. Will I owe taxes on this stimulus check?
No, the IRS stimulus payments are not taxable. They are considered tax credits and do not count as income.
5. Can I still claim my payment if I haven’t filed my 2021 tax return?
Yes! If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return, you can still claim your stimulus payment by filing it before April 15, 2025.
6. When is the final deadline to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit?
The last day to file and claim the credit is April 15, 2025.
Final Thoughts
If you qualify for the final $1,400 stimulus payment, your money should be arriving this week or next week at the latest. If you haven’t received it yet, check your IRS account online or call the IRS helpline to verify your status.
For those who haven’t filed their 2021 tax return, you still have time—but don’t wait too long! Filing before the April 15, 2025 deadline ensures you don’t miss out on this important financial relief.
📢 Stay informed and check your payment status now! Visit IRS.gov to learn more.