Millions of Americans may still be eligible for a $1,500 stimulus check from the government, even if they never received it when payments were first issued. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now working to distribute unclaimed funds to qualifying taxpayers, ensuring that no one misses out on the financial relief they were entitled to during the pandemic.
Unclaimed $1,500 Stimulus Payments – Who Qualifies?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government issued three rounds of stimulus payments under the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) program. The third round, authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provided up to $1,500 per eligible individual and $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, with additional amounts for dependents.
However, not everyone who was eligible actually received their payment. Some taxpayers missed out due to errors on their tax returns, missing information, or simply not filing their 2021 tax returns. Now, the IRS has identified around 1 million taxpayers who never claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), making them eligible for this overdue payment.
How the IRS is Sending Out Payments
The IRS began distributing these long-overdue payments in December 2024, and most recipients are expected to receive their funds by late January 2025.
Here’s how the payments will be sent:
✅ Direct Deposit: If you have a bank account on file from your 2023 tax return, your payment will be sent there.
✅ Paper Check: If no bank account is on file, the IRS will mail a check to your registered address.
✅ Notification Letter: Once the payment is issued, recipients will get a confirmation letter from the IRS.
Who is Eligible for the $1,500 Payment?
To qualify for this automatic payment, you must meet the following criteria:
🔹 Filed a 2021 Tax Return: You must have submitted your 2021 tax return but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) blank or mistakenly entered $0.
🔹 Meet the Income Limits:
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Single filers: Adjusted gross income (AGI) of $80,000 or less
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Married filing jointly: AGI of $160,000 or less
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Head of household: AGI of $120,000 or less
Can You Still Claim Your Check if You Haven’t Filed?
If you did not file a 2021 tax return, there’s still time to claim your payment! You must submit your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to receive your $1,500 stimulus check. Even if you normally don’t file taxes due to low income, you should still file a return to claim the payment.
Why is the IRS Sending These Payments Now?
The IRS is making a final push to ensure all eligible taxpayers receive their stimulus money before the deadline to claim expires. This effort is part of a broader initiative to distribute unclaimed tax refunds, including $1 billion in missing tax refunds from previous years.
In addition, there has been buzz about cryptocurrency-based stimulus payments in some discussions, with rumors of $5,000 in DOGE (Dogecoin) checks being issued as part of future economic relief programs. While the government hasn’t confirmed such a program, financial experts suggest keeping an eye on alternative relief measures that could emerge in 2025.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the $1,500 stimulus check?
You are eligible if you filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, and you meet the income limits.
How will I receive my payment?
The IRS will issue payments via direct deposit to your bank account on file or mail a paper check to your registered address.
What if I haven’t filed my 2021 tax return?
You still have time! File your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to claim the payment.
Do I need to take any action if I’m eligible?
No, if you already filed a 2021 tax return and meet the eligibility criteria, the IRS will automatically send your payment.
Could there be more stimulus payments in the future?
While there are no confirmed plans for additional stimulus checks, some discussions around cryptocurrency-based relief programs have surfaced. The IRS and Treasury Department continue to explore various economic relief measures.
If you or someone you know never received their $1,500 stimulus payment, now is the time to check your eligibility. The clock is ticking, and after April 15, 2025, unclaimed payments will no longer be available. Don’t leave money on the table—act now!