The IRS has officially confirmed that $1,400 stimulus checks will be sent to eligible taxpayers in 2025. These payments are part of unclaimed Recovery Rebate Credits from 2021, with over 1 million Americans expected to receive them. If you missed out on claiming your third stimulus payment, this is your opportunity to get the money you’re owed.
Why Is the IRS Sending Payments Now?
The $1,400 stimulus checks stem from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provided direct payments to eligible individuals and families. However, during a routine IRS review, officials discovered that about one million taxpayers either:
- Failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return
- Incorrectly entered $0 instead of the eligible amount
- Left the field blank due to confusion over eligibility
To correct this, the IRS has automated the process to ensure that those who qualified but never received the payment now get it.
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
The IRS will distribute approximately $2.4 billion in automatic payments. You may qualify if you meet these criteria:
- Single filers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $75,000
- Married couples filing jointly with an AGI up to $150,000
- Qualifying dependents, including children, may receive $1,400 each
- Income phase-out begins at $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for couples
For example, a married couple with two qualifying dependents could receive a total of $5,600.
How to Receive Your Payment
If you qualify, you don’t need to take any action. The IRS will automatically send the payment via direct deposit to the bank account listed on your 2021 tax return. If no bank details are available, a paper check will be mailed to your last known address.
Additionally, the IRS will send a notification letter to confirm that your payment has been processed.
What If You Haven’t Received the Payment?
If you believe you qualify but do not receive the payment, you may need to file a 2021 tax return if you haven’t done so already. The deadline to file is April 15, 2025. Filing is essential even if you had little to no income in 2021.
How to Check Your Payment Status
To verify your eligibility or track your payment:
- Log in to your IRS Online Account
- Navigate to the “Tax Records” section to view previous stimulus payments
- Use the “Where is My Refund?” tool to check payment status
Did Stimulus Checks Contribute to Inflation?
While the COVID-19 stimulus checks were designed to support Americans during economic hardships, some experts argue they contributed to inflation. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen acknowledged that stimulus spending may have played a minor role in rising prices, but emphasized that the payments were necessary to prevent an economic collapse.
Tips to Avoid D.elays and Maximize Your Payment
- Ensure your address and banking information are up to date with the IRS
- File your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025 if you haven’t already
- Keep IRS notifications and payment records for future reference
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to apply for the $1,400 stimulus payment?
No, eligible taxpayers will receive the payment automatically. However, if you haven’t filed a 2021 tax return, you may need to submit one before April 15, 2025.
2. How do I know if I qualify for the payment?
Check your 2021 tax return or log into your IRS account to review previous stimulus payments. If you meet income and residency requirements, you should receive it.
3. Can I receive the payment if I wasn’t required to file taxes in 2021?
Yes, but you may need to file a 2021 tax return before the deadline to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
4. What if I moved since filing my 2021 tax return?
If your bank account information has changed, the IRS will mail a paper check to your last known address. Update your information with the IRS to avoid delays.
5. When will the payments be sent?
The IRS has begun processing payments, and eligible individuals should start receiving them in 2025.
The IRS has made it easier than ever for eligible taxpayers to receive their unclaimed stimulus payments. Don’t miss your chance to claim this financial boost—file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025, if needed. For the latest updates, check your IRS account or visit IRS.gov.