In a surprising move, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced it is sending out special payments of up to $1,400 to approximately one million Americans. These payments are for taxpayers who were eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) but didn’t claim it on their 2021 tax returns.
Many people accidentally left this section blank or entered $0, meaning they missed out on money they were entitled to receive. Instead of making taxpayers go through the hassle of amending their tax returns, the IRS is now automatically sending out the payments.
Who Is Eligible for These Surprise Payments?
You may be eligible for this unexpected stimulus payment if you:
Filed a 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
Were eligible for stimulus checks but didn’t receive the full amount
Are a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a valid Social Security number
Were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
These payments apply to those who met the income requirements and had qualifying dependents in 2021.
When Will You Receive Your Money?
The IRS has already started issuing these payments, and most eligible taxpayers should receive their money by late January 2025. The payments are being sent in one of two ways:
🔹 Direct deposit (if your bank information is on file)
🔹 Paper check (if your direct deposit information is unavailable or outdated)
If your banking details have changed since you last filed your tax return, the IRS will mail a check to your registered address.
What If You Didn’t File a 2021 Tax Return?
If you didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you could still be owed this money! The IRS has extended the deadline for non-filers to April 15, 2025. If you believe you qualified for stimulus checks but never received them, you should file your 2021 tax return as soon as possible to claim your credit.
How to Check If You’re Getting a Payment
To see if you’re on the list, you can:
🔹 Wait for a letter from the IRS, which is being sent to eligible taxpayers
🔹 Check your bank account for a deposit labeled “IRS TREAS 310”
🔹 Monitor your mail for a paper check if you haven’t received direct deposit
Final Thoughts
This unexpected financial boost is a welcome surprise for many Americans who missed out on stimulus checks. If you think you might be eligible, make sure your banking details and address are updated with the IRS. For those who never filed their 2021 taxes, now is the time to do it before the April 2025 deadline.
