Many taxpayers are in for a pleasant surprise as the IRS begins issuing automatic $1,400 stimulus payments to individuals who missed out on claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible or how to track the payment, here’s what you need to know.
Why Are Payments Being Sent Now?
The $1,400 stimulus payments were part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) sent during the pandemic. While most people received their payments automatically in 2021, some eligible taxpayers missed out because they didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
To correct this, the IRS has started sending out the payments automatically—no need to file an amended return. These payments could be a financial lifeline for those who didn’t realize they were eligible.
Who’s Eligible for the $1,400?
The payments are for individuals and families who qualified for the third stimulus but failed to claim it properly. Each person can receive up to $1,400, and families may get additional payments for qualifying dependents.
If you filed a 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the credit correctly, the IRS may have flagged you for automatic payment.
How to Check Your Payment Status
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Log Into Your IRS Online Account
The easiest way to see if you’re getting the payment is to check your IRS online account. Under the “Tax Records” section, you’ll find details of your Economic Impact Payments. -
Look for IRS Notices
The IRS has sent several notices regarding stimulus payments, including:- Notice 1444-C: Confirming the third stimulus payment
- Letter 6475: Sent in early 2022, detailing the exact amount you received (or should have received)
If you didn’t get either notice, you can still find this information through your IRS account or by contacting them.
- Contact the IRS If Necessary
If you’ve checked your account and reviewed any notices but still have questions, you can call the IRS directly. Keep in mind that phone lines may be busy, so you’ll need to be patient.
When Can You Expect the Payment?
The payments are being sent via direct deposit or as paper checks, depending on how you received past refunds. Many recipients should have already seen deposits hit their accounts in late January 2025, but the rollout will continue over the next few weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re eligible but haven’t received your payment yet, don’t panic. Double-check your eligibility using the steps above. For those still waiting, keeping track of updates from the IRS and monitoring your bank account can help ensure you don’t miss out on this important financial relief.
The IRS is making these automatic payments to help ensure no one misses out on the support they’re entitled to—and $1,400 could make a big difference for many families.
