Millions of Americans are about to receive an unexpected financial boost. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that it will automatically send payments of up to $1,400 to about one million taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
This move ensures that eligible individuals receive financial relief they may have missed when stimulus checks were initially distributed. The IRS confirmed that these payments will go out by the end of January 2025, either through direct deposit or paper checks.
Why Is the IRS Sending These Payments?
The Recovery Rebate Credit was introduced to help those who didn’t receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), commonly known as stimulus checks, during the COVID-19 pandemic. If someone was eligible but didn’t get the full amount, they could claim the credit on their 2020 or 2021 tax return.
However, the IRS found that nearly one million taxpayers either left the Recovery Rebate Credit section blank or mistakenly entered “$0” when they were actually eligible. To correct this, the IRS is now sending payments automatically—no extra paperwork needed.
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Payment?
These automatic payments are specifically for taxpayers who:
- Filed a 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
- Were eligible for the third round of stimulus payments under the American Rescue Plan
- Met income and dependent eligibility requirements
If you qualify, the IRS will send the money to the bank account or mailing address listed on your most recent tax return.
What If You Haven’t Filed Your 2021 Taxes Yet?
If you never filed a 2021 tax return, you still have a chance to claim the credit—but you must act fast. The deadline to file and claim any missed stimulus money is April 15, 2025.
Filing a return is essential if you think you were eligible for a payment but didn’t receive it. This applies especially to people who weren’t required to file taxes in 2021 but may still qualify for the credit.
How to Check Your Payment Status
The IRS will notify eligible taxpayers by mail once payments are processed. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, you can visit the official IRS website to check your eligibility and payment status.
This latest move by the IRS is a significant step toward making sure Americans get the relief they were promised. If you think you missed out on a stimulus check, now is the time to take action before the deadline passes.
