Relief news has emerged for millions of American taxpayers. If you haven’t claimed the “Recovery Rebate Credit” on your 2021 tax return yet, you still have a chance to receive up to $1,400 of stimulus funds. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced in December that it would distribute approximately $2.4 billion of stimulus money with each eligible person receiving a maximum of $1,400. This article will tell you in detail who is eligible, how to make a claim, what are the deadlines and what things need to be kept in mind.
Why was this step taken by IRS?
The IRS, after reviewing its internal data, found that many taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2021 did not claim the “Recovery Rebate Credit.” This credit was for people who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments To overcome this deficiency, the IRS is now automatically sending this stimulus amount to those taxpayers.
What if you have not filed your 2021 tax return?
The IRS has clarified that those who have not yet filed their 2021 tax return can still be eligible. But for this they have to file their tax return by April 15, 2025. This is the last chance, after which you will not be able to claim this stimulus amount. So if you have not filed your 2021 tax return, then do not delay now.
Who is eligible for this $1,400 IRS stimulus check?
- Taxpayers who have filed returns in 2021 but did not claim Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Those who have not yet filed their 2021 tax return can avail this benefit by filing it by April 15, 2025.
- Eligibility is to make sure you missed any Economic Impact Payments from 2020 and 2021.
- If you have already filed a return, double-check your return. If the “Recovery Rebate Credit” column says nothing or “$0,” that means you did not claim it and now is your chance to get $1,400.
What to do to get a stimulus check?

If you filed a 2021 tax return: You don’t have to do anything. The IRS has been automatically sending payments to eligible taxpayers since December. The payments are being made via direct deposit or paper checks. The IRS is also sending a notification letter to let you know when the payment was sent. If you have not filed your 2021 tax return: Then you must first file your tax return by April 15, 2025 and claim the “Recovery Rebate Credit. For this, you can complete the tax filing process by visiting the IRS website or take the help of a tax professional.
How much stimulus amount will be received?
According to the IRS, eligible taxpayers can get a maximum amount of up to $1,400. This amount may be based on the eligibility of the individual and other factors such as income level, filing status, etc. If there are other dependents in the family, such as children or elderly relatives, then this amount may increase further depending on their number.
How to track the payment of stimulus amount?
If you have already filed a return and are wondering whether the money came or not, then you can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool by visiting the IRS website. Through this, you can know the status of your refund or stimulus payment. If you are filing a new return and claiming rebate credit, return processing and payment may take 6 to 8 weeks. Any document mistake or incomplete information during this process can cause delay in payment.
Important Tips:
- Follow the deadline: No claim will be accepted after April 15, 2025.
- Keep all documents ready: Like SSN, income proof, dependent information etc.
- Beware of fraud: IRS never asks for your personal information over phone, email or SMS.
- Check your bank statement: Payment may fail if account details are incorrect.
Conclusion:
This stimulus amount of up to $1,400 is a great opportunity for those American taxpayers who were deprived of this benefit till now. If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return or claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit, don’t delay. The IRS has announced the deadline—April 15, 2025. This amount is meant to give you financial relief as well as to benefit from the stimulus once again. Check your eligibility, file your return and take advantage of this special support from the IRS.
FAQs
Q.1 If I filed a 2021 tax return, do I need to take any action?
A. If you filed and did not receive the Recovery Rebate Credit, the IRS will send you an automatic payment. You don’t need to do anything.
Q.2 If I did not file a 2021 tax return, am I eligible?
A. Yes, but you must file your 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit before April 15, 2025.
Q.3 How do I know if I claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit?
A. Go to Form 1040 or 1040-SR of your 2021 tax return and look for the Recovery Rebate Credit line. If there’s $0 or blank, you did not claim it.
Q.4 How much stimulus money will I receive?
A. Eligible taxpayers may receive up to $1,400. This amount may increase if you claimed dependents.
Q.5 How will the IRS send me this payment?
A. The IRS sends payments as a direct deposit or paper check. You will also be sent a notification letter.