$1400 Stimulus Checks 2025: Millions of Americans still have a chance to claim a stimulus payment of up to $1,400, thanks to a lesser-known IRS initiative tied to the Recovery Rebate Credit. This move could put billions back in taxpayers’ pockets—but time is running out for those who haven’t yet filed their 2021 tax returns.
If you missed out on the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) issued in 2021, this is your opportunity to recover that money—even if you didn’t realize you were eligible.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) is a refundable tax credit created for individuals who didn’t receive one or more of the stimulus payments issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest opportunity to claim the third stimulus payment—worth up to $1,400 per person—comes from a December 2023 IRS announcement.
According to the IRS, approximately $2.4 billion is available for distribution, targeting individuals who either:
- Did not receive the third stimulus payment, or
- Failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this new round of payments:
- You must have been eligible for the third stimulus check in 2021, and
- You either didn’t file a 2021 tax return, or
- You filed but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Income Thresholds for Full Payment
| Filing Status | Income Limit for Full Payment | Max Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 or less | $1,400 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 or less | $2,800 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 or less | $1,400 |
Payments phase out above those income levels and completely disappear at:
- $80,000 for single filers
- $160,000 for married couples
What If You Didn’t File a 2021 Tax Return?
If you haven’t yet filed your 2021 federal tax return, you still have time. The IRS has extended the deadline to April 15, 2025, to file and claim any potential refunds—including the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Filing now may not only secure your $1,400 stimulus check, but also unlock other credits you may be owed, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit.
How Do You Know If You Claimed the Credit?
To check your 2021 return:
- Look for Line 30 on Form 1040 or 1040-SR.
- If the line is blank or reads “$0”, you likely did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- If eligible, the IRS may now issue your payment automatically.
How Are the Payments Being Sent?
The IRS began automatically issuing payments in December 2023 to eligible taxpayers who filed but didn’t claim the credit. Here’s how it works:
- You’ll receive a letter from the IRS confirming eligibility and amount.
- Payments are being delivered via direct deposit or paper check, depending on how you received your 2021 refund.
How Much Will You Get?
The amount you receive depends on your filing status, income, and number of dependents:
- Single filer: Up to $1,400
- Married couple: Up to $2,800
- Dependents: Additional $1,400 per eligible dependent
Even if you only qualify for a partial payment, it’s worth claiming—especially for lower-income households.
