Last Chance for $1,400 IRS Payment – What You Need to Know

If you missed out on the third round of stimulus payments back in 2021, there’s good news: The IRS is now issuing up to $1,400 in final stimulus checks to about one million taxpayers who never claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 tax return.

The payments are automatic, so if you qualify, you’ll receive the money without having to do anything. But how do you know if you’re on the list? Let’s break it down.

Who Qualifies for the $1,400 IRS Stimulus Check?

The IRS is sending these payments to people who meet the following criteria:

1. You filed a 2021 tax return – The payments are based on that year’s information.
2. You didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) – Some taxpayers left the RRC section blank or entered $0, even though they were eligible.
3. You meet the income requirements – The original stimulus checks had income caps:
   • Single filers: AGI under $80,000
   • Heads of household: AGI under $120,000
   • Married couples filing jointly: AGI under $160,000

If you meet these qualifications, you don’t need to do anything—the IRS will automatically send the payment either by direct deposit or paper check.

When Will You Get Your Payment?

The IRS began processing these payments in December 2024, and most people will see their money by late January 2025.

How will you receive it?

• If you have direct deposit set up, the money will go straight to your bank account.
• If not, you’ll receive a paper check in the mail.

To check your payment status, you can log into your IRS account at irs.gov.

What If You Never Filed a 2021 Tax Return?

If you think you were eligible for the stimulus check but never filed a 2021 tax return, there’s still time to claim the money.

📌 The deadline to file a 2021 return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025.

If you file before this deadline and meet the requirements, you could still receive the full $1,400 payment.