Where’s My $1,400 Stimulus Check? Here’s How to Track It Down Fast

If you were expecting a $1,400 stimulus check but still haven’t received it, you’re not alone. Many people are wondering what happened to their payment. The good news is that you may still be able to claim it. The IRS sent out these payments as part of the American Rescue Plan, but not everyone automatically got theirs. If you’re still waiting, here’s what you need to know and how to get your money.

Who Qualified for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?

Before you try to track down your payment, make sure you were eligible. The stimulus checks were based on income and family size. If you met these requirements, you should have received one:

• Single filers earning $75,000 or less (phased out at $80,000)
• Married couples filing jointly earning $150,000 or less (phased out at $160,000)
• Heads of household earning $112,500 or less (phased out at $120,000)
• Dependents also qualified for an extra $1,400 per dependent

If you made more than these limits, you may have received a reduced payment or none at all.

Why You Haven’t Received Your Payment Yet

If you met the income limits but still haven’t received your money, here are some possible reasons:

• You Didn’t File a 2021 Tax Return – The IRS used 2021 tax returns to determine eligibility. If you didn’t file, they may not have had your updated information.
• Your Banking Information Changed – If your direct deposit details were outdated, the payment might have been returned to the IRS.
• You Moved, and the IRS Sent a Paper Check – If your address changed and you didn’t update the IRS, your check could have gone to your old address.
• IRS Processing Delays – The IRS has been dealing with backlogs, so some payments were delayed.

How to Claim Your Missing $1,400 Check

If you’re still waiting, here’s what you should do:

• Check Your IRS Account – Log in at IRS.gov to see if a payment was issued and where it was sent.
• Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit – If you never got your check or got less than you should have, you can claim it on your 2021 tax return under the Recovery Rebate Credit.
• Request a Payment Trace – If the IRS says they sent your money but you never got it, file Form 3911 or call the IRS at 800-919-9835 to request a payment trace.
• Update Your Address or Banking Information – If your payment was sent to the wrong place, submit Form 8822 to update your address with the IRS.

Deadline to Claim Your Money

You have until April 15, 2025, to claim your missing payment by filing your 2021 tax return and requesting the Recovery Rebate Credit. It may seem like you have plenty of time, but don’t wait too long and risk missing out.

Beware of Scams

Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for their stimulus checks. The IRS will never email, text, or call you asking for personal information to release your payment. If you get a message like that, ignore it and report it. Always check directly with the official IRS website for accurate information.