In 2025, the IRS is working hard to send out payments to people who might have missed their stimulus money during the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to one million Americans could still receive up to $1,400 if they are eligible. This payment comes from the Recovery Rebate Credit connected to the third round of stimulus checks in 2021. If you didn’t get the full amount or missed the payment completely, you still have a chance to claim it—but time is running out.
This guide will help you understand who qualifies, how to check if you’re eligible, and what you need to do to receive your money.
What Is the $1,400 IRS Stimulus Payment?
The $1,400 payment was part of the third stimulus check under the American Rescue Plan Act passed in March 2021. Most people got this money back then, but around 1 million people either didn’t get the full amount or didn’t receive it at all due to issues like not filing taxes or having outdated information with the IRS.
Now, the IRS is giving those people one last chance to claim their money through something called the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 in 2025?
You may be eligible for the payment if:
- You didn’t receive the third stimulus check in 2021.
- You received less than $1,400 and didn’t claim the remaining amount.
- You had a newborn or dependent in 2021 and didn’t update that information with the IRS.
- You earned less in 2021 than in 2020, and your income made you newly eligible.
To qualify, you must file your 2021 tax return by May 17, 2025. If you haven’t filed it yet, you still have time, but don’t delay.
How to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Payment
To claim the payment, you need to:
- File a 2021 Tax Return: Even if you had little or no income that year, you must file to receive the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Use the Correct Form: Make sure you use the IRS Form 1040 or 1040-SR for the 2021 tax year.
- Enter Your Direct Deposit Info: To get your payment faster, provide your current bank account details on the tax return.
If you’re unsure about filing taxes, you can use IRS Free File tools or get help from a certified tax preparer.
Why Didn’t Some People Get Their Stimulus Checks?
There are many reasons why people missed out on the third stimulus check:
- They didn’t file taxes for 2020 or 2021.
- They moved and didn’t update their address with the IRS.
- They had children or dependents the IRS wasn’t aware of.
- Their income dropped, but the IRS didn’t have the updated information.
The IRS cannot automatically send payments to everyone—it needs accurate tax records. That’s why it’s important to file your 2021 return even now.
How Long Will It Take to Get the Payment?
Once you file your 2021 tax return, it may take a few weeks to a couple of months to receive your payment. If you provided direct deposit details, the payment will come faster. Paper checks take longer to process and deliver.
What If You Already Filed But Didn’t Receive the Payment?
If you’ve already filed your 2021 tax return but didn’t get the $1,400, here’s what you can do:
- Check Your IRS Account: Make sure the payment wasn’t already issued.
- Check the Status of Your Refund: The IRS website lets you track tax refunds, which includes Recovery Rebate Credits.
- Amend Your Tax Return: If you made a mistake or left out information, you can file an amended 2021 tax return (Form 1040-X).
Important Deadline to Remember
The final deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit is May 17, 2025. After that date, the IRS won’t issue any more payments from this round.
If you missed out on the third stimulus check from 2021, you could still receive up to $1,400 from the IRS. But you must act fast and file your 2021 tax return by May 17, 2025. Whether you didn’t file before, had a new dependent, or your income changed, this is your last chance to get the money you deserve. Don’t miss out—file your taxes, claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, and receive your payment directly from the IRS.
