What if you found out that you were owed extra money from your past stimulus payments—maybe even up to $1,375? That’s what could be happening for many people across the U.S. due to an IRS error. If you didn’t get your full payment before, there’s a chance that amount could now be added to your 2025 tax refund.
Let’s break down what this means, how to know if you’re eligible, and what steps you should take.
What Is the $1,375 Refund Bump?
The $1,375 refund bump is extra money some taxpayers may get if the IRS made a mistake in their previous stimulus checks from 2020 or 2021. This money is now being corrected and added to refunds for 2025.
Mistakes happened for many reasons:
- Incorrect income information
- Missing or unclaimed dependents
- Banking details that were outdated
- IRS processing errors or miscalculations
If you were underpaid, the IRS might now owe you up to $1,375 as part of your next tax refund.
Who Might Get This Extra Money?
You might qualify for the refund bump if:
- You didn’t receive your full stimulus check in 2020 or 2021
- You had dependent children who were not included in your filing
- Your income dropped later, making you eligible
- You claimed a Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return
- The IRS recently reviewed and adjusted your previous filings
If any of these points apply to you, there’s a good chance you’re in line for this extra cash.
How to Check If You’re Owed This Refund
To see if you qualify:
- Go to irs.gov and log in to your IRS account
- Open your tax transcripts for 2020 and 2021
- Look for any notes showing a stimulus adjustment
- Check your mail for any IRS letters, such as CP12
- Talk to a tax expert if you’re unsure or need help understanding
The IRS may automatically send you this money, or you might need to take a few steps to confirm your eligibility.
What Can You Do With the Extra Refund?
Here are some smart ideas for using the refund:
- Pay off any unpaid bills or loans
- Cover rent, groceries, or school costs
- Put it into savings for emergencies
- Pay down credit card debt
- Use it for any necessary repairs or medical expenses
Even though this money is unexpected, it can still make a big difference during difficult times.
Don’t Miss Out on Your Refund Bump
It’s easy to miss this if you’re not watching closely. But if the IRS made a mistake on your stimulus payment, you could be in line for a $1,375 refund bump. Check your account, review your past tax info, and keep an eye on IRS notices.
You could be just a few clicks away from claiming money that belongs to you.
