The U.S. government has announced that eligible individuals can still claim stimulus payments of $1,400, $1,500, and $1,600 through the Recovery Rebate Credit program. These payments are available to taxpayers who missed out on their original 2021 stimulus checks, providing a second chance to receive financial relief.
If you did not receive your third stimulus check or failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return, now is the time to take action. Below, we outline eligibility requirements, the claiming process, and the expected timeline for receiving these payments.
Table of Contents
Key Details on the Stimulus Payments
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amounts | $1,400, $1,500, and $1,600 |
| Eligibility | Must file (or need to file) a 2021 tax return |
| Income Limits | Single: $75,000 / Joint: $150,000 |
| Deadline to File | April 15, 2025 |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed check |
| IRS Website | irs.gov |
These payments are not new stimulus checks. Instead, they are unclaimed funds from the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The IRS has identified over 1 million taxpayers who never received their payments and is now providing another opportunity to claim them.
Understanding the $1,400, $1,500, and $1,600 Stimulus Payments
The third round of stimulus payments was initially distributed in 2021, but many eligible Americans either did not receive their payment or failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return. This initiative allows those individuals to file a tax return (if necessary) and claim the funds before the April 15, 2025 deadline.
Even if you were not required to file taxes in 2021, you may still qualify. These payments were intended to help individuals and families recover from financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who Qualifies for These Stimulus Payments?
To be eligible for the $1,400, $1,500, or $1,600 stimulus payment, you must meet the following criteria:
1. You Didn’t Claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit
- If you never received your full third stimulus check ($1,400 per person) in 2021, the IRS is giving you another opportunity to claim it.
- Check your 2021 tax return (Form 1040, Line 30). If the amount listed is $0 or blank, you likely did not receive the full payment.
2. You Filed (or Need to File) a 2021 Tax Return
- If you filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, the IRS will automatically process your payment.
- If you never filed a 2021 tax return, you must do so before April 15, 2025, to receive the money.
- Even if you had little to no income in 2021 and were not required to file, submitting a return may still make you eligible for the payment.
3. You Meet the Income Limits
The amount you receive depends on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Higher earners will receive reduced or no payments.
| Filing Status | Full Payment (Up to) | Partial Payment Phase-Out |
| Single | $75,000 | $80,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | $120,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 | $160,000 |
If your AGI exceeds these thresholds, your stimulus check will be reduced or completely phased out.
How Will You Receive the Payment?
The IRS will distribute payments using the method they have on record:
- Direct deposit (if the IRS has your banking details).
- Paper check mailed to the address on your most recent tax return.
Payment Timeline
- December 2024 – Processing of payments begins.
- Late January 2025 – Most eligible taxpayers will receive their funds.
- If you need to file a 2021 tax return, the IRS will process your payment within 6-8 weeks after submission.
Updating Your Information
If you have moved or changed bank accounts, update your information with the IRS by:
- Filing Form 8822 (Change of Address).
- Updating direct deposit details when filing your 2021 tax return.
How to Claim Your $1,400, $1,500, or $1,600 Stimulus Payment
Step 1: Check Your 2021 Tax Return
- Look at Form 1040, Line 30.
- If the amount is blank or $0, you likely never received your full payment.
Step 2: File Your 2021 Tax Return (If Needed)
- If you have not yet filed, submit a 2021 tax return as soon as possible.
- Use IRS Free File or consult a tax professional to assist with your filing.
Step 3: Wait for Your Payment
- If eligible, the IRS will process your claim and send your payment.
- Monitor your mailbox and bank account for the deposit or check.
Final Thoughts
These stimulus payments offer a final opportunity for Americans who missed their original 2021 payments. If you are eligible, ensure you file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025, to sHow to Claim Your $1,400, $1,500, or $1,600 Stimulus Payment
Step 1: Check Your 2021 Tax Return
- Look at Form 1040, Line 30.
- If the amount is blank or $0, you likely never received your full payment.
Step 2: File Your 2021 Tax Return (If Needed)
- If you have not yet filed, submit a 2021 tax return as soon as possible.
- Use IRS Free File or consult a tax professional to assist with your filing.
Step 3: Wait for Your Payment
- If eligible, the IRS will process your claim and send your payment.
- Monitor your mailbox and bank account for the deposit or check.
To avoid delays:
- Review your 2021 tax return to confirm whether you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- If you have not filed, submit your missing 2021 return as soon as possible.
- Ensure your address and banking information are up to date with the IRS.
This is a one-time opportunity to claim unclaimed stimulus funds, so take action now.
FAQs
Why is the IRS issuing these payments now?
The IRS discovered that over 1 million taxpayers never received their third stimulus check in 2021. These payments allow eligible individuals to claim their missing money through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
How do I check if I already received my 2021 stimulus check?
Review Form 1040, Line 30 on your 2021 tax return. If it is blank or shows $0, you likely did not receive the payment.
