$3,089 Total Payments for Couples, Including Up to $1,450 Per Person: As of April 2025, millions of Americans may still be eligible to receive up to $1,400 per person — or $2,800 per couple — through the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC). When including additional qualifying dependents, some couples could receive up to $3,089 or more in total payments. This article explains everything you need to know to check your eligibility, claim any missed payments, and ensure you don’t miss the fast-approaching April 15, 2025 deadline. Whether you’re an individual taxpayer or filing jointly as a couple, this guide breaks things down in a clear and actionable way.
$3,089 Total Payments for Couples, Including Up to $1,450 Per Person
Time is running out to claim your missing stimulus funds. If you didn’t receive the full third round of Economic Impact Payments in 2021, you may be entitled to $1,400 per person, plus $1,400 for each dependent, through the Recovery Rebate Credit. For couples, that means as much as $3,089 in total benefits. The key? File your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025. Even if you’re unsure about your eligibility, it’s worth checking your IRS account or speaking with a tax professional. Don’t leave money on the table — this is your last chance to claim what you’re owed.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum Individual Payment | $1,400 per eligible adult |
| Maximum for Couples | $2,800 per couple filing jointly |
| Extra for Dependents | $1,400 per dependent — no age limit |
| Income Eligibility (Full Amount) | Single: ≤ $75,000Married Filing Jointly: ≤ $150,000 |
| Income Phase-Out Ends At | Single: $80,000Married Filing Jointly: $160,000 |
| Deadline to Claim | April 15, 2025 |
| How to Claim | File a 2021 federal tax return |
| IRS Resource | IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Q&A |
What Is the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit?
The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable tax credit created under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It was designed to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This credit was intended to supplement the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) — also known as stimulus checks. If you received less than you were eligible for, or didn’t receive the payment at all, the IRS allows you to claim the missing amount by filing a 2021 tax return.
Who Qualifies for the Credit?
You may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit if:
- You were a U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2021
- You were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return
- You had a valid Social Security number
- Your adjusted gross income (AGI) falls within the eligible limits
Income Eligibility Guidelines
- Single Filers:
Full payment for AGI up to $75,000; phased out completely at $80,000 - Married Filing Jointly:
Full payment for AGI up to $150,000; phased out at $160,000 - Head of Household:
Full payment up to $112,500; phased out at $120,000
Dependents Count Too
Unlike the previous rounds of stimulus, the third EIP (and the related credit) does not cap dependent payments by age. That means you can receive $1,400 for:
- Children (including newborns in 2021)
- College students
- Elderly parents or relatives who qualify as dependents
How to Claim the $3,089 Total Payments for Couples, Including Up to $1,450 Per Person: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you haven’t received the full amount and believe you qualify, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Gather Documents
- 2021 income documents (W-2s, 1099s)
- Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and dependents
- Prior EIP notices from the IRS (Letter 6475)
Step 2: File a 2021 Tax Return
Even if you normally don’t file taxes (for example, if you have low or no income), you must file a 2021 federal tax return to claim the credit.
You can use:
- IRS Free File (for incomes under $73,000)
- A trusted tax professional
Step 3: Complete the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet
This is part of Form 1040 instructions. It helps calculate the amount you’re owed based on your 2021 income and previous stimulus payments.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
The deadline is April 15, 2025. After this date, you forfeit your claim to the credit.
Automatic Payments for Some Taxpayers
According to the IRS, about 1 million taxpayers filed their 2021 returns but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit even though they were eligible. The IRS is proactively issuing payments to many of these taxpayers — totaling $1.2 billion in automatic credits.
If you’re in this group, you may receive a check or direct deposit without doing anything.
How to Check Your Status?
To verify whether you’ve already received the third stimulus or are due more:
- Use the IRS Online Account to view:
- Payment amounts
- Tax records
- Recovery Rebate Credit details
- Check Letter 6475 that the IRS mailed in early 2022 to see what you already received.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. I never filed taxes in 2021. Can I still get the credit?
A: Yes. You can file a 2021 tax return until April 15, 2025. Use IRS Free File or a tax preparer to file retroactively.
Q2. I had a child in 2021. Will I get an extra payment?
A: Absolutely. You can receive $1,400 for your child if you claim them as a dependent on your 2021 return.
Q3. What if my income dropped after 2021 — can I still qualify now?
A: The credit is based only on your 2021 income, so current income changes don’t impact eligibility for this credit.
Q4. Is the credit taxable income?
A: No. Recovery Rebate Credits are not considered taxable income and won’t affect your tax liability.
Q5. What happens if I miss the April 15, 2025 deadline?
A: If you don’t file a 2021 return by that date, you lose your chance to claim the credit — permanently.
