Final $1400 Stimulus Checks from IRS: If you missed out on the third round of stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s still an opportunity to claim up to $1,400 through the Recovery Rebate Credit. However, the deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim this credit is April 15, 2025. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the eligibility criteria, steps to claim the payment, and essential dates to remember.
Final $1400 Stimulus Checks from IRS
Time is running out to claim your $1,400 stimulus check through the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you didn’t get your full payment in 2021, you can still file a tax return and receive what you’re owed—but only until April 15, 2025. This opportunity could also unlock additional tax credits like the Child Tax Credit and EITC. Whether you’re a working professional, a student, or retired, it pays—literally—to file that return now.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to $1,400 per eligible individual |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens or residents who didn’t receive the third stimulus payment or received less than the full amount |
| Income Limits | Full payment for AGI up to $75,000 (single), $150,000 (married filing jointly), $112,500 (head of household); phased out above these limits |
| Deadline to Claim | April 15, 2025 |
| How to Claim | File a 2021 federal tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on Line 30 of Form 1040 |
| Automatic Payments | IRS is sending payments to approximately 1 million taxpayers who filed 2021 returns but didn’t claim the credit |
| Official Resource | IRS Economic Impact Payments |
Understanding the Recovery Rebate Credit
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable tax credit for individuals who didn’t receive the full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) issued in 2021. This credit allows eligible taxpayers to claim the missing amount on their 2021 tax return. It’s essentially a way to reconcile any discrepancies between what you received and what you were eligible for.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the full $1,400 payment, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in 2021 must be:
- $75,000 or less for single filers
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
- $112,500 or less for heads of household
The credit phases out above these income levels and is unavailable to individuals with AGIs above:
- $80,000 for single filers
- $160,000 for married couples filing jointly
- $120,000 for heads of household
You must also be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, have a valid Social Security number, and not be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
How to Claim the Final $1400 Stimulus Checks from IRS?
If you didn’t receive the third stimulus payment or received less than the full amount, follow these steps:
- File a 2021 Tax Return
Even if you had little or no income, you must file a 2021 federal tax return to claim the credit. - Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
Enter the amount on Line 30 of IRS Form 1040. - Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure your return is filed by April 15, 2025. - Check Payment History
Use your IRS Online Account to verify how much of the third stimulus you received.
The IRS estimates that over 1.1 million Americans still haven’t filed their 2021 return and may be due refunds, including the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Automatic Payments for Some Taxpayers
In a special push to ensure eligible Americans aren’t left behind, the IRS began issuing automatic payments in late 2024 to approximately 1 million taxpayers who filed 2021 tax returns but did not claim the credit. This amounts to about $2.4 billion being distributed without any additional action required by these individuals.
Why You Should File, Even If You Had No Income
Many individuals assume they’re not eligible simply because they didn’t earn income in 2021. This is a myth. You may qualify for the full $1,400 even if you had zero income, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria.
The IRS has also confirmed that there is no penalty for filing a late return when you’re owed a refund. So even if you missed earlier deadlines, you can still file today and receive your money.
Don’t Miss Out on Other 2021 Tax Credits
When filing your 2021 return, you might also qualify for:
- Child Tax Credit – Up to $3,600 per child
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Up to $6,728 for qualifying households
- Child and Dependent Care Credit – Covers up to 50% of care expenses for eligible families
By claiming these credits along with the Recovery Rebate Credit, your refund could be significantly larger.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What if I already received the third stimulus payment?
A1: If you received the full amount, you are not eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Q2: How do I know how much stimulus I received?
A2: Log in to your IRS Online Account to check your payment history.
Q3: What if I missed the April 15, 2025 deadline?
A3: Unfortunately, if you don’t file your 2021 return by the deadline, you forfeit the chance to claim the credit.
Q4: Can I amend my 2021 return to add the credit?
A4: Yes, if you already filed your 2021 return but didn’t claim the credit, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) before the deadline.
Q5: Will this affect future stimulus payments?
A5: No. Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit does not impact eligibility for any future government relief or tax benefits.
