In a significant announcement from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans are urged not to pass up the opportunity to claim a $1,400 stimulus check through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
This opportunity arises from the federal government’s ongoing efforts to assist individuals and families affected by the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. It specifically targets individuals who did not receive the third Economic Impact Payment in 2021. The deadline to act is April 15, 2025.
Whether you’re a seasoned tax professional, a retiree, a young adult just starting out, or someone who hasn’t filed taxes in recent years, this comprehensive guide will explain how you can determine eligibility, claim your payment, and make the most of the resources available.
IRS Confirms $1,400 Stimulus for April 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Stimulus Amount | $1,400 per eligible individual |
| Deadline | April 15, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Based on 2021 tax return income and filing status |
| How to Claim | File 2021 federal tax return with Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Automatic Payments? | Yes, for some who previously filed but missed the credit |
| IRS Official Resource | IRS.gov – Recovery Rebate Credit |
If you or someone you know missed out on the third stimulus payment in 2021, don’t delay any longer. You could still be eligible for $1,400 per person, but the window is closing. The IRS deadline of April 15, 2025 is firm, and missing it means losing access to this critical assistance.
This guide provides you with all of the tools and resources you need to determine your eligibility, file properly, and receive the money you deserve. Whether you’re a taxpayer, a financial advisor, or simply trying to help a loved one, take action today to ensure that no one is left behind.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus for April 2025 All About?
In 2021, the United States government issued the third round of Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus checks, to assist Americans in weathering the global health crisis.
While the majority of eligible individuals received their payments automatically through direct deposit or check, more than 1.1 million people either did not file taxes or failed to claim the stimulus to which they were entitled.
The IRS is now essentially offering a lifeline: if you did not receive your $1,400 stimulus check in 2021, you can still claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit. However, you must file a 2021 federal tax return by April 15, 2025, even if you had no income or were not otherwise required to file.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Payment?
The eligibility requirements are based on your adjusted gross income (AGI), tax filing status, and whether you received any portion of the third stimulus check. Let us break it down further.
Income Thresholds
- Single filers: Full payment is available for incomes up to $75,000. Payment phases out completely at $80,000.
- Married couples filing jointly: Eligible for the full amount if income is up to $150,000. Phases out at $160,000.
- Head of household: Full payment available for income up to $112,500, phasing out at $120,000.
If your income fell within these brackets in 2021 and you didn’t receive the full amount, you likely qualify for the remaining balance.
Other Eligibility Factors
- Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- Must have a valid Social Security number for yourself, your spouse, and any qualifying dependents.
- You must not have already received the full third stimulus payment.
Even if you were unemployed, homeless, or living on minimal income in 2021, you may still be eligible. The IRS has emphasized that even people with no filing requirement can and should submit a return to claim this money.
How to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check
If you believe you’re eligible, here are the steps to take. Don’t worry if this feels overwhelming — we’ll break it down into simple, manageable actions:
Step 1: Collect Your Information
Before filing, gather any documents you have for the 2021 tax year. This may include:
- Social Security numbers for yourself and dependents
- Any 2021 W-2s, 1099s, or proof of benefits
- ID documentation (driver’s license, passport)
- Previous IRS letters regarding stimulus checks (e.g., Letter 6475)
Step 2: File a 2021 Federal Tax Return
You can choose the filing method that works best for your situation:
- IRS Free File: If your income was under $73,000, you can file online for free.
- Commercial software: Services like TurboTax, TaxAct, or H&R Block offer step-by-step guidance.
- VITA sites: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free help to those who qualify, including seniors and people with disabilities.
- Tax professionals: For complex situations or convenience, consider hiring a licensed preparer or CPA.
Step 3: Complete the Recovery Rebate Credit Section
Whether you file online or on paper, you must specifically claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. The form will ask if you received any stimulus payments in 2021 and calculate what you may still owe.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
You must file your 2021 return by April 15, 2025. After that, the IRS will no longer accept claims for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, so your $1,400 will be lost.
Why the IRS Is Sending Automatic Payments to Some
To streamline the process, the IRS began issuing automatic catch-up payments to more than 1 million taxpayers in December 2024. These people had already filed their 2021 tax returns, but they had either overlooked the Recovery Rebate Credit or provided incomplete information.
If you fall into this category, the payment may be on its way to your current bank account or mailing address. If your information has changed, please update it immediately through your IRS online account or by calling IRS support.
Real-Life Examples: See Who Benefited
- Maria, a 26-year-old single mom in Texas, didn’t file a tax return in 2021 because she had no income and wasn’t aware she needed to. A friend mentioned the Recovery Rebate Credit, and Maria filed a return in early 2025. Within a few weeks, she received her $1,400 via direct deposit.
- James and Tanya, a retired couple from Ohio, assumed they didn’t qualify because their income was mostly from Social Security. Their accountant reviewed their situation and found they were eligible for the full $2,800 (combined). They filed an amended 2021 return and got their payment within two months.
- Aiden, a recent college graduate, worked part-time during the pandemic but never received the third stimulus check. By filing retroactively, he secured the full $1,400.
Additional Tips to Simplify the Process
- Use the IRS Get My Payment tool to check previous payments.
- Keep all your documents organized in a folder labeled “2021 Taxes.”
- Don’t ignore IRS mail. It might contain crucial details like Letter 6475, which confirms what payments you received.
- If you’re overwhelmed, reach out to your local Taxpayer Advocate Service for personalized help.
