In early 2025, the IRS announced that approximately 1 million U.S. taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns will receive automatic payments of up to $1,400. This move helps capture those who missed their stimulus or didn’t claim full credit during the pandemic.
What’s Going On? IRS Reissues Unclaimed Stimulus Money
- Many taxpayers filed their 2021 tax returns but left the Recovery Rebate Credit unclaimed. The IRS identified about 1 million such cases.
- These special payments are automatic, meaning eligible individuals do not have to file an amended return to receive them.
- The maximum amount for these payments is $1,400 per individual (or per eligible dependent) depending on eligibility and other factors.
- The IRS projects that the total cost of these payments will be around $2.4 billion.
- Payments are expected to be distributed by late January 2025, either via direct deposit or paper check, depending on IRS records.
Key Facts About the IRS $1,400 Stimulus Payments
| Feature | Detail / Amount | Notes & Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible taxpayers | ~ 1,000,000 | Those who didn’t claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Maximum payment | $1,400 per person / dependent | Varies by eligibility |
| Total estimated payout | $2.4 billion | Across all eligible taxpayers |
| Payment distribution window | Late January 2025 | Expected arrival timing |
| Need to file amended return? | No | Payments are automatic for those eligible |
| Deadline to file for unfiled 2021 return | April 15, 2025 | To claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if not filed yet |
Who’s Eligible — And Who Might Miss Out
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this automatic payment:
- You filed a 2021 tax return, but either omitted or failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- You met other eligibility conditions for the credit (income thresholds, dependents, etc.).
- You have a bank account or address on file with the IRS (the payment will go via direct deposit if possible, or by check otherwise).
Those Who Still Need to Act
If you never filed a 2021 return, you may still be eligible — but you must file by April 15, 2025 to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and potentially get the $1,400 payment.
Many people missed the original credits due to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, or changes in dependency status.
How the $1,400 Payments Will Be Distributed
- The IRS will automatically issue payments to those deemed eligible—no additional filing needed for those who already filed 2021 returns.
- Payments will go to the bank account on record from prior IRS filings (if valid), or via mailed check otherwise.
- If your bank account has changed or closed, the payment may be returned to the IRS and reissued by mail.
- Recipients will also receive a notification letter from the IRS to confirm that the payment was issued.
Watch Out for Scams & Fraud
Because many will be expecting a payment, scams may target vulnerable individuals:
- Beware texts, emails, or calls impersonating the IRS, asking for personal or banking info. The IRS does not initiate contact that way
- If someone claims they can “fast-track” your payment by paying a fee or giving them your Social Security number, it’s likely fraudulent.
- Always verify via your official IRS account portal, not through unsolicited messages.
The IRS is taking a significant step to ensure that millions don’t miss out on relief they were legally entitled to during the pandemic. If you failed to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, you may receive an automatic $1,400 payment by late January 2025 — without needing to file an amended return.
FAQs
Is the payment guaranteed for everyone who missed the credit?
No — only those meeting all eligibility criteria (filed 2021 returns but failed to claim the credit) will get it automatically.
How much will I get exactly?
Up to $1,400 per qualifying individual or dependent, depending on your tax situation.
