Millions of Americans received stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did you know that around 1 million people never got their full amount? Now, the IRS is taking action to fix that—and if you’re one of them, you could be getting a $1,400 check soon.
Let’s explain what’s going on, who qualifies, and what you need to do—if anything.
What Is the $1,400 IRS Payment About?
This payment is not a new stimulus check. It’s part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments—often referred to as COVID relief or stimulus checks—that went out in 2021.
Many people were eligible for that $1,400 payment but:
- Didn’t claim it when they filed taxes, or
- Entered the wrong information, or
- Didn’t file taxes at all for that year.
Now, the IRS has reviewed those 2021 tax returns and is sending out corrected payments through a process called the Recovery Rebate Credit adjustment.
Who Will Receive the $1,400 Payment?
You may receive this money if:
- You filed a 2021 federal tax return,
- You were eligible for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, and
- The credit was not claimed or calculated incorrectly.
The IRS has already identified over 1 million taxpayers who meet this criteria.
If you’re one of them, you don’t need to do anything. The IRS will send the payment automatically.
When and How Will the Payments Be Sent?
The IRS began this process in mid-2024 and plans to complete most payments by early 2025.
Here’s how you may receive it:
- Direct Deposit: If the IRS has your bank information from a recent tax return, the money will be deposited straight into your account.
- Paper Check: If no direct deposit info is on file, you’ll receive a check by mail.
- The IRS is also sending out letters to notify eligible individuals before sending the payment.
Warning: Don’t Fall for Scams
As with any government payment, scammers may try to trick people with fake calls, emails, or text messages.
Keep in mind:
- The IRS will never contact you by text, social media, or email asking for personal info.
- You do not need to pay any fee to get this money.
- There is no application for this payment—if you’re eligible, the IRS will send it automatically.
To check the status of your tax payments or credits, visit the official IRS website.
What If You Didn’t File in 2021?
If you never filed your 2021 tax return, you may have missed your chance to claim the credit—but there’s still hope.
The IRS allows taxpayers to file returns up to 3 years late to claim refunds and credits. That means:
- You have until April 15, 2025 to file your 2021 tax return and still qualify for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit.
If you think you’re eligible but didn’t file in 2021, act now—don’t wait.
The IRS is sending $1,400 payments to around 1 million Americans who missed or were shorted on their 2021 COVID-19 stimulus checks. These are automatic adjustments based on 2021 tax filings.
Here’s a quick recap:
- No new stimulus bill is involved.
- You don’t need to apply for this payment.
- The IRS is handling it automatically based on your tax history.
- If you haven’t filed your 2021 taxes, you still have time—until April 15, 2025.
- Beware of scams—the IRS will not ask for personal information by phone, email, or text.
If you’re eligible, just sit tight—the check may already be on its way.
FAQs
Q1. Is this a new stimulus check?
No. It’s a correction to the third stimulus payment from 2021 for people who didn’t receive it or got the wrong amount.
Q2. Who is eligible for this $1,400 payment?
Anyone who filed a 2021 tax return, qualified for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, but didn’t receive the full amount.
Q3. Do I need to refile my taxes or apply?
No. If you’re eligible, the IRS will automatically send your payment.
Q4. What if I didn’t file my 2021 taxes yet?
You have until April 15, 2025 to file your 2021 tax return and claim the credit.
Q5. How do I avoid scams related to this payment?
Only trust information from the official IRS website: irs.gov. Do not respond to messages asking for your personal or banking info.
