Americans who missed out on their 2021 stimulus payments could receive a big payday, but time is running out to claim what’s rightfully yours. The IRS is distributing $2.4 billion in recovery rebate credits to eligible taxpayers who never received their $1,400 stimulus checks during the pandemic.
At a glance:
• The IRS is automatically sending $1,400 payments to 1 million people who filed 2021 tax returns but didn’t claim their stimulus money
• Eligible individuals who haven’t filed a 2021 tax return must do so by April 15, 2025 to receive the payment
• Singles earning up to $75,000 and married couples earning up to $150,000 qualify for full payments
• Senior citizens, low-income individuals, and self-employed persons who weren’t required to file taxes are most likely eligible
• Filing electronically is recommended to avoid processing delays, as no extensions will be granted
IRS Automatically Sending Payments to 1 Million Americans
The Internal Revenue Service has identified approximately one million taxpayers who filed their 2021 tax returns but failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit they were entitled to receive. These hardworking Americans will now receive automatic payments of up to $1,400 without having to file amended tax returns.
Direct deposits began in December 2024, with paper checks following shortly thereafter for those without banking information on file with the IRS. Most eligible recipients should receive their payments by late January 2025, providing relief to taxpayers who missed out during the Biden administration’s stimulus program.
❤️ Eligible taxpayers who missed claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 tax returns will automatically receive payments by late January 2025.
Key details:
🔘 Who qualifies: Taxpayers who filed 2021 returns but left the RRC field blank or entered $0 despite…
— Basics&Beyond (@CPEhours) January 6, 2025
Last Chance to Claim Your $1,400 Payment
For Americans who haven’t yet filed their 2021 tax returns, there’s still time to claim this substantial relief payment. The deadline to file and receive the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025, after which the opportunity to claim these funds will be permanently lost.
“To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, we’re making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel.
Individuals earning up to $75,000 annually or married couples earning up to $150,000 jointly qualify for the full payment amount. Those with higher incomes may still be eligible for partial payments depending on their exact earnings during the 2021 tax year.
The IRS announced it will issue recovery rebate credits to taxpayers who missed claiming the credit on their 2021 tax returns. An internal review found that approximately 1 million Americans failed to claim the credit, which could result in payments of up to $1,400 per person.… pic.twitter.com/hRnLaC01FZ
— Straight Arrow News (@StraightArrow__) December 24, 2024
Who Should Take Action Now
Senior citizens living on fixed incomes, low-income workers, and self-employed individuals who weren’t required to file tax returns in 2021 are most likely to benefit from filing now. These groups often fall through the cracks during government relief programs but remain eligible for the full payment if they meet the income requirements.
Unlike previous relief programs, the IRS has made it clear there will be no extensions for claiming these payments.
Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit will not affect eligibility for federal benefit programs such as SSI, SNAP, TANF, or WIC.
This could be a well-needed bit of relief for millions of Americans!
