In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), commonly known as stimulus checks, to provide financial relief to Americans. The third round, authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provided up to $1,400 per eligible individual. However, some taxpayers did not receive these payments due to various reasons, such as not filing a tax return or errors in their tax filings. To address this, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has initiated efforts to distribute these unclaimed funds to eligible individuals.
IRS Initiative to Distribute Unclaimed $1,400 Stimulus Checks
The IRS has identified approximately 1 million taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 tax returns, making them eligible for the $1,400 stimulus payment. In December 2024, the IRS announced that it would automatically issue these payments, totaling about $2.4 billion, to the identified taxpayers. The Sun+6Associated Press+6Houston Chronicle+6Internal Revenue Service
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for these automatic payments:
- Filed a 2021 Tax Return: Taxpayers must have filed a 2021 tax return but either left the RRC field blank or entered $0 when they were eligible for the credit.Internal Revenue Service+2North Jersey+2WBAL-TV+2
- Income Limits: Eligibility is subject to income thresholds. For single filers, the adjusted gross income (AGI) limit is $80,000; for married couples filing jointly, the limit is $160,000. Capital B News
Distribution Process
The IRS began distributing these payments in December 2024, with most recipients expected to receive their funds by late January 2025. Payments are issued via direct deposit to the bank account listed on the taxpayer’s 2023 return or mailed as paper checks to the address on file. Recipients will also receive a letter notifying them of the payment. WBAL-TVHouston Chronicle+3North Jersey+3WBAL-TV+3
Action Steps for Non-Filers
Taxpayers who did not file a 2021 tax return can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing their return by April 15, 2025. Even individuals with minimal or no income, who are typically not required to file, should file a 2021 return to receive the credit. WBAL-TV+7Internal Revenue Service+7North Jersey+7
The IRS’s initiative ensures that eligible taxpayers who missed out on the third stimulus payment can still receive their entitled funds. By automatically issuing payments and allowing non-filers to claim the credit by filing a 2021 tax return, the IRS aims to provide financial relief to those affected by the pandemic.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the $1,400 stimulus payment?
Taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, and meet the income requirements, are eligible.
How will I receive the payment?
Payments are issued via direct deposit or mailed as paper checks, depending on the information provided in your tax return.
What if I haven’t filed my 2021 tax return?
You can still receive the payment by filing your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025.
Do I need to take any action if I’m eligible?
No action is required if you’ve already filed your 2021 tax return; the IRS will automatically issue the payment.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the IRS website or consult the Economic Impact Payments page for detailed information
I make so little. I don’t need to file tax returns. Can you still help me? Respectfully Robert Daniels