If you live in the US and filed your 2021 tax return but didn’t receive the $1400 Stimulus Payment — there’s great news for you! The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is now automatically sending $1400 payments to people who missed out on claiming it by mistake.
Let’s understand this in very simple terms:
Who will get this payment?
According to the IRS, there are about 1 million people who filed their tax returns in 2021, but left the column for “Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)” blank or filled it with $0 by mistake.
People who had the money they were entitled to but did not claim it — now the IRS itself will send them this $1400.
For example:
Ram filed his tax returns in 2021, but he did not know that he was eligible for the $1400 stimulus. He left the RRC column blank. Now the IRS itself will send the money to Ram’s account, without him having to do anything.
What is Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)?
After COVID-19, the US government gave stimulus payments three times for financial help. The third payment came in 2021 — $1400 per person.
But many people did not get this payment on time, or got less. For this reason, the government added the option of Recovery Rebate Credit in the tax form — so that people can get back that missing money through tax returns.
But many people were not aware of this, and they left that column blank.
What is the IRS doing now?
The IRS conducted an internal review and found that many people mistakenly did not claim the RRC. Now it is sending people a payment of $1400 automatically — so that they do not have to edit or amend their tax return again.
This step has been taken so that people can get their entitlement easily.
Who are eligible for this payment?
If you fit the points given below, then you will get this payment:
You filed a tax return for 2021.
But you left the column for Recovery Rebate Credit blank or entered $0 in it.
Your income was within the limit (described below).
You had a valid Social Security Number.
You were a U.S. citizen or Resident Alien at the time.
You were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
What was the income limit? (Eligibility Threshold)
If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was less than the limit given below, you will get the full $1400.
| Filing Status | Full Payment Eligibility | Phase-Out Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to $75,000 | $75,000 – $80,000 |
| Head of Household | Up to $112,500 | $112,500 – $120,000 |
| Married (Joint) | Up to $150,000 | $150,000 – $160,000 |
If your income is more than this, you will not get this payment or you will get very less.
How will you get the payment?
The IRS will send this payment in two ways:
Direct Deposit – If you have filed tax returns in 2023 and have provided bank details, the money will come directly to your account.
Paper Check – If there are no bank details, the IRS will send a check to your old address.
Note: If you have recently changed your house, then definitely update your new address to the IRS, otherwise the check will go to the old address.
What are the important dates?
Automatic payments will be sent by the end of January 2025.
If you have not yet filed your 2021 tax return, then you have time till April 15, 2025.
After this you will not be able to claim $ 1400.
So keep in mind: If you have not filed your 2021 return, then do it quickly – otherwise you will not get the money.
🚨 How to avoid scam? IRS never sends messages!
As soon as the government sends any money, scammers become active. They send fake emails and SMS and tell people – “You have to get $ 1400, click on this link.”
Remember:
The IRS will never send you a payment via text message or email.
Do not click on any links.
Never enter your information (e.g. SSN, bank details) on an unknown website.
If you receive such a message, report it to phishing@irs.gov.
🧾 What to do if you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet?
Many people think, “2021 is a long time ago, what’s the point now!” But no — if you were in the US that year and your income was within the limit at the time, you can still get $1400 by filing your return.
What to do?
Contact a tax professional or file your return yourself with websites like TurboTax/H&R Block.
Filing must be done before April 15, 2025.
This is your last chance.
🎯 Why is it important not to miss this opportunity?
$1400 is a good amount, from which you can take out any necessary expenses.
This money is fully refundable – that is, it does not matter whether you have to pay tax or not. IRS will give you a check directly.
IRS is sending the money on its own, you just have to make sure that you have filed your 2021 return correctly.
📍 Conclusion:
This $1400 stimulus initiative of IRS is a big relief for those who accidentally did not claim their Recovery Rebate Credit in 2021.
If you are one of them:
And you filed your 2021 return – then you will get the money automatically.
If you have not filed your return yet – then hurry up.
April 15, 2025 is the last date. There will be no chance after this.
