The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) started giving a Stimulus Payment of $1,400 in the year 2021 to provide relief from the covid epidemic. This amount was considered a part of the Recovery Rebate Credit, but even today there are many people who have not received this money.
If you are also one of those who are waiting for this $1,400 financial help, then do not panic. In this article, we will tell in simple language who is eligible, what can be the reasons for the delay, and how you can claim your money.
🔶 What is $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
This payment was given under the American Rescue Plan Act 2021. Its purpose was to provide some relief to the families struggling with financial difficulties due to the Corona epidemic.
- Every eligible person was to get $1,400.
- Apart from this, an additional $1,400 was also given for each eligible dependent.
✅ Who was eligible for this payment?
There were some key requirements for this payment:
- Income Limit
- If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is within these limits, you are eligible to receive the full amount:
- Filing Status Income Limit (AGI)
- Single filer (Individual) Up to $75,000
- Head of household Up to $112,500
- Married couple (Joint Return) Up to $150,000
- If your income is above this, the payment amount gradually decreases and stops completely after a certain limit.
- Other requirements: You must have the correct Social Security Number (SSN).
You must not be included as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You must be a US citizen or legal resident.
- Why you may not have received a payment yet?
2021 tax return not filed or processed
The IRS sends these payments based on your tax information. If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return, or your return hasn’t been processed yet, the money may stop coming.
Incorrect bank account information
If you provided the wrong or old bank account, the money will be backed out and you’ll be sent a payment by check – which may take longer.
Old address
If you’re receiving payment by paper check and haven’t given the IRS a new address, the check may go to the old address.
IRS processing delays
The IRS is experiencing delays in processing many tax returns due to COVID and staff shortages. This can cause payments to take longer.
📋 What to do if you didn’t receive your $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
1. Check your payment status
- Login to IRS Online Account.
- Look for Notice 1444-C or Letter 6475 from the IRS, which contains information about the payment.
2. Check your 2021 tax return
- Check if your income, filing status, and dependents information are correct.
- If you sent a paper return, it may take longer to process.
3. Claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit
- If you didn’t get this money or didn’t get it in full, you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.
- This can increase your tax refund amount or reduce the tax you owe.
4. Contact the IRS
- If you were sent a payment but didn’t receive it, you can call the IRS: 800-919-9835
- or fill out Form 3911 to trace the payment.
5. Update your information
- If you have recently moved, fill out IRS Form 8822 (Change of Address).
- Bank information changed? Provide the correct details the next time you file taxes.
Additional tips
If you have received a lesser amount, check the letter sent by the IRS—sometimes the amount is less due to mistakes.
If the money went to the wrong account, the bank will send it back to the IRS and you will receive the money by check. If you have recently filed taxes, wait for at least 6 weeks before taking further steps.
Conclusion
If you have not received the $1,400 Stimulus Payment yet, do not panic—many people have received it late. Follow the steps mentioned above, check your information and contact the IRS if necessary. This money is for your financial help. With the right information and a little patience, you too can achieve it.
FAQs
1. What is the $1,400 IRS stimulus payment?
The $1,400 stimulus payment was part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments under the American Rescue Plan. It was issued to help individuals and families recover from the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Could the payment have been sent by mail instead of direct deposit?
Yes. If the IRS didn’t have your banking info, you may have been sent a paper check or EIP debit card. Be sure to check your mail and any unopened envelopes from the IRS or U.S. Treasury.
3. What if I haven’t received my $1,400 stimulus yet?
If you’re eligible and didn’t receive it, you may need to claim it as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return. This applies even if you don’t normally file taxes.
4. How do I claim the $1,400 as a Recovery Rebate Credit?
File a federal tax return for the tax year 2021 or 2022 (whichever is applicable) and fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit section. The IRS will process it as part of your refund.
5. Can I check the status of my stimulus payment?
Yes. You can check your status by logging into your IRS account online or reviewing your past notices (IRS Notice 1444-C was sent when the third payment was issued).
