The IRS has announced that more than 1.1 million Americans are still owed the $1,400 stimulus payment issued as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. If you believe you qualify but haven’t received your check yet, it’s crucial to act before the April 2025 deadline. In this blog, we will guide you through checking your payment status, claiming your funds, and ensuring you don’t miss out on this important financial support.
What is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The $1,400 stimulus check was part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) provided under the American Rescue Plan signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021. Moreover, the payment aimed to support individuals and families affected by the financial fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who is eligible for the $1,400 stimulus check?
To qualify for the $1,400 stimulus payment, individuals must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- Have a valid Social Security Number.
- Have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below the threshold:
- Up to $75,000 for single filers
- Up to $150,000 for married couples filing jointly
- Up to $112,500 for heads of household
- Dependents (including college students and adults with disabilities) also qualified for $1,400 payments.
Why are 1.1 million people still owed money?
Many individuals didn’t receive their stimulus checks due to common issues such as:
- Incorrect or outdated mailing addresses
- Bank account errors
- Filing taxes late or not filing at all
- Changes in eligibility status (such as income changes or having new dependents)
April 2025 Deadline: Why It Matters
The IRS has set April 15, 2025, as the final deadline to claim the $1,400 stimulus payment. Therefore, if you miss this deadline, you forfeit your chance to receive the funds.
This extended window gives individuals who may not have filed taxes in previous years or missed the automatic payment the chance to claim their money.
How to Check Your IRS Stimulus Payment Status
Wondering if you’re still eligible or if your payment was sent? Here’s how you can check:
1. Use the IRS ‘Get My Payment’ Tool
The IRS provided a dedicated online tool known as “Get My Payment” on its website. Although this tool was active during the disbursement period, you can now use the IRS portal to:
- Check if the payment was issued.
- Verify bank account or address details.
- See if your payment was returned or rejected.
2. Check Your IRS Tax Transcript
You can request your IRS tax transcript online and review it for payment records. Consequently, this will show whether the IRS issued a stimulus check for the 2021 tax year.
3. Review Past Tax Returns
If you filed your 2021 tax return, check if you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit. If not, you might still be eligible to claim it by filing an amended return.
How to Claim Your Missing Stimulus Payment
If you haven’t received your stimulus check, don’t worry. You can still claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return.
Here’s how:
1. File a 2021 or 2022 tax return (if not done yet)
Even if you weren’t required to file taxes, submitting a tax return is the only way to claim missing stimulus funds.
2. Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
When filing your return, you will have the option to enter the amount of stimulus payment you received. If it’s less than the amount you are eligible for, the IRS will issue the difference as part of your refund.
3. File an Amended Return
If you already filed your taxes for 2021 but didn’t claim the credit, you can file Form 1040-X to amend your return.
Documents Needed to Claim Your Stimulus Payment
Before filing or amending your return, make sure to gather:
- Social Security Numbers for you and your dependents
- Proof of income (W-2s, 1099 forms)
- Bank account details for direct deposit
- A copy of your prior tax returns for reference
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing the April 15, 2025 deadline means you will permanently lose your eligibility to claim the $1,400 payment. As a result, the IRS will not issue late payments after that date, so it’s critical to act now.
Why You Should Act Early
Filing early helps:
- Avoid processing delays
- Ensure you get your refund faster
- Correct errors in time if additional documentation is needed
How USeFiler Can Help You Claim Your Stimulus Check
Navigating tax forms, credits, and amendments can be overwhelming. USeFiler is here to make tax filing simple, stress-free, and 100% accurate. Furthermore, we can:
- Help you check if you’re still owed the $1,400 payment
- Assist in filing or amending tax returns
- Ensure all documentation is correct
- Maximize your refund and avoid missed opportunities
Conclusion: Don’t Leave $1,400 on the Table
The IRS $1,400 stimulus check designed to support you, and if you haven’t received it yet, there’s still time — but not for long! Therefore, make sure to check your status and file for your payment before the April 2025 deadline.
Let USeFiler help you claim what’s rightfully yours with confidence and ease.