The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued an important reminder for approximately one million taxpayers who may still be eligible for a special refund of up to $1,400. This opportunity is available to individuals who did not file their 2021 tax return and still have time to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. The deadline to do so is April 15, 2025.
Who Qualifies for the Recovery Rebate Credit?
Taxpayers who failed to file their 2021 return can still claim the credit, even if they had little or no income during that tax year. If you’ve already filed but are uncertain about the amount you’re entitled to, you can verify your eligibility by logging into your IRS online account.
The IRS encourages taxpayers to review the eligibility requirements on its website and consult the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.
Automatic Refunds for Eligible Taxpayers
To ensure that eligible taxpayers receive their payments, the IRS has identified nearly one million individuals who did not claim the credit on their 2021 tax return. In response, the agency initiated an automatic payment process to deliver refunds without requiring additional paperwork.
Taxpayers with a registered bank account on their 2023 tax return received the refund via direct deposit, while others were sent a check to their last known mailing address on file with the IRS.
“We are making sure these payments get automatically to those who need them, without them having to file an amended return,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel in a December 2024 statement.
How to Claim a Stimulus Check If You Haven’t Received It
If you did not receive an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) or received less than the full amount, you may still qualify to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 or 2021 federal tax return.
Since these payments were allocated across different tax years, the process for claiming them varies:
- If you did not receive the first or second stimulus payments, you need to file a 2020 tax return to claim the credit.
- If you missed the third stimulus payment, you need to file a 2021 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Taxpayers can check their IRS online account under the “Economic Impact Payment Information” section within the Tax Records page to verify payments received.
IRS Notices That Confirm Economic Impact Payments
The IRS sent three different Economic Impact Payment notices by mail to each taxpayer’s registered address, detailing the amounts sent. These notices can help you determine if you need to file a claim:
- Notice 1444: Details the first Economic Impact Payment (2020 tax year)
- Notice 1444-B: Details the second Economic Impact Payment (2020 tax year)
- Notice 1444-C: Details the third Economic Impact Payment (2021 tax year)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who qualifies for the Recovery Rebate Credit?
Taxpayers who did not receive their full Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) for 2020 or 2021 and meet income requirements may be eligible.
How do I check if I already received the payment?
Log into your IRS online account and review the “Economic Impact Payment Information” under the Tax Records page.
Do I need to file an amended return to claim my credit?
No, if you were identified as eligible by the IRS, you may receive an automatic refund. If not, you must file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025.
How will I receive my refund?
Direct deposit if you have a registered bank account with the IRS, or by mailed check to your address on file.
What if I lost my IRS payment notice?
You can verify payment details through your IRS online account or request a copy from the IRS directly.
Don’t miss your chance to claim your refund—act before the April 15, 2025 deadline!