With tax season around the corner, many taxpayers are inquiring about whether they will be eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check from the IRS. This program is designed to help those who may have missed out on earlier EIPs because of an incomplete tax filing. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, payment details, and how to ensure you get your money.
$1,400 stimulus check: Everything you need to know
The IRS said that it will issue around $2.4 billion in automatic payments to an estimated one million taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return. The credit was set up for individuals who did not receive their full EIPs amount during the pandemic. Eligible individuals are entitled to a maximum payment of $1,400, while married couples can claim up to $2,800 as detailed here, IRS $1400 stimulus check payment dates in 2025 – These are the Americans who will collect the tax relief this year.
These are among the many payments to right the financial wrongs brought about due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and those who are otherwise eligible but unclaimed credits or benefits shall receive those for their urgent needs.
Who is eligible to receive this $1,400 stimulus payment?
The eligibility requirements for the $1,400 stimulus payment are whether or not one filed the Recovery Rebate Credit in their 2021 taxes. This also includes eligibility among the following:
- You filed a 2021 tax return but left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or reported it as $0.
- You come under income limits for single taxpayers, the adjusted gross income (AGI) has to be $75,000 or lower, and for married couples filing jointly, it should not be more than $150,000. The credit is slowly withdrawn for incomes above these limits and phases out completely at $80,000 for singles and $160,000 for couples.
If you are in these categories, there is nothing to be done; the IRS will send your payment automatically.
How will payments be distributed?
The IRS plans to send out these payments automatically by late January 2025. Eligible taxpayers will receive their funds either through direct deposit or via paper checks sent to the address on file with the IRS.
In addition to the payments, the IRS will send letters notifying recipients of their eligibility and payment details. The concerned authority hereby undertakes proactive communication to minimize confusion and ensure that the taxpayer understands what he or she is receiving.
When can you expect your payment?
Payments, said the IRS officials, have started from December 2024, and most of the eligible taxpayers should get their payments by the last week of January 2025. If you filed your tax return for the 2021 year, are qualified, but have not got any payment, you likely should check your status with the IRS either through the “Get My Payment” or “Taxpayer Online Account.”.
If you believe you meet the requirements but didn’t receive a payment, you can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing an amended return on Form 1040-X by April 15, 2025.
What if you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet
If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet but think you might be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, you need to do so before the deadline. You must file a return even if your income was very low or even zero during that year in order to claim any credits owed.
The IRS encourages all eligible individuals to file their returns promptly to ensure they can access any benefits available to them.
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