The tax deadline for filing the 2021 tax return is approaching faster than you may have thought. The last day to file your return is April 15, 2025. This is most probably going to be the last chance for those who still haven’t claimed their $1,400 stimulus check. This potential payment comes through the Recovery Rebate Credit, which was a federal government initiative to provide relief from financial struggles arising because of COVID-19. If you are someone who has failed to file their taxes in 2021, this article is for you. It brings you everything you need to know about the potential IRS payment worth $1,400 and who is eligible to receive it.
Claim Your IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check: Who’s Eligible?
The IRS has officially confirmed that the taxpayers who couldn’t receive their stimulus payments back in 2021 will still have an opportunity to qualify for it now. In order to qualify yourself as eligible for receiving the payments, you must be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien. The second condition is to file your 2021 tax return. In case you missed the opportunity to claim the credit when you filed your return in 2021, you can still amend or file a new return. Those who did not receive the full $1,400 stimulus check-in 2021 and were eligible for the Economic Impact Payment but did not claim it for some reason can claim the payment now. People who had an important life event in 2021 (like having a dependent) that increased their eligibility can also claim the payment.
How to Claim IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check?
If you are someone who wants to claim the $1,400 stimulus payment now, you will simply have to file your 2021 return to qualify. Those who missed the opportunity to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their previous returns can still submit an amended return. However, you must ensure you claim the correct amount of the Recovery Rebate Credit to qualify for the full payment. Those who have already filed their return but did not get the credit will receive it automatically. Those who haven’t filed the tax return must do it before the 15th of April 2025. This is because the deadline this time is not extendable.
How Much Stimulus Check Will You Receive?
Eligible taxpayers who file their return before the 15th of April 2025 will receive up to $1,400 per person, including dependents. This means your family can actually receive more if it is eligible for multiple payments, depending on the size of your household. However, one thing you must note is that income limits also apply. The full $1,400 is for individuals AGI reaching up to $75,000, or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. The payments are then gradually phased out for higher incomes. Individuals who are earning more than $80,000 ($160,000 for couples) are not eligible for these payments.
What Will Happen If You Miss The Deadline?
IRS has made it pretty clear that this is your chance to claim the $1,400 stimulus check. If you fail to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit before the April 15 deadline, you will no longer be eligible to receive the $1,400 check. In case you need help in filing your return or claiming your credit, you can head to the official website of the IRS for further instructions and guidance. IRS has encouraged electronic filing for those who prefer to file their return on paper to expedite the process.
