Many Americans are still wondering if they can receive a $1400 stimulus check in 2025. Good news — while there is no new stimulus being issued this year, the government is offering a chance to claim the third Economic Impact Payment (also called the third stimulus check) if you missed it earlier. This payment is being handled through something called the Recovery Rebate Credit.
If you’re eligible but didn’t get the full payment in 2021, you can still get it in 2025 — but only if you file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025. Let’s break it down simply.
What Is the $1400 Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a tax credit for people who didn’t receive the full $1400 third stimulus check in 2021. This money was meant to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If the IRS sees that you were eligible but didn’t get it or got less than what you should have received, they are now automatically sending this money — but only if you’ve filed your 2021 tax return.
This isn’t a “new” stimulus check. It’s a second chance to get the 2021 stimulus if you missed it.
Who Is Eligible for the $1400 Payment?
To get the $1400 payment in 2025, you must match the following:
Income Limits:
- Single people earning up to $75,000
- Married couples filing together earning up to $150,000
- Head of household filers earning up to $112,500
People earning more than these limits may receive a reduced amount or nothing.
You Must File Taxes:
- You need to file your 2021 tax return (not 2022 or 2023).
- If you’ve already filed and didn’t claim the credit, the IRS might still send it automatically.
- If you haven’t filed your 2021 return yet, you must do it before April 15, 2025.
Dependents Also Count:
- If you had a dependent (like a child), you might get an extra $1400 per dependent, based on the rules at that time.
How Will You Get the $1400 Payment?
The payment method depends on what you shared during your tax filing.
- Direct Deposit: If you gave your bank details while filing, the money will come straight into your account.
- Paper Check: If no bank account is given, the IRS will mail a check to your home.
- Prepaid Debit Card: Some people might receive a government-issued debit card loaded with the amount.
Payments are being rolled out in early 2025, so people who are eligible should start receiving them by January or February.
How to Claim the $1400 Credit
If you think you didn’t get the full payment, or missed it completely, here’s what to do:
- File Your 2021 Tax Return: Do this before April 15, 2025.
- Fill the Right Section: Make sure to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit in the right section of the form.
- Check Your Eligibility: Use online IRS tools or ask a tax expert to confirm if you qualify.
- Stay Alert: The IRS will not send messages or ask for your personal details on email or phone. Stay away from scams.
Important IRS Resources
- Recovery Rebate Credit Information: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit
- Economic Impact Payments: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
- IRS Newsroom: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom
Even though there’s no new fourth stimulus check in 2025, you can still receive the $1400 stimulus from 2021 if you missed it. This is possible through the Recovery Rebate Credit, and you need to file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. Many people, including those with dependents, may be eligible to get this amount now. So don’t delay — file your return, check your status, and claim your money before the deadline passes.
