If you missed out on the third stimulus check during the pandemic, the IRS is offering one last chance to claim your money — but only until April 15, 2025.
IRS Recovery Rebate 2025: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has reopened the door for eligible individuals to receive the $1,400 Economic Impact Payment (EIP) they may have missed in 2021. This is made possible through the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), a refundable credit available to taxpayers who did not get the full amount of the third stimulus.
This initiative is especially significant for Americans who may not have filed taxes during the pandemic or were unaware they qualified for the payment.
Why Is This Payment Still Available?
Millions of Americans were eligible for the third round of stimulus payments issued in 2021 but didn’t receive the full amount. To close that gap, the IRS is giving taxpayers a final opportunity to claim the payment by filing a 2021 federal tax return.
This move particularly benefits:
- Low-income individuals
- Seniors and retirees
- Students
- People with disabilities
- Non-filers who did not submit a return in 2021
Who Can Still Get the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
You may qualify for this retroactive stimulus if:
- You didn’t receive all or any part of the third Economic Impact Payment in 2021
- You meet the 2021 income thresholds:
- Single filer: Under $75,000
- Married filing jointly: Under $150,000
- Head of household: Under $112,500
The benefit phases out entirely for incomes above:
- $80,000 (Single)
- $160,000 (Married filing jointly)
- $120,000 (Head of household)
Even individuals with zero income in 2021 are eligible to file and receive the payment.
How to Claim Your IRS Stimulus Payment
Claiming the credit is straightforward. Here’s how:
- Verify Past Payments
Log in to your IRS Online Account or review IRS Letter 6475 to check if you received the third stimulus. - Gather Required Documents
- SSN or ITIN
- Proof of residency or government-issued ID
- Any available income documents
- Direct deposit information (optional but faster)
- File a 2021 Tax Return
- Use IRS Free File if your income was below $73,000
- File a paper Form 1040 if necessary
- Seek help from IRS-certified volunteers via the VITA program
- Track Your Refund
After filing, monitor the status using the Where’s My Refund tool.
Already Filed But Missed the Rebate?
If you submitted your 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, you can still fix it.
- File Form 1040-X to amend your return.
- This is the most dependable way to ensure you get any missing payments.
- While the IRS may issue automatic corrections in some cases, an amended return guarantees accurate processing.
Other Tax Credits to Consider
When filing your 2021 return, consider checking your eligibility for additional tax credits:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):
- Up to $6,728 for families with children
- Up to $1,502 for qualifying individuals with low income
- Child Tax Credit (CTC):
- Up to $3,600 per child under age 6
- Up to $3,000 per child aged 6–17
- Fully refundable for 2021
These credits could add thousands more to your refund beyond the $1,400 stimulus.
FAQs About IRS Recovery Rebate 2025
Is this a new stimulus payment?
No. It’s the Recovery Rebate Credit for people who missed the third stimulus issued in 2021.
Do I qualify if I didn’t file taxes in 2021?
Yes. The credit is designed to help non-filers. You can still submit a 2021 tax return to claim your payment.
Will the credit be reduced if I owe taxes?
The IRS may apply the refund toward certain federal or state debts, but many people will still receive some or all of the payment.
Can immigrants claim this stimulus?
Yes, if they had a valid Social Security Number and met all other eligibility criteria in 2021.
Can someone else file on my behalf?
Yes, with proper authorization, a tax preparer, caregiver, or legal representative can file for you.
- Read Also:
- New Social Security Payment on April 23, 2025: How Much Will Retirees Receive After the COLA Increase?
- $1,702 Alaska Stimulus Payment in April 2025: Eligibility, Deposit Dates & How to Receive It
- VA Burial Benefits 2025: How Much Can Families Receive for Non-Service-Connected Deaths?
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Deadline to File | April 15, 2025 |
| Benefit Amount | $1,400 per adult, $1,400 per dependent |
| Tax Year Applicable | 2021 |
| Eligibility Based On | 2021 income and residency |
| Where to File | IRS Free File or Form 1040 |
| Amendment Option | Form 1040-X for missed credits |
| IRS Website | irs.gov |
