$1,400 Bonus Coming: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that nearly 1 million Americans are still eligible to receive a $1,400 stimulus check through the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. These payments are for individuals who missed out on the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you didn’t get this payment—or only received a partial amount—you may still be eligible to claim it by filing a 2021 federal tax return. But act fast: the deadline is April 15, 2025.
$1,400 Bonus Coming
If you never received your $1,400 stimulus payment from the third round of Economic Impact Payments in 2021, you may still be eligible through the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS is automatically sending out payments to those who previously filed but didn’t claim it—and allowing others to file by April 15, 2025, to secure what they’re owed. This may be your last chance to claim up to $1,400 per person, plus $1,400 per dependent, so don’t delay. Whether you’re a parent, a student, a retiree, or someone who thought they earned too little to qualify—this money could still be yours.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to $1,400 per eligible individual |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens or resident aliens, not claimed as dependents, valid SSN |
| Income Threshold | Full credit if AGI ≤ $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married filing jointly) |
| Deadline to File | April 15, 2025 |
| Claim Method | File a 2021 tax return; automatic for those who filed but didn’t claim it |
| Additional Amounts | $1,400 per eligible dependent |
| Official Info & Tools | IRS Recovery Rebate Credit |
What Is the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a tax credit authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It was created to ensure that eligible taxpayers received the third round of stimulus checks—up to $1,400 per person.
Most people received their payments automatically in 2021. However, due to filing errors, income changes, or failure to submit a 2021 tax return, many Americans missed out.
The IRS is now issuing these overdue payments, and you may still be entitled to thousands of dollars, especially if you have dependents.
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Stimulus?
To receive the full credit, you must meet these requirements:
- U.S. citizen or resident alien for the tax year 2021
- Not claimed as a dependent on another person’s 2021 tax return
- Valid Social Security Number (SSN) issued before the tax return due date
- Meet income eligibility thresholds (based on your 2021 tax year AGI)
Income Thresholds for Full Credit
- Single filers: $75,000 or less
- Married filing jointly: $150,000 or less
- Head of household: $112,500 or less
If your income exceeds those amounts, the credit is gradually reduced and completely phased out at:
- $80,000 (single)
- $160,000 (married filing jointly)
- $120,000 (head of household)
How to Claim the $1,400 Bonus Coming? (Step-by-Step)
1. If You Already Filed Your 2021 Tax Return (But Didn’t Claim the Credit)
The IRS is issuing these payments automatically. If you’re eligible, you’ll get your payment via direct deposit or check based on your most recent IRS information. No additional steps are needed.
2. If You Didn’t File a 2021 Return
Here’s what to do:
- Step 1: Go to IRS Free File (for incomes under $73,000) or use tax software
- Step 2: File your 2021 tax return, even if you had no income
- Step 3: On the return, use Form 1040 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
- Step 4: Submit the return before April 15, 2025
If you’re owed money from this credit, you’ll receive it as a refund, even if you don’t owe taxes.
Who Might Be Missing Out?
You may be one of the 1 million people eligible if:
- You had no taxable income and didn’t think you needed to file
- You had a change in income between 2020 and 2021 that now makes you eligible
- You had a new child or dependent in 2021
- You were incarcerated, homeless, or in another situation where your payment wasn’t processed
The IRS is encouraging people in these groups to file before the deadline to avoid missing out permanently.
Additional Tips and Insights
- Dependents count: You can receive an additional $1,400 for each eligible dependent.
- Deceased individuals: If a person passed away in 2021 or later and didn’t receive the payment, their estate might be eligible.
- Payment tracking: You can view your stimulus history by creating an account on the IRS Online Portal.
- No penalties for late refund claims: Filing late just to claim a refund won’t trigger penalties.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do I know if I already received the third stimulus check?
Log into your IRS Online Account and check your 2021 tax records. Look for “Economic Impact Payment 3.”
Q2. Will this credit impact my Social Security, SNAP, or other benefits?
No. The Recovery Rebate Credit does not count as income and won’t affect your eligibility for federal programs.
Q3. What if I got a partial payment?
You can claim the remaining amount by calculating the difference using the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet when filing your 2021 tax return.
Q4. Can I still file a 2021 return if I haven’t done any taxes before?
Yes! Even if you’ve never filed taxes, you can still submit a return now to claim this payment.
Q5. Is it safe to file online or use tax software?
Yes. The IRS recommends using trusted online software or authorized IRS e-file providers. Avoid unsolicited messages, phone calls, or emails claiming to offer this payment—they may be scams.
