Big news for Americans hoping for extra cash in 2025: you might still be able to claim a $1,400 stimulus check from 2021! These payments, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, are called the Recovery Rebate Credit, and the IRS says about 1 million people haven’t claimed theirs yet.
With a deadline of April 15, 2025, time’s running out to grab this money. X posts are buzzing with excitement, but some false claims about new $1,400 or $2,000 checks are floating around. Let’s clear up who qualifies, how to get your payment, and when it might arrive, so you don’t miss out!
What’s the $1,400 Stimulus Check About?
The $1,400 stimulus check was the third round of Economic Impact Payments from 2021, aimed at helping Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people got their money back then, but some missed out due to not filing taxes or errors on their 2021 tax return.
The IRS found 1.1 million eligible taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, worth up to $1,400 per person or $5,600 for a family of four. In December 2024, the IRS started sending automatic payments to those who filed 2021 taxes but left the credit blank. If you haven’t filed, you can still claim it by April 15, 2025.
Who Can Get the $1,400 Payment?
To qualify for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, you need to meet these rules:
- Income: Single filers with adjusted gross income (AGI) up to $75,000 or married couples filing jointly with AGI up to $150,000 get the full $1,400. Payments shrink above these limits and stop at $80,000 for singles or $160,000 for joint filers.
- Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a valid Social Security number.
- Dependents: Not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s 2021 tax return.
- Dependents’ payout: $1,400 per qualifying dependent, including kids and adult dependents like college students.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to $1,400 per person, $5,600 for family of four |
| Income Limits | $75,000 (single), $150,000 (joint) |
| Deadline | April 15, 2025 |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed check |
How to Claim Your Check
If you got a payment in December 2024 or January 2025, you’re likely set—the IRS used your 2023 tax return info for direct deposit or mailed checks. If you didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you must file one by April 15, 2025, to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, even if you had little or no income. Use IRS Free File or Form 1040, and fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit section. Check IRS Letter 6475 or your IRS online account at IRS.gov to see what you already received. If you filed 2021 taxes but missed the credit, amend your return with Form 1040-X.
Key Payment Dates to Know
The IRS sent automatic payments in December 2024 and January 2025 to those who filed 2021 taxes but didn’t claim the credit. For new 2021 filings, expect these timelines:
- E-filed with direct deposit: Payments within 3–4 weeks after filing.
- Paper filing or mailed checks: 6–8 weeks after filing.
- Deadline: File by April 15, 2025, or lose the money forever.
If your bank account changed since 2023, the IRS will reissue payments to your address if the bank returns the funds. Check payment status at IRS.gov using your online account.
Watch Out for Scams and Myths
X posts and some websites claim new $1,400 or $2,000 “fourth stimulus” checks are coming in July 2025, but these are false. The IRS confirms no new federal stimulus checks are planned beyond the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. A proposed $5,000 “DOGE dividend” lacks funding and approval, so don’t count on it. Scammers are also active, sending fake texts or emails asking for bank details. The IRS never contacts you this way—stick to IRS.gov for updates and avoid sharing personal info with unknown sources.
Other Ways to Get Cash in 2025
No federal checks? Some states are stepping up. New York’s inflation refund checks ($300–$500) start mailing in October 2025 for 2023 tax filers. California’s Sacramento Family First program gives $725 monthly to 200 low-income families until November 2025. Colorado offers TABOR refunds ($565 single, $1,130 joint), and New Jersey’s ANCHOR program starts payments in September 2025. Check your state’s tax website for details. If you’re eligible for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, file your 2021 taxes now to beat the April 15 deadline. Don’t let this cash slip away—check your change and IRS account today