$1400 Stimulus Check IRS 2025

People who haven’t claimed the payment of stimulus checks during the Recovery Rebate Credit in 2021 still have a chance to claim a $1400 Stimulus Check IRS. The IRS has allowed people to claim the payment of stimulus checks again by filing the tax return in 2021 before the deadline. If you meet the condition of not receiving the payment of eligible stimulus checks for 2021, you will be able to receive the benefit. You can review the article below for other essential details about the stimulus checks

$1,400 Stimulus Check in 2025 – What’s Really Going On

Background

• The third stimulus check was issued in March 2021 under the American Rescue Plan Act.

• Amount: $1,400 per eligible person, including dependents.

• Many people either didn’t receive their full payment or didn’t file taxes, so they never got it.

What’s New in 2025

• IRS estimates nearly $1 billion is still unclaimed from these payments.

• If you never received the full $1,400 payment (or any of the stimulus checks), you might still be able to claim it by filing or amending your 2021 tax return.

• This is claimed through the Recovery Rebate Credit (not a new check being sent in 2025 — it’s retroactive).

Eligibility Criteria

1. Did not receive the full Economic Impact Payment(s):

   • If you missed any of the three stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic or received less than you were eligible for.

2. Did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return:

   • If you filed your 2021 taxes but didn’t include the credit (and were eligible), you can amend your return to claim it.

3. Income thresholds for full payment:

   • Single filers: Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must be $75,000 or less.

   • Married filing jointly: AGI must be $150,000 or less.

   • Partial payments were phased out for higher incomes, with complete phase-out at:

     • $80,000 for single filers

     • $160,000 for married couples

4. Must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN).

5. Must not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return

How to Claim It in 2025

1. File a 2021 Form 1040 or 1040-SR (for seniors) before April 15, 2025.

   • Even if you didn’t owe taxes or usually don’t file, you must file a return to claim the credit.

2. If you already filed in 2021 but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, file an amended return (Form 1040-X).

3. Use IRS Free File (available for people earning $79,000 or less) to file electronically and easily.

 Important: After April 15, 2025, you’ll lose your right to claim this refund permanent

Income Limits for Eligibility

Income is a key factor when determining eligibility for the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS uses your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) to assess your eligibility. Here’s a quick look at the income limits for the full $1,400 payment:

Filing Status	Full Payment Eligibility	Phase-Out Range
Single	Up to $75,000	$75,000 – $80,000
Head of Household	Up to $112,500	$112,500 – $120,000
Married (Joint)	Up to $150,000	$150,000 – $160,000

If your income exceeds these thresholds, the credit phases out gradually. For single filers, the credit phases out completely once AGI reaches $80,000, and for married couples, the cut-off is $160,000. Taxpayers with income above these limits are ineligible for the payment.

Collect Proof of What You Got (if Anything)

Before you file, make sure how much, if any, the third stimulus payment you received in 2021. Most individuals received $1,400 per person. The IRS sent Letter 6475 early in 2022, which reports your specific payment.

If you cannot locate the letter, review your IRS online account or through the “Get My Payment” tool. Having this figure is essential so you can accurately determine your credit. You may claim the difference on your 2021 tax return if you received less than you were entitled

How to File a 2021 Tax Return in 2025 (to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check)

Step 1: Create & Access Your IRS Account

• Go to https://www.irs.gov/ and create an individual IRS online account.

• Once logged in, you can

  • View your tax records

  • Access Wage and Income Statements (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)

  • Check if you already received the 2021 stimulus

  • View or request transcripts and non-filing letters

Step 2: Track Down Missing 2021 Tax Documents

If you’re missing:

• W-2s (from old employers)

• 1099s (from freelance work, unemployment, or other sources)

• 1098s or 5498s (for mortgage interest or IRA info)

Here’s what to do:

• Contact your 2021 employer or bank directly.

• If they can’t help…

Step 3: Use the IRS “Get Transcript” Tool

• Go to the Get Transcript by Mail page.

• OR call the IRS at 📞 800-908-9946 (automated line).

• Choose “Wage and Income Transcript” for 2021 — it includes W-2s, 1099s, and other info.

Step 4: File Form 4506-T (Optional but Helpful)

• If needed, file Form 4506-T to request a complete wage and income transcript.

  • This shows everything the IRS received for you in 2021.

  • It includes W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and more.

• This form can help rebuild your 2021 return even without original document

Step 5: File Your 2021 Return

• Use tax software that still supports Tax Year 2021, or buy/download 2021-specific software (TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.).

• Fill out Form 1040 or 1040-SR (for seniors).

• Print and mail your return to the IRS (e-filing for 2021 is no longer open).

• Be sure to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (Line 30 on the 2021 Form 1040)