In January 2025, the IRS will send checks totaling up to $1,400 to those who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return. Find out if you are eligible for the new IRS stimulus checks. Learn how to determine your eligibility and receive your payment.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has good news: in January 2025, new stimulus checks worth up to $1,400 will be distributed. These payments are for taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. If you’re not sure if you’re one of the recipients, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
What is the Recovery Rebate Stimulus Check Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is essentially a way to receive economic stimulus payments distributed during the pandemic. If you did not receive Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) in 2020 or 2021, or only received a portion of them, you may claim the funds on your 2021 tax return. It is a benefit intended to compensate those who, for whatever reason, did not receive the original stimulus checks.
Who can receive this new check?
Not everyone will qualify, but if you meet certain criteria, you may be on the list of recipients. Let us break it down. You did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit in 2021. If you filed your return that year but did not request this credit, you could be automatically eligible for the check.
Your income falls within the limits:
- Up to $75,000 for single filers.
- Up to $112,500 for heads of household.
- Up to $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
If your income exceeds these limits, the payment begins to gradually reduce and disappears completely at:
- $80,000 for single filers.
- $120,000 for heads of household.
- $160,000 for married couples.
You and your dependents must have a valid Social Security number issued before filing your return.

How will you receive the payment?
The best part is that you are not required to do anything if you have already filed your 2021 tax return. The IRS will send the payments automatically.
- Direct deposit: If you provided your bank account information on your return, the money will be directly deposited.
- Check by mail: If you did not provide banking information, the IRS will send a physical check to the address on file.
What if you didn’t file your 2021 return?
You still have time. If you did not file your 2021 tax return, you have until April 15, 2025. This will allow you to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and therefore receive the stimulus check.
The IRS will send letters to eligible taxpayers. But you can also check it yourself:
- Log in to your account on the official IRS website.
- If you have doubts or think you qualify but do not receive the check, contact the IRS or seek tax advice.
Some things to keep in mind
- Payments for dependents: If you have qualifying children or other dependents, you could receive additional payments for each of them.
- Impact on future returns: This check will not affect your future returns or reduce other federal benefits you are entitled to.
- Beware of scams: The IRS will never ask for personal information by email, text messages, or phone calls. All official communication will be done exclusively by postal mail.
Why is it important to stay informed?
This stimulus check offers financial relief if you did not claim the credit in 2021. However, you must keep your IRS information up to date and meet all of the requirements.
The new IRS stimulus checks of up to $1,400 provide significant assistance for those who did not use the Recovery Rebate Credit in 2021. Check your eligibility, verify your information, and don’t pass up the opportunity to receive this benefit. It’s a way to get the year off to a better financial start.
If you haven’t filed your 2021 return yet, remember that you have until April 2025 to do so. Don’t miss this opportunity.
Also See:- Increase in Social Security and SSI payments for couples in 2025