The IRS is issuing special payments of up to $1,400 to eligible taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 tax returns. citeturn0search1
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The RRC is a refundable credit for individuals who missed one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments, commonly known as stimulus checks, were distributed in three rounds between 2020 and 2021. If you didn’t receive the full amount or any payment at all, you could claim the RRC on your tax return to receive the missed funds.
Why Are These Payments Being Issued Now?
After reviewing internal data, the IRS found that about one million taxpayers who were eligible for the RRC either left the credit field blank or entered $0 on their 2021 tax returns. To rectify this oversight, the IRS is automatically issuing payments to these individuals. citeturn0news13
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for this payment if:
- You filed a 2021 tax return.
- You were eligible for the RRC but did not claim it on your return.
The maximum payment amount is $1,400 per individual. The actual amount may vary depending on your specific circumstances.
How Will I Receive the Payment?
The IRS began issuing these payments in December 2024. Most eligible taxpayers should receive their payments by late January 2025. Payments will be sent via direct deposit to the bank account listed on your 2023 tax return or as a paper check to your address on record. You will also receive a separate letter notifying you of the payment. citeturn0search2
Do I Need to Take Any Action?
No action is required on your part if you meet the eligibility criteria. The IRS is issuing these payments automatically to ensure that eligible taxpayers receive the funds without the need to file an amended return.
What If I Haven’t Filed My 2021 Tax Return Yet?
If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return, you still have time to claim the RRC. The deadline to file and claim the credit is April 15, 2025. Even if you had minimal or no income, filing a return could make you eligible for the credit and any other refunds owed. citeturn0search1
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum Payment Amount | $1,400 per individual |
| Payment Issuance Period | December 2024 – Late January 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Filed 2021 tax return; eligible for RRC but did not claim it |
| Action Required by Taxpayers | None, payments are automatic |
| Notification | Separate letter from the IRS |
| Deadline to Claim RRC if Unfiled | April 15, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If I Don’t Receive My Payment by Late January 2025?
If you haven’t received your payment by late January 2025, check the bank account or address listed on your 2023 tax return. If your bank account has changed, the payment will be returned to the IRS, and they will reissue it as a paper check to your address on record. If you still don’t receive it, consider contacting the IRS for further assistance.
Can I Still Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit If I Missed the Previous Stimulus Payments?
Yes, if you missed any of the previous stimulus payments, you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. This applies even if you had minimal or no income during that year.
Will This Payment Affect My Eligibility for Other Federal Benefits?
No, receiving the Recovery Rebate Credit does not count as income when determining eligibility for federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
For more detailed information, you can visit the IRS official announcement.
My Name is Chris Mueller , I Work as a Content Writer for Sugyan and I like Writing Articles
