The third Economic Impact Payment, part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provided $1,400 to eligible individuals and dependents. While most people received their payment in 2021, many never did or were shortchanged. If you’re one of them, don’t worry — there’s still time to claim it. This article walks you through how to track your payment, check eligibility, and file for a missing stimulus using the IRS tools.
Table of Contents
Overview
Here’s a quick look at key details of the $1,400 stimulus payment:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $1,400 per eligible person, including dependents |
| IRS Tool | IRS Get My Payment (inactive as of 2023) |
| Income Limits | $75,000 single, $150,000 married, $112,500 head of household |
| Payment Methods | Direct deposit, check, prepaid EIP card |
| Missing Payment? | Claim via Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Filing Deadline | July 20, 2025 |
| IRS Contact | 800-919-9835 |
| Trace Form | Form 3911 |
Tracking
The IRS Get My Payment tool was used to track payments in real-time. While it’s no longer active, you can still check your IRS records to confirm whether your stimulus was issued.
Here’s what you can do now:
Log into IRS Online Account
Go to the IRS website and sign into your account. Under the Economic Impact Payments section, you’ll find records of any payments sent.
Review IRS Notices
You should have received Notice 1444-C after the third payment. If it’s missing, request a tax transcript through the IRS website.
Check Your Bank Records
Look for transactions labeled IRS TREAS 310 TAXEIP3. This code was used for direct deposits.
Request a Tax Transcript
Use the Get Transcript Online tool at IRS.gov to see your payment history.
Eligibility
Not everyone qualified for the $1,400 stimulus. The IRS used income data from 2019 or 2020 tax returns to determine eligibility.
Here’s how it broke down:
- Individuals who earned up to $75,000 qualified for the full amount
- Married couples earning up to $150,000 received the full $2,800
- Heads of household with income up to $112,500 qualified
- Payments phased out completely at $80,000 (individuals), $160,000 (married), and $120,000 (head of household)
- An additional $1,400 was provided for each qualifying dependent
If your income exceeded the limits, your payment may have been reduced or eliminated.
Missing
If you didn’t get your payment or received less than you expected, you still have options.
1. Check IRS Records
Sign into your IRS account and confirm if a payment was issued. If it was not, move to the next step.
2. Claim Recovery Rebate Credit
File a 2021 tax return using Form 1040 or 1040-SR. Use Line 30 to claim the missing stimulus.
Deadline to file is July 20, 2025
3. Request a Payment Trace
If the IRS shows that your payment was sent but you never got it, initiate a payment trace. You can:
- Call the IRS at 800-919-9835
- Submit Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund)
- If fraud is suspected (someone else cashed your check), the IRS will send a claim package
Problems
Here are some common issues people faced with their stimulus payments and how to fix them.
Wrong Bank Account
If the payment went to a closed or incorrect bank account, it should have been returned to the IRS and reissued. If not, claim it via Recovery Rebate Credit.
Lost or Stolen Check
If your check was lost or stolen, you’ll need to fill out Form 3911 to request a trace.
Non-Filers
If you didn’t file taxes in 2019 or 2020, the Non-Filers Tool (now closed) would have been your option. If you missed it, file a 2021 tax return to claim your payment.
FAQs
How much was the third stimulus payment?
It was $1,400 per eligible person, including dependents.
Can I still claim my $1,400 payment?
Yes, by filing a 2021 tax return before July 20, 2025.
What is IRS Form 3911 used for?
It’s used to trace a missing or lost payment.
Where do I check stimulus payment status now?
Use your IRS online account or request a tax transcript.
Who qualifies for the $1,400 stimulus?
Those under income limits with valid SSNs and dependents.
