IRS Announces $1,400 Special Stimulus for 1 Million Taxpayers – Check Eligibility and Payment Date

Published On: July 18, 2025

The IRS has just rolled out a new $1,400 stimulus payment aimed at helping nearly one million taxpayers who missed out on the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) from 2021. If you didn’t receive your full stimulus back then—or skipped filing altogether—this may be your second chance to get that money. Wondering if you qualify or what steps you need to take? Let’s break it all down in simple terms.

Table of Contents

Overview

This new stimulus isn’t a random surprise check. It’s designed to correct missed payments from 2021. Whether you filed your taxes incorrectly or didn’t file at all, the IRS wants to make sure you get what you’re owed.

Topic	Details
Payment Amount	Up to $1,400 per person
Beneficiaries	Around 1 million taxpayers
Eligibility	Missed 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit
Action Needed	None for filers; non-filers must submit 2021 return
Deadline	File by July 20, 2025
Payment Method	Direct deposit or mailed check

Stimulus

So what exactly is this payment for? It’s the IRS’s way of fixing missed Recovery Rebate Credits. A lot of people qualified back in 2021 but didn’t claim the credit due to filing errors, income confusion, or simply not knowing about it.

Now, the IRS is automatically sending payments to those who filed but didn’t claim it. If you didn’t file at all, you still have time to act.

Eligibility

Here’s a quick look at who might qualify:

1. Filed but Missed the Credit

You may have filed your 2021 taxes but didn’t fill out the section for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Maybe you skipped it or entered incorrect info. If so, and you were eligible, the IRS will now send you the payment automatically.

2. Non-Filers

Didn’t file taxes in 2021? You still have until July 20, 2025 to submit a late return and claim the credit. If you had little or no income, you probably weren’t required to file—but doing so now could unlock your $1,400 check.

3. Income Limits

To receive the full $1,400:

Single filers: AGI under $75,000
Married filing jointly: AGI under $150,000
Head of household: AGI under $112,500

Partial payments apply for those just above the thresholds.

Distribution

The IRS is making it as easy as possible. If you’re eligible and already filed, you don’t need to do anything. Here’s what to expect:

Direct Deposit: Sent to the bank account used on your 2021 return
Paper Check: If no direct deposit info is available
Timeline: Most payments will go out from December 2024 to January 2025

Notifications

You won’t be left in the dark. The IRS will send a letter confirming your payment. This notice will include the amount, how it was calculated, and what to do if you find an error.

Keep this letter—it’s important for your records and might help when filing future returns.

Nonfilers

If you never filed for 2021, don’t panic. You can still get the payment by taking these steps:

Gather Info
Collect your W-2s, 1099s, and any other income forms. If you’re unsure where to start, use the IRS Free File tool or consult a tax professional.
File Your 2021 Return
Use IRS tools or tax software to submit your 2021 taxes. Make sure to complete the Recovery Rebate Credit section.
Track Your Payment
Once you file, it may take a few weeks. Use the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov to monitor your payment status.

This whole process can be done online or through a tax service—and there’s still time, but don’t wait too long.

This $1,400 payment isn’t just another stimulus—it’s a second chance. If you missed out on the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, this could be the financial support you need. For those who already filed, relief is on the way automatically. And if you didn’t file, you’ve got until July 20, 2025, to fix that. Just don’t miss the window—this is your opportunity to claim what’s rightfully yours.