The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently issuing $1,400 stimulus payments to taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return. This surprise windfall may benefit over 1 million Americans, but not everyone qualifies. Understanding who is eligible—and who is not—is key to avoiding confusion as these checks are distributed in 2025.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
The $1,400 stimulus is part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) that was authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The original payments were distributed in 2021, but some individuals missed out, either due to non-filing or clerical issues. The IRS is now catching up by issuing automatic payments to those who are still eligible.
Those who haven’t filed a 2021 return still have time to claim the funds through the Recovery Rebate Credit—but must act before April 15, 2025.
Who Is Not Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
Despite the wide net of eligibility, several groups are excluded from receiving the payment. According to the IRS, the following taxpayers will not qualify:
1. High-Income Earners
- Single filers with Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) above $80,000
- Heads of household earning more than $120,000
- Married couples filing jointly with AGI over $160,000
Stimulus payments phase out starting at $75,000 (single), $112,500 (head of household), and $150,000 (married filing jointly). (Recovery Rebate Credit FAQs)
2. Non-Filers Who Fail to File by Deadline
The IRS is not automatically issuing payments to those who never filed a 2021 federal tax return. These individuals must file by April 15, 2025, to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Filing instructions are available on the IRS Free File website.
3. Dependents
If someone claimed you as a dependent on their 2021 tax return, you are not eligible for your own $1,400 payment, even if you earned income yourself.
4. Non-Residents and ITIN Holders
Only those with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) are eligible. Those using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are excluded, even if they worked and paid taxes in the U.S.
5. Deceased Individuals
Those who passed away before 2021 are not eligible for the payment, even if they were alive during earlier stimulus rounds.
How to Check Your Eligibility
You can use the IRS’s official online tools to verify your eligibility and payment status:
- Check Your 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Status
- IRS Get My Payment Portal (archived)
What Should Eligible Taxpayers Do Now?
- If you did not receive the third stimulus payment in 2021 and didn’t claim it on your tax return, the IRS may still issue your check automatically if you filed in time.
- If you never filed your 2021 return, you still have a chance to claim your credit. The deadline to file and claim is April 15, 2025.
Why the IRS Is Issuing Payments in 2025
Many taxpayers missed the original payment due to:
- Filing errors
- Missing forms
- Non-filing due to low income
The IRS estimates over 1 million Americans are still eligible, prompting this renewed push.
Final Reminder: Don’t Wait
The IRS is encouraging all taxpayers—especially low-income and gig workers—to double-check whether they qualify. Don’t assume you’re ineligible, particularly if you didn’t file in 2021. Filing a simple return could mean a check worth $1,400, which could make a real difference.
For further information:
- Call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
