You Could Qualify for a $1,400 Stimulus Check From the IRS—Here’s What to Know

In December 2024, the IRS announced it would distribute approximately $2.4 billion in stimulus payments—up to $1,400 per individual—to U.S. taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.

The Recovery Rebate Credit was specifically designed for taxpayers who missed receiving one or more Economic Impact Payments—commonly known as stimulus checks—according to the IRS.

Who Qualifies for the Stimulus Check?

Taxpayers who filed a 2021 return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit do not need to take further action. According to the IRS, these payments automatically began going out in December 2024. Eligible taxpayers should receive a notification via a letter from the agency. Payments will be delivered either through direct deposit or by paper check mailed to the taxpayer's address on file.

Those who have not yet filed their 2021 tax returns may still qualify if they act quickly. To claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, taxpayers must submit their overdue 2021 returns no later than April 15, 2025, according to the IRS.

How Many People Are Eligible?

According to a March 11 IRS statement, more than 1.1 million Americans nationwide currently have unclaimed refunds from tax year 2021. In total, these unclaimed refunds exceed $1 billion, with a median refund estimated at $781 per taxpayer. The estimated amount does not include additional credits such as the Recovery Rebate Credit.

California leads all states with approximately 116,300 residents potentially eligible for unclaimed refunds from 2021 returns. Texas follows closely behind with around 102,200 eligible individuals. Other states with large numbers of eligible taxpayers include New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan.

Important Considerations

Taxpayers who owe outstanding taxes or debts—including unpaid child support or overdue federal student loans—may see their refund amounts, including stimulus checks, offset by what they owe.

How Can Taxpayers Check Their Status?

Once taxpayers submit their overdue returns for the tax year 2021, they can track refund status using the IRS's online tool called "Where’s My Refund.” This tool provides updates including whether a return has been received, approved, or sent. The IRS advises checking this tool only once daily since updates typically occur overnight.

Electronically filed returns usually receive refunds within about three weeks; mailed paper returns generally require four weeks or longer. Returns needing corrections or further review may take additional time, and amended returns can take up to 16 weeks.

Upcoming Changes for Filing Dependents

Starting with the upcoming filing season in 2025 (for tax year 2024), taxpayers filing electronically will be allowed to submit returns claiming dependents even if those dependents were already claimed elsewhere—as long as they include a valid Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN), according to the IRS statement issued in March.