IRS Confirms $1,400 Stimulus for May 2025 – How to Ensure You Receive Your Payment

Still haven’t received your third stimulus check from 2021? You could be leaving $1,400 on the table—and time is running out. The IRS is giving you until May 15, 2025, to claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit. Whether you missed out due to not filing, weren’t sure you qualified, or just didn’t know about it, there’s still hope. Let’s walk through who’s eligible, how to file, and why you shouldn’t delay.

Overview

The $1,400 stimulus check was part of the third Economic Impact Payment issued in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most people got it automatically, over a million Americans didn’t—often because they didn’t file a tax return or weren’t aware they qualified. Now, the IRS is offering a second shot through the Recovery Rebate Credit.

If you didn’t get your check, this is your chance. But you must file a 2021 federal tax return—even if you had zero income that year.

Eligibility

So, who can still get the money? Here’s the breakdown.

Income Limits

If your 2021 income was under these thresholds and you didn’t receive the full stimulus amount, you’re likely eligible.

Other Criteria

• Must have a valid Social Security number
• Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
• Can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
• Must not have already received the full third stimulus payment

This means that even if you were unemployed, homeless, or on Social Security alone, you could still qualify.

Process

Claiming your $1,400 might sound like a hassle, but it’s actually pretty straightforward if you take it step by step.

Step 1

Start with the basics:

• Your Social Security number
• 2021 tax documents (W-2, 1099, unemployment forms, etc.)
• IRS Letter 6475 (confirms previous stimulus payments)
• ID (driver’s license or passport)

Step 2

If you didn’t already file a return for 2021, you’ll need to do it now. Here are your options:

• IRS Free File: For incomes under $73,000
• Commercial Software: TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.
• VITA Sites: Free help for low-income individuals and seniors
• Tax Pros: Hire a CPA or preparer if it feels overwhelming

Step 3

Within your 2021 return, look for the Recovery Rebate Credit section. Be honest and accurate—if you received part of the payment already, the system will calculate what you’re still owed.

Step 4

This is the deal-breaker: you must file by May 15, 2025. After that, the IRS won’t accept late claims, and your money will be gone.

Automatic

The IRS started issuing automatic payments in late 2024 to some who had already filed 2021 returns but didn’t correctly claim the credit. If this might be you, check your IRS online account or call for help. Make sure your bank info and address are updated.

Examples

Still not sure this applies to you? Check out these real-life wins:

• Maria, a young mom with no income in 2021, filed this year and got $1,400.
• James and Tanya, retired and on Social Security, were surprised to learn they qualified for $2,800 together.
• Aiden, a part-time worker and student, filed retroactively and secured the full check.

It’s not too late for your success story.

Tips

• Use the “Get My Payment” tool on IRS.gov
• Keep everything related to 2021 in one folder
• Watch for IRS letters—don’t toss them!
• Contact a Taxpayer Advocate if you need personalized help

Whether you’re tech-savvy or tech-shy, there’s a way to make this work for you. And remember, $1,400 can go a long way these days—especially when it’s money that’s already yours.

FAQs