IRS Confirms $1,400 Stimulus for May 2025 – Make Sure You Don’t Miss Your Payment!

In an important announcement, the IRS is reminding Americans they still have time to claim a $1,400 stimulus check—if they missed out in 2021. This opportunity comes through the Recovery Rebate Credit, aimed at helping those who didn’t receive the third Economic Impact Payment during the pandemic. But time is running out: the deadline to file is May 15, 2025.

Whether you forgot to file taxes, didn’t think you qualified, or just weren’t aware of the program, this guide will walk you through how to claim the money you’re owed.

Overview

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available:

Purpose

Back in 2021, most people got their third stimulus check automatically. But around 1.1 million people didn’t—either because they didn’t file taxes or missed the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS is now giving them one last chance to claim that money.

Even if you had no income or weren’t required to file taxes in 2021, you may still be eligible. But the IRS has made it clear: you must file your 2021 federal return before May 15, 2025.

Eligibility

Let’s break down who qualifies for this late stimulus check:

Income Thresholds

Other Requirements

• Must have a valid Social Security Number
• Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
• Cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
• Must not have received the full $1,400 in 2021

How to File

Here’s a step-by-step guide to make claiming your stimulus easy:

Step 1

You’ll need:

• Social Security numbers for everyone in your household
• Any 2021 W-2s, 1099s, or benefit statements
• Government-issued ID
• IRS Letter 6475 (if received)

Step 2

You can file using:

• IRS Free File (if income under $73,000)
• Commercial software like TurboTax or H&R Block
• VITA sites – Free assistance for low-income filers, seniors, and the disabled
• Tax professionals for complex cases

Step 3

Make sure to complete this section. It will ask about previous stimulus checks and calculate how much you’re still owed.

Step 4

That’s the deadline. No extensions. No second chances.

Auto Payments

If you already filed a 2021 return but didn’t properly claim the credit, you might still be in luck. Starting December 2024, the IRS began sending automatic catch-up payments to eligible filers. If you’ve changed addresses or bank accounts since then, update your info with the IRS ASAP.

Real Stories

Maria, a single mom in Texas, never filed taxes in 2021 because she had no income. A friend told her about the credit, and she filed in 2025—receiving her full $1,400 within weeks.

James and Tanya, a retired couple, lived on Social Security and assumed they didn’t qualify. Their accountant helped them file, and they received a combined $2,800.

Aiden, a college grad who worked part-time in 2021, thought he had already received all his stimulus money. He filed anyway and found out he was missing the full $1,400.

Tips

• Use the IRS Get My Payment tool to check past payments
• Keep everything organized under a folder labeled “2021 Taxes”
• Respond quickly to any IRS letters—especially Letter 6475
• Visit a local Taxpayer Advocate if you need extra help

FAQs