IRS still sending $1,400 stimulus checks — here’s how to see if you’re eligible

You may still be eligible to receive a stimulus check from the government – but time is running out with less than 30 days left to claim the credit.

The IRS is issuing a Recovery Rebate Credit to taxpayers who did not claim stimulus payments on their 2021 tax returns.

Starting in December 2024, the federal government said it automatically sent about $2.4 billion worth of these checks to taxpayers who did not claim the stimulus check on their 2021 tax returns. Eligible individuals should have received their checks by the end of January.

Who is eligible for stimulus checks?

But individuals who have yet to file their 2021 tax returns could still be eligible to receive the stimulus checks – up to $1,400 – as long as they file by the April 15 deadline.

However, the sooner the better, since filing too close to the deadline could risk delays or processing issues, the IRS said.

For eligible individuals, no other action is needed besides filing the 2021 tax return.

This group likely includes many senior citizens, and low-income and self-employed individuals, since they were not required to file tax returns in 2021.

Individuals earning up to $75,000 annually, or $150,000 for married couples who file jointly, were eligible to receive the initial 2021 stimulus payments.

If your income was above those maximum limits, you may have received a reduced payment, or no payment at all. 

Can stimulus checks still be claimed?

However, many people who did not initially receive a stimulus payment still qualify for this rebate credit, according to the IRS.

Filing electronically is the quickest way to ensure your tax return is submitted in time to secure your check.

There will be no extensions, and checks will not be sent out automatically to individuals who miss the April 15 deadline, the IRS said.