If you’ve been wondering whether you’re eligible for an IRS stimulus check in 2025, you’re not alone. The Internal Revenue Service has announced special payments to approximately 1 million taxpayers who didn’t claim their 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. While these aren’t new stimulus checks in the traditional sense, they represent unclaimed money from previous pandemic relief efforts.
The good news is that eligible taxpayers don’t need to take any action – these payments are being sent automatically. However, understanding who qualifies and what to expect can help you plan your finances accordingly.
What Exactly Are These $1380 Payments?
These payments aren’t brand new stimulus checks from Congress. Instead, they’re part of $2.4 billion in unclaimed Recovery Rebate Credits that the IRS identified through internal data reviews. Many people who filed 2021 tax returns either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0, even though they were actually eligible for the money.
The IRS discovered these missed opportunities and decided to make the process easier by sending automatic payments rather than requiring people to file amended returns. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel explained that “one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible”.
How Much Money Could You Receive?
The payment amounts vary based on your 2021 tax situation:
- Individual filers: Up to $1380 per person
- Married couples: Up to $2760 filing jointly
- Families with dependents: Additional amounts for each qualifying dependent
You’re eligible for the full amount with up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income as a single filer or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. The payments phase out at higher income levels.
Who Qualifies for These Automatic Payments?
Understanding eligibility is crucial because not everyone who filed taxes will receive these payments. Here’s who the IRS is targeting:
Primary Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify if you:
- Filed a 2021 federal tax return
- Left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0
- Were actually eligible for the credit based on your income and circumstances
- Had a valid Social Security number in 2021
- Weren’t claimed as a dependent by someone else
Income Thresholds That Matter
| Filing Status | Full Credit Income Limit | Complete Phase-Out |
|---|---|---|
| Single Filers | Up to $75,000 | $80,000 and above |
| Married Filing Jointly | Up to $150,000 | $160,000 and above |
| Head of Household | Up to $112,500 | $120,000 and above |
Payment Timeline and Delivery Methods
When to Expect Your Money
The IRS began sending these automatic payments in December 2024, with most arriving by late January 2025. If you’re eligible, you should have already received your payment or will receive it soon.
How You’ll Receive the Payment
The IRS uses your most recent banking information to deliver payments:
- Direct deposit: Money goes to the bank account listed on your 2023 tax return
- Paper check: Sent to your address on file with the IRS
- Notification letter: You’ll receive a separate letter explaining the payment
What If You Haven’t Filed a 2021 Tax Return?
This is where timing becomes critical. If you never filed a 2021 tax return but were eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, you had until April 15, 2025, to file and claim your money. Unfortunately, if you missed this deadline, you likely cannot recover these funds.
Why Filing Matters Even with Low Income
Many people assume they don’t need to file taxes if their income was low. However, eligible taxpayers who didn’t file must file a tax return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit, even if their income from a job, business, or other source was minimal or non-existent.
Understanding the Recovery Rebate Credit System
The Original Stimulus Payment Structure
The government issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments during the COVID-19 crisis, with the third round providing up to $1,400 for eligible individuals. These payments were designed to help Americans weather the economic impact of the pandemic.
Why People Missed Their Money
Several factors contributed to people missing their Recovery Rebate Credits:
- Complexity of the tax credit system
- Changes in personal circumstances between 2020 and 2021
- Lack of awareness about eligibility requirements
- Filing difficulties during the pandemic
- Misunderstanding dependent claims
How to Check Your Payment Status
Using Your IRS Online Account
You can securely access your IRS online account to view your Economic Impact Payment amounts under the Tax Records page. This is the most reliable way to verify whether you received previous stimulus payments.
What to Look For
When checking your account:
- Review all three Economic Impact Payment amounts
- Compare these to what you actually received
- Check if you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 return
State-Level Relief Programs
While federal stimulus checks are largely a thing of the past, several states have stepped in to provide financial relief to their residents through tax rebates and inflation relief payments. These programs vary significantly by state and have their own eligibility requirements.
Current State Initiatives
Many states continue offering:
- One-time inflation relief payments
- Tax rebates for qualifying residents
- Energy assistance programs
- Property tax relief for seniors
What This Means for Your 2025 Taxes
Tax Implications
Any Recovery Rebate Credit received does not count as income when determining eligibility for federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Record Keeping
Keep documentation of any payments you receive:
- Save the notification letter from the IRS
- Keep records in your tax files
- Note the payment amount and date received
Avoiding Scams and Misinformation
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of:
- Claims about new federal stimulus checks
- Requests for personal information to “speed up” payments
- Unofficial websites claiming to help you get payments
- Social media posts about unrealistic payment amounts
Legitimate Information Sources
Always verify stimulus information through:
- IRS.gov – The official IRS website
- Your local IRS office – For in-person assistance
- Certified tax professionals – For personalized advice
- Official government press releases – For policy updates
Looking Ahead: Future Relief Prospects
Current Political Proposals
Recent proposals have emerged for new stimulus-style payments, including the American Worker Rebate Act that would provide $600 checks funded through tariff revenue. However, these remain proposals that would need Congressional approval to become reality.
Realistic Expectations
While politicians occasionally propose new stimulus payments, the likelihood of additional federal relief depends on:
- Congressional approval processes
- Current economic conditions
- Federal deficit concerns
- Political consensus
