IRS Confirms $1,400 Stimulus for July 2025 – Don’t Miss Out on Your Payment

Published On: July 1, 2025

If you missed the third stimulus check in 2021, there’s still time to claim your $1,400 payment. The IRS has officially confirmed that individuals who never received their third Economic Impact Payment can still get their money—but only if they file a 2021 federal tax return by July 15, 2025.

This guide breaks everything down in plain language—who qualifies, how to claim it, and what happens if you wait too long.

Table of Contents

Overview

Here’s a quick look at the key details of the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit:

Feature	Details
Stimulus Amount	$1,400 per eligible person
Deadline	July 15, 2025
How to Claim	File a 2021 tax return with Recovery Rebate Credit
Income Limits	Same as third stimulus thresholds
Automatic Payment?	Yes, for some who already filed in 2021 but missed the credit
IRS Resource	IRS.gov – Recovery Rebate Credit section

This opportunity is a last chance for people who missed out in 2021—whether by mistake or because they didn’t file taxes.

Background

In 2021, the federal government sent out a third round of stimulus checks to help Americans cope with COVID-19’s financial toll. While most eligible individuals got the $1,400, more than 1.1 million didn’t. Some weren’t required to file taxes. Others simply missed it.

To help fix that, the IRS is allowing people to retroactively claim the credit by filing a 2021 return. If you didn’t file that year, now’s your chance.

Eligibility

The Recovery Rebate Credit is based on your 2021 tax return. To qualify, your income and filing status must fall within these ranges:

Filing Status	Full Payment Up To	Phases Out Completely At
Single	$75,000	$80,000
Married Filing Jointly	$150,000	$160,000
Head of Household	$112,500	$120,000

You must also:

Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
Have a valid Social Security number
Not be claimed as someone else’s dependent
Not have received the full third stimulus check

Even if you didn’t earn income in 2021, you could still qualify. The IRS encourages everyone who missed the payment to file a 2021 return, even if they usually don’t have to.

Howto

Here’s how to claim your $1,400 step by step:

Step 1
You’ll need:

Social Security numbers
Any W-2s, 1099s, or benefits forms from 2021
IRS Letter 6475 (shows any stimulus received)
Basic ID, like your driver’s license

Step 2
Options include:

IRS Free File (if income under $73,000)
Tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block
VITA sites for free in-person help
Tax pros if you need assistance

Step 3
On the 2021 return, there’s a section for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Fill this out carefully, even if you received part of the third stimulus.

Step 4
Miss this deadline and you’ll lose the right to the credit permanently.

Automatic

Some people don’t need to do anything. In late 2024, the IRS started sending automatic catch-up payments to taxpayers who had already filed their 2021 returns but forgot to claim the credit.

If you think this might include you, check your bank account or recent IRS mail. If you’ve moved or changed banks, update your info at IRS.gov or call the IRS.

Examples

Maria didn’t file taxes in 2021 because she had no income. She learned about the credit from a friend, filed her return in 2025, and received her $1,400 within weeks.

James and Tanya, a retired couple on Social Security, didn’t think they were eligible. Their CPA reviewed their finances and helped them file an amended 2021 return. They got $2,800 combined.

Aiden, a part-time student in 2021, never got the third stimulus. He filed his return and claimed the credit just in time.

Tips

Use the Get My Payment tool at IRS.gov
Keep all 2021 paperwork in one place
Don’t throw away IRS mail, especially anything labeled “Letter 6475”
Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you need help or run into issues

This is real money that could make a difference. Whether you’re helping yourself, a friend, or a family member—don’t let the July 15, 2025 deadline pass without taking action.