The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is finally sending out the remaining stimulus payments to those who qualify but never received their funds. Around $2.4 billion will be distributed to approximately one million people who didn’t claim their stimulus payment on their 2021 tax return.
Eligible individuals could receive up to $1,400 per person, and those with dependent children might receive even larger payments.
Who Will Receive the Payment?
The payment, known as the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, will automatically be sent to eligible taxpayers by the end of January. If you qualify, you’ll receive the money directly in your bank account or as a paper check—there’s no need to take any action.
To qualify for this payment, you must meet specific criteria:
- Income Limits:
- Individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) above $80,000 won’t qualify.
- Heads of household earning over $120,000 are ineligible.
- Married couples filing jointly with incomes exceeding $160,000 won’t receive the payment.
- Other Requirements:
- You must have filed a 2021 tax return.
- You shouldn’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- Nonresident aliens are not eligible.
Situations That Might Make You Eligible
Even if you received the third stimulus payment in 2021, you might still get another check under certain conditions:
- Lower Income in 2021: If your income dropped enough to qualify for additional funds.
- New Dependents: If you had a baby or adopted a child in 2021.
- Changed Filing Status: If you can no longer be claimed as a dependent and meet other requirements.
How to Check Your Eligibility
To see if you’re eligible or confirm how much you’ve already received, log in to your online IRS account. From the account homepage, select “View Tax Records” and scroll to “Economic Impact Payment Information.” This section will show all payments you’ve received.
Background on Stimulus Payments
During the pandemic, the government distributed three rounds of stimulus payments totaling $814 billion:
- March 2020
- December 2020
- March 2021
If you didn’t receive any of these payments or are unsure about your eligibility, it’s worth reviewing your IRS records.
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