To apply for the $1,400 inflation stimulus checks, file your 2021 federal tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit—or receive it automatically if you're eligible and didn't previously claim it.
While there’s no active $2,000 inflation stimulus in 2025, eligible individuals can still qualify for the $1,400 inflation stimulus checks (or credit) tied to the American Rescue Plan. If you didn't receive your full Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) in 2020 or 2021, you may still be able to claim this via the Recovery Rebate Credit. Some eligible taxpayers will receive this payment automatically, but others must proactively file their 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. Here's a complete guide to help you apply or check your eligibility.
If you filed a 2021 return but left the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or entered $0 incorrectly, the IRS is issuing up to $1,400 automatically to roughly 1 million individuals.
These payments are expected to be delivered via direct deposit or check by late January 2025, based on your 2023 tax filing info.
Prepare and file your 2021 federal tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR)
Make sure to complete the Recovery Rebate Credit section and include dependents correctly
Once submitted, IRS will process and send up to $1,400 per individual plus $1,400 per dependent
Full payment available if Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is ≤ $75,000 (single) or ≤ $150,000 (married filing jointly)
Payments phase out completely at AGI of $80,000 (single) and $160,000 (joint)
Includes qualifying dependents of any age.