Posted by Even though the worst of the pandemic appears to be behind us, many economic policies introduced during that time are still active.
One of those is the Recovery Rebate Credit, which enables eligible individuals to claim the third stimulus check issued in 2021, even now in 2025. The IRS has continued to process claims for these payments, and there is still time for eligible people to apply.
What You Need to Know About the Recovery Rebate Credit
In 2021, the IRS issued the third round of stimulus checks, providing up to $1,400 per person, including dependents. This payment was designed to assist Americans who were experiencing financial strain due to the pandemic.
Although most eligible individuals received the payment automatically, some did not or only received part of it. If you were among those who did not get the full amount or missed the payment entirely, you may still be able to claim it.
The Recovery Rebate Credit allows individuals who qualify to receive this payment through their 2021 tax return, which must be filed by April 15, 2025.
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Who Can Claim the IRS Stimulus Check in 2025?
The third stimulus check of 2021 was $1,400 per person and extended to dependents of any age. To qualify for the full payment, individuals needed to meet the following income criteria:
| Filing Status | Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Limit for Full Payment |
|---|---|
| Single Taxpayer | $75,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 |
The payment began to phase out for incomes above these limits:
| Filing Status | AGI Phaseout Begins | AGI Phaseout Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Single Taxpayer | $80,000 | N/A |
| Head of Household | $120,000 | N/A |
| Married Filing Jointly | $160,000 | N/A |
If your income fell below the phaseout limits but you did not receive the full payment, you can still claim the difference through the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a tax return.
How to Claim the IRS Payment
To claim the payment, follow these steps:
- Check Your Eligibility
Verify that your 2021 income is within the limits for the payment and confirm that you did not receive the full amount. You can review the IRS letters sent to recipients or check your payment history on the IRS portal. - File Your 2021 Tax Return
You must file your 2021 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Even if you are not typically required to file, it’s necessary to do so for the IRS to process your claim. You can file electronically for a faster process, or via paper, although the latter takes longer. - Complete the Recovery Rebate Credit Calculation
On your tax return, you must include the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS provides online tools and detailed instructions to help you with this step. - Receive Your Payment
If you are eligible for the credit, the IRS will send you the stimulus payment as part of your tax refund. Choosing direct deposit will expedite the payment.
Key Dates
- Tax Filing Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Payment Issuance: After filing, if eligible, you will receive your payment as part of your refund.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming
- Missing the Deadline:
You have until April 15, 2025, to file your 2021 tax return. Missing this date means you forfeit your chance to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. - Incorrect Income Information:
Ensure that your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is correctly reported to avoid delays or rejection of your claim. - Failure to Include Proper Documentation:
If you are filing by paper, make sure to attach all required documents to support your claim, including your IRS letter.
While the pandemic may be behind us, the IRS is still sending out stimulus payments to those who are eligible. If you didn’t receive the full third payment, you have until April 15, 2025, to claim it via the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Make sure to file your 2021 tax return and include all necessary information to receive the credit and help alleviate financial strain.
By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can still get the financial assistance that was initially offered in 2021.
Don’t miss your chance to claim the extra relief—file your taxes today and ensure you receive the support you need.
FAQs
What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit allows eligible individuals to claim the third stimulus check payment they missed in 2021 by filing their 2021 tax return.
How can I check if I’m eligible for the stimulus check?
You can check your IRS payment history or review the IRS letter sent to you to verify if you received the full payment.
Can I claim the stimulus check if I didn’t file taxes in 2021?
Yes, you must file a 2021 tax return even if you didn’t normally need to file. This is the only way to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
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