Stimulus Payment of Up To $1,390 Confirmed: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that individuals who missed out on the full third stimulus payment may still be eligible for a Recovery Rebate Credit of up to $1,400 per person. This includes payments for each qualifying dependent. But here’s the key — to claim it, you must file a 2021 federal tax return by April 15, 2025.
Whether you’re a parent, a retiree, a college student, or someone who just didn’t get the full amount back then, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — clearly, simply, and with practical tips to help you claim your money before time runs out.
Stimulus Payment of Up To $1,390 Confirmed
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum Payment | $1,400 per person, including dependents |
| Eligibility Thresholds | $75,000 (single), $150,000 (married), $112,500 (head of household); phases out above these thresholds |
| Deadline to File | April 15, 2025 |
| Claim Process | File a 2021 federal tax return, even if you normally don’t need to |
| Additional Opportunities | May also qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) |
| Free Filing Tools | IRS Free File is available for incomes below $73,000 |
If you or someone you know never received the third stimulus check — or didn’t get the full amount — there’s still time to claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit. You could be entitled to up to $1,400 per person, but the clock is ticking. Filing your 2021 tax return by April 15, 205, is the only way to ensure you receive what’s owed to you.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a tax credit that gives you another shot at receiving stimulus money you may have missed in 2021. It’s part of the federal COVID-19 relief effort and is applied when you file your 2021 tax return.
If you were eligible for the third stimulus payment but didn’t get the full amount — or didn’t get anything at all — you can still receive that money through this credit.
Who can apply?
The eligibility rules are pretty straightforward. You may qualify if you:
- Had an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of:
- Up to $75,000 if filing single
- Up to $150,000 if married filing jointly
- Up to $112,500 if filing as head of household
- Were a U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2021
- Were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- Had a valid Social Security Number
The credit amount phases out above the income limits and disappears completely at:
- $80,000 for single filers
- $160,000 for married couples
- $120,000 for heads of household
Also, if you had a baby in 2021, took in a dependent, or had a drop in income, you might now qualify even if you didn’t before.
How to Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
Claiming the credit is simple, but you need to act.
Step 1: File Your 2021 Federal Tax Return
Even if you didn’t work or had very low income, you must file a return for 2021. This is the only way to claim the credit.
Step 2: Calculate Your Credit
Use the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet that’s part of the 2021 tax return instructions. It will help you figure out how much money you’re owed.
Step 3: File Before the Deadline
The final deadline to file your 2021 return and claim the credit is April 15, 2025.
Step 4: Track Your Refund
Once filed, you can track your refund online to see when you’ll get your payment.
Special Cases to Know About
Dependents
Unlike earlier rounds of stimulus checks, the third payment included all dependents — not just kids under 17. If you have college students, adult children, or even elderly parents as dependents, they may qualify too.
Non-Filers
If you didn’t normally file a tax return due to low or no income, don’t worry. You’re still eligible. Just file your 2021 return using simple tools like IRS Free File or get assistance from a local tax help center.
Deceased Individuals
If a loved one passed away in 2021 and they didn’t receive their third stimulus check, their estate may still be able to claim it on their behalf.
Don’t Miss Out on Other 2021 Credits
While filing your 2021 return, also check if you’re eligible for these:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
This credit can give working individuals and families a refund worth thousands based on income and the number of dependents. It’s one of the most underclaimed tax benefits available.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
In 2021, this credit was expanded to up to $3,600 per child. Many families missed out on the second half of the CTC payments, which are claimable only through a 2021 tax return.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Rachel, a single mother of two, made $68,000 in 2021. She never filed her taxes because she didn’t think she needed to. Turns out, she missed out on:
- $1,400 for herself
- $1,400 for each of her two children
- Plus the expanded Child Tax Credit of up to $7,200
By filing her 2021 return today, she could receive over $11,000 in total refunds and credits.
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FAQs about Stimulus Payment of Up To $1,390 Confirmed
Q: What if I already got the third stimulus check?
If you received the full amount, you won’t get more. But if you didn’t get the full payment — or had a life change in 2021 — you could still qualify for extra funds.
Q: Can I claim the credit for a new baby in 2021?
Yes! If you had a child in 2021, you can claim the $1,400 payment for them even if they weren’t part of the original stimulus distribution.
Q: What if I can’t afford a tax preparer?
No worries. If your income was $73,000 or less, you can file online for free using IRS Free File. Community programs and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) are also available.
Q: I didn’t work in 2021 — can I still qualify?
Yes. The credit isn’t based on whether you had a job. It’s based on your filing status, income, and whether you meet other eligibility rules.
