IRS’s $1,400 stimulus payment: What to do if you haven’t received it yet?
The IRS, i.e., the Income Tax Department, issued a $1,400 stimulus payment under the Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021. This payment was given to those who needed financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many people have not received this payment yet. If you are also among them, then do not panic – below you are told in detail who is eligible for it, what can be the reasons for the delay, and how you can get your money.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to $1,400 per eligible individual, plus an additional $1,400 for each qualifying dependent. |
| Eligibility Criteria | U.S. residents with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and adjusted gross income (AGI) below certain thresholds. |
| Common Reasons for Non-Receipt | Unprocessed tax return, incorrect banking details, IRS processing delays, or unreported address changes. |
| Action Steps | Check IRS payment status, review 2021 tax return, file Recovery Rebate Credit if needed, and contact the IRS if necessary. |
| IRS Official Website | www.irs.gov |
What is the $1,400 stimulus payment?
This payment was given by the US government as the third Economic Impact Payment in 2021, which was implemented under the American Rescue Plan Act. Its purpose was to provide some financial relief to the people affected by the pandemic.
Who were eligible for this payment?
If your annual income was below the following levels, you were eligible for the full $1,400 payment:
- Individual filers: AGI up to $75,000
- Head of household: AGI up to $112,500
- Married couples (filing jointly): AGI up to $150,000
If your income was higher, the payment gradually decreases and stops completely after a certain threshold.
Other requirements:
- You must have a valid Social Security Number.
- You must not have been claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer.
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien.
Common reasons for not receiving a payment
- 2021 tax return not filed – The IRS gets payment information from tax returns.
- Incorrect bank details – Payments may fail if you provided the wrong or out-of-date bank account number.
- Address has changed – In case of paper checks being sent, the old address is not updated and hence the check is not received.
- IRS processing delays – In many cases, payment processing is taking time.
What to do if you have not received payment?
1. Check your payment status
- Login to the IRS website and go to “Online Account” to see if the payment was sent or not.
- Look for Notice 1444-C or Letter 6475 from the IRS.
2. Review your tax return
- Check the correct filing status, income, dependent details.
- If you have sent a paper return, it may take more time.
3. Claim Recovery Rebate Credit
- If the payment is not received or not received in full, claim Recovery Rebate Credit in your 2021 tax return.
- This can increase your tax refund or reduce the tax.
4. Contact the IRS
- If the IRS says a payment was sent but you didn’t receive it, file a payment trace request.
- IRS Helpline: 800-919-9835 or fill out Form 3911.
5. Update your information
- If your address has changed, update it using Form 8822.
- Give your bank details correctly the next time you file your return.
Some important tips
- If the payment is in the wrong amount, check the calculations mentioned in the IRS letter.
- If the payment went to the wrong account, the bank sends it back to the IRS.
- If you have recently filed your tax return, wait at least 6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do I know if I received my third stimulus payment?
You can check by going to “Online Account” on the IRS website or check the IRS letter that came to your address.
Q2. The IRS says the payment has been sent but I haven’t received it – what to do?
Contact your bank, if you don’t hear anything from there, make a trace request to the IRS.
Q3. Will I get a payment if I haven’t filed my 2021 tax return?
Yes, but for this you have to file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Q4. Will this payment affect my tax liability?
No, this payment is not taxable nor does it affect your refund or liability.
Q5. Will I get this payment if I don’t file taxes?
Yes, but for this you will have to file your tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Conclusion:
If you haven’t received the $1,400 IRS stimulus payment yet, then there is no need to worry. Just follow the steps given above and make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria. With a little caution and information, you can definitely get this payment.