$1,390 Stimulus Payment in 2025 – Know If You Qualify Before It’s Gone

If you missed out on all or part of your COVID-19 stimulus payments back in 2021, this is your final opportunity to claim the money you’re owed. Through the Recovery Rebate Credit, the IRS is offering up to $1,390 per eligible person, but you must act fast—the deadline to file your 2021 tax return is April 15, 2025.

For many, this could mean a critical financial boost, especially if your circumstances changed during the pandemic or you simply didn’t know you needed to file. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure you don’t leave that money behind.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Stimulus Amount	Up to $1,390 per eligible person
Deadline	April 15, 2025
Eligibility	Anyone who missed or under-received 2021 stimulus payments
How to Claim	File a 2021 tax return with the Recovery Rebate Credit
How You’ll Be Paid	Direct deposit or mailed check
More Info	IRS.gov

This is your last chance. Once the deadline passes, the IRS will not issue the payment later, even if you qualified.

What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?

The Recovery Rebate Credit is a tax credit tied to the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP3) issued in 2021. If you didn’t get the full stimulus—or missed it entirely—this credit gives you a final opportunity to collect the difference.

The maximum amounts you could claim are:

Filer Type	Maximum Credit
Single	$1,400
Married (joint)	$2,800
Per Dependent	$1,400 each

If your income changed, you added a dependent, or you simply didn’t file in 2021, you could be owed a significant refund.

Who’s Eligible?

You may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit if:

• You didn’t file a 2021 tax return
• You filed, but didn’t complete the Recovery Rebate Credit section
• You had a child or added dependents in 2021
• You received only part of your third stimulus payment
• You experienced a drop in income or moved during 2021

Scenario	Eligibility
Never filed 2021 return	Yes
Filed but made an error	Yes
Had a child in 2021	Yes
Received full payment	No
Exceeded income threshold in 2021	No

Remember, even if you had zero income, you still needed to file a tax return to receive the credit.

How to Check Your Payment

Step 1: Find IRS Notice 1444-C

This letter from the IRS shows how much of the third stimulus you received.

Step 2: Compare to What You Should Have Gotten

Use this table to see what you were entitled to:

Filing Status	You Should’ve Received
Single	$1,400
Married Filing Jointly	$2,800
Each Dependent Claimed	+$1,400

If there’s a gap between what you received and what you qualified for, you can claim the difference.

How to File and Claim the Credit

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your payment before the deadline:

1. Gather Documentation
   Have your 2021 income records, dependents’ SSNs, and any IRS notices related to stimulus checks.
2. File a 2021 Tax Return
   Use Form 1040 and complete the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet.
3. Use IRS Free File
   If your income was under $73,000, file for free at irs.gov/freefile.
4. Submit by April 15, 2025
   This is a hard deadline. If your return isn’t filed by then, you forfeit the payment.

How You’ll Get Paid

• Direct Deposit – If your banking info is on file, the IRS will deposit your payment directly.
• Paper Check – If not, a check will be mailed to the address listed on your 2021 return.

If you’re unsure about your banking info or address, double-check before filing.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Missing this deadline could mean losing out on $1,390 or more—money you’re legally entitled to. Whether it helps you catch up on bills, pay for groceries, or boost savings, it’s worth the short effort to file.

If you’re confused or don’t know where to start, contact a tax professional or use IRS Free File before time runs out.

FAQs