Are you wondering if you qualify for the $1,390 stimulus payment that’s being discussed for 2025? You’re not alone!
With tax season in full swing and just one week left before the crucial April 15 deadline, millions of Americans are trying to determine if they’re eligible for this payment.
The good news is that this money is real – but it’s not exactly what many headlines might lead you to believe.
Let’s cut through the confusion and get straight to the facts. This payment isn’t a new stimulus program but rather unclaimed money from the third round of Economic Impact Payments distributed in 2021.
The IRS has identified approximately one million taxpayers who either didn’t claim this credit on their 2021 tax returns or haven’t filed a 2021 return at all.
If you’re one of them, you could be leaving up to $1,400 on the table – money that’s rightfully yours!
Think of it as finding cash in an old coat pocket – except in this case, the IRS is checking all your pockets for you and letting you know what you’ve missed.
But time is running out fast. The deadline to claim this money is April 15, 2025 – just days away. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to determine if you qualify and how to claim this payment before it’s too late.
Understanding the Recovery Rebate Credit: What Is This $1,390 Payment?
First things first – let’s clarify what this payment actually is. The $1,390 figure represents the average amount that eligible taxpayers might receive from the Recovery Rebate Credit related to the third stimulus payment from 2021.
The maximum amount is actually $1,400 per person, but most recipients receive around $1,390 due to various adjustments.
This payment stems from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which provided Economic Impact Payments of up to $1,400 per eligible person.
If you didn’t receive this payment or received less than you were entitled to, you can claim the difference through the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.
In December 2024, the IRS announced it would be distributing approximately $2.4 billion worth of these payments to eligible taxpayers.
Some people are receiving these payments automatically if they filed a 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the credit. However, if you haven’t filed a 2021 return yet, you must do so by April 15, 2025, to claim this money.
It’s important to understand that this is not a new stimulus program for 2025. Despite some misleading headlines, there are currently no widespread stimulus checks pending for 2025.
This is simply your last chance to claim money from the 2021 program before the three-year deadline expires.
Who Qualifies for the $1,390 Stimulus Payment?
Now for the big question – are you eligible for this payment? There are two main groups who may qualify:
Group 1: Those Who Filed 2021 Taxes But Didn’t Claim the Credit
If you filed your 2021 tax return but either:
- Left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank, or
- Entered $0 in this field
The IRS may have already identified you as eligible. In this case, you don’t need to take any action. The IRS began automatically sending payments to this group in December 2024.
You should receive either a direct deposit or a paper check, along with a notification letter confirming the payment.
Group 2: Those Who Haven’t Filed 2021 Taxes Yet
If you haven’t filed a 2021 tax return but would have qualified for the stimulus payment, you still have time to claim it.
You must file your 2021 return by April 15, 2025, to receive this payment. This applies even if you normally don’t file taxes due to low income.
To qualify for the full payment amount, your adjusted gross income (AGI) must be:
- $75,000 or less for single filers
- $112,500 or less for heads of household
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
If your income was slightly above these thresholds, you might still qualify for a partial payment. The credit phases out completely at $80,000 for single filers, $120,000 for heads of household, and $160,000 for married couples.
Additionally, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien during the 2021 tax year
- Not have been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- Have a valid Social Security number
| Filing Status | Full Payment Income Limit | Payment Phases Out Completely At |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | $80,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | $120,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 | $160,000 |
| Maximum Payment Per Person | $1,400 | – |
| Deadline to Claim | April 15, 2025 | – |
How to Claim Your $1,390 Stimulus Payment Before the Deadline
If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, here’s what you need to do to claim your payment:
Step 1: Gather Your Documentation
Collect all necessary information for your 2021 tax return:
- Social Security number
- Income information from 2021
- Banking details for direct deposit
Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method
You have several options:
- Use tax preparation software that supports prior year returns
- Use the IRS Free File program if your income was under $73,000
- Consult a tax professional
- Complete and mail paper forms (though this is the slowest method)
Step 3: Complete Form 1040 for 2021
When completing your return, make sure to:
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on Line 30 of Form 1040
- Double-check all information for accuracy
- Submit before the April 15, 2025 deadline
Remember, this deadline is firm. The IRS has made it clear that there will be no extensions or exceptions. After April 15, any unclaimed funds become property of the U.S. Treasury – forever out of your reach.
Special Situations That May Make You Eligible
Some people might not realize they qualify for this payment. Here are some specific situations where you might be eligible:
New Parents in 2021
If you had a baby in 2021 and didn’t receive a stimulus payment for your child, you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for them. This applies even if you received stimulus payments for yourself and other dependents.
New Dependents in 2021
Similarly, if you gained a dependent in 2021 (such as adopting a child or becoming responsible for a relative), you may be eligible to claim the credit for them.
Income Changes in 2021
If your income was too high to qualify for the original stimulus payment but dropped significantly in 2021, you might now qualify based on your lower 2021 income.
Non-Filers
Even if you normally don’t file taxes due to low income (such as some Social Security recipients, retirees, or students), you can still file a 2021 return specifically to claim this credit.
Conclusion
The $1,390 stimulus payment available in 2025 represents your last chance to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit from the third round of Economic Impact Payments distributed in 2021.
While this isn’t a new stimulus program, it’s a significant opportunity for those who missed out on claiming this money previously.
With the April 15, 2025 deadline rapidly approaching, it’s crucial to determine your eligibility and take action immediately if you haven’t yet filed your 2021 tax return.
Whether you’re a parent who had a child in 2021, someone whose income dropped that year, or simply someone who doesn’t normally file taxes, this payment could provide welcome financial relief.
Remember, once the April 15 deadline passes, these funds will be permanently forfeited to the U.S. Treasury. Don’t leave money on the table that’s rightfully yours.
Check your eligibility, gather your documentation, and file your 2021 return today to claim your payment before it’s too late.
FAQs About the $1,390 Stimulus Payment
1. Is this a new stimulus payment being issued in 2025? No, this is not a new stimulus program. It refers to unclaimed money from the third round of Economic Impact Payments that were originally distributed in 2021 under the American Rescue Plan Act. The IRS is giving eligible taxpayers a final opportunity to claim this money before the April 15, 2025 deadline.
2. What if I already received a stimulus payment in 2021? If you received the full amount you were entitled to in 2021 (up to $1,400 per person), you’re not eligible for an additional payment. This opportunity is specifically for those who didn’t receive the payment or received less than they were entitled to.
3. Can I still claim this payment if I don’t normally file taxes? Yes! Even if you don’t typically file a tax return due to low income, you can still file a 2021 return specifically to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. This applies to Social Security recipients, retirees, students, and others with limited income.
4. What happens if I miss the April 15, 2025 deadline? The IRS has been very clear that there will be no extensions or exceptions to the April 15, 2025 deadline. If you don’t file your 2021 tax return by this date, you permanently forfeit your right to claim this payment, and the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.
5. Will receiving this payment affect my other benefits or my 2025 taxes? No, the Recovery Rebate Credit is not considered taxable income. It will not affect any benefits you receive (such as Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid) or increase your tax liability for 2025. It’s simply money that you were entitled to receive in 2021 that you’re claiming now.
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