Did you skip over getting your third pandemic round stimulus check? There might still be a chance to claim up to $1,400 in benefits…but not for much longer. If you are one of the millions of Americans who found the door slammed shut on the third-round stimulus payment in 2021, you might qualify for that Recovery Rebate Credit. And it might still – but only if you act before April 15, 2025 – mean up to $1,390 for you.
In this guide, we’ll talk about who qualifies, how to file, and, more importantly, why you need to hurry and get it in before April 15, 2025.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
At a time when every dollar counts, it’s something that should not and cannot happen to many families. The IRS has recently confirmed that nearly 1 million Americans have yet to claim their third payment total of over $2.4 billion.
This tax credit is an excellent opportunity for any low-income, elderly, or most especially non-filing families. But once the time lapses, that chance becomes a dream forever.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is basically a refundable federal tax credit by which an eligible taxpayer gets the full Economic Impact Payment (third stimulus check) that is due for tax year 2021.
Even if you never received any stimulus check at all or a partial amount, you can still file a federal tax return for 2021 and claim the entire amount, regardless of how much you made this past year.
The refundable one would be even if there are any taxes owed.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,390 Stimulus Payment?
To qualify, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Basic Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2021
- Not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s 2021 return
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- File a 2021 tax return (even if you didn’t earn income)
Income Guidelines for Full Payment
- Single filers: Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $75,000
- Married filing jointly: AGI up to $150,000
- Head of household: AGI up to $112,500
If your income exceeded these thresholds slightly, you may still receive a reduced credit. The payment phases out completely for:
- Single filers over $80,000
- Married couples over $160,000
- Heads of household over $120,000
Can You Get Extra for Dependents?
Yes—you may also receive an additional $1,400 for each qualifying dependent you claimed in 2021. This includes:
- Children
- Elderly parents
- Other financially dependent relatives
Example: A family of four could qualify for up to $5,600 ($1,400 x 4).
How to Claim the $1,390 Stimulus Payment
If you missed the complete payment in 2021, you can still claim it for yourself using the following steps.
Step-wise Guide For Filing:
Step 1: Ensure Your Eligibility
Go to the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit site and check if you meet the requirements.
Step 2: File Your 2021 Tax Return
If your income was under $73,000, use IRS Free File; otherwise, file using approved tax software or through a trusted tax preparer.
Step 3. Complete the RRC Section
On Form 1040 (2021), you fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet, which will tell you how much you should receive.
Step 4. Submit Before the Deadline
You will have to submit before April 15, 2025, after which the credit will not be active anymore.
Why These People Haven’t Claimed It, and How You Can Do So Too
Most people never received their stimulus payment due to:
- Makes too little money to have to file, being changed from one address to another with invalid bank information
- Was not aware they qualified, especially if previously dependent
- Does any of this ring a bell? With all this said, it’s not too late. You had better act immediately.
Keep Safe: Report Scams
Thus, all forms of money-related scams are turning upward now. Do remember:
- The IRS never by any means calls, sends an email, or even texts about this credit.
- Only use official IRS resources to file.
- Don’t give your SSN or bank details to unverified sources.
Common mistakes in which to create
- Will leave you with no 2021 return (the right tax year).
- And, do not claim all eligible dependents.
- Inputting the wrong bank details.
- Do not assume qualifications without checking.
In case of any doubts, seek help from credentialed tax professionals or trusted community tax assistance operating in your area.
FAQs for the $1,390 Stimulus Payment
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Q: How much could I receive?
A: Up to $1,400 per person, plus $1,400 for each qualifying dependent.
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Q: What’s the deadline to file?
A: April 15, 2025. After this date, the money is gone for good.
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Q: I don’t usually file taxes. Can I still get it?
A: Yes. You can file just to claim this credit, even if you had little or no income.
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Q: Where can I get help?
A: Use the IRS Free File program or contact a local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site for free help.