The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has started distributing stimulus payments of up to $1,400 per person as part of the Recovery Rebate Credit program, which has a total budget of $2.4 billion. This initiative is being watched closely by millions of qualified recipients who have until April 15, 2025, to claim this benefit.
As per the IRS, the credit is designed for individuals who filed their 2021 tax return but did not request the stimulus payment at that time. Those who did not file a tax return during that year may still qualify, provided they submit their paperwork before the 2025 deadline.
Latest notice from the IRS: Claim your $1,400 stimulus check or risk losing it forever
The agency confirmed that automatic payments commenced in December for taxpayers who had already filed in 2021. Those who haven’t yet done so must file their return and claim the Recovery Refund Credit before the April 15, 2025 deadline. “Eligible taxpayers will receive a letter informing them of the payment,” the IRS noted through its official channels.
To check your eligibility, the IRS advises verifying whether the credit field on your 2021 return was left blank or indicated as $0. An official explained to the media that “taxpayers who have not filed their 2021 tax returns may still be eligible, but they must submit their returns by the specified deadline.”
Are these the same stimulus checks proposed by DOGE?
While stimulus checks aim to boost the economy, tax refunds relate to overpayments made to the treasury. In both scenarios, funds are distributed via checks, direct deposits, or alternate methods like prepaid cards. Conversely, proposals like the $5,000 DOGE dividend suggest redistributing government savings back to taxpayers.
Despite the fact that DOGE payments have not yet been enacted, their concept differs from the Recovery Refund Credit. The IRS stimulus is intended for post-pandemic economic relief, whereas the DOGE dividend would be associated with the Department of Government Efficiency. “We may have to wait some time to receive DOGE stimulus payments,” an anonymous source indicated.
How to claim the IRS stimulus check
The IRS sends notification letters to recipients, regardless of their chosen payment method. No additional steps are necessary for those who already filed in 2021. Individuals who have not filed must submit their pending return and apply for the credit before April 2025.
The claiming process involves reviewing tax documents, completing the necessary forms, and ensuring that banking information is up-to-date. The agency emphasizes strict deadlines: “Eligible taxpayers must file their return and claim the credit before tax day, April 15,” the official statement reiterated.
