Who is Eligible for Stimulus Checks?

Over one million individuals have yet to receive their $1,400 stimulus checks from the federal government. There’s still an opportunity for eligible taxpayers to claim theirs ahead of the April 15th tax deadline.

The Internal Revenue Service began disbursing about $2.4 billion to 1 million taxpayers starting in December for Recovery Rebate Credit checks that were not claimed. Nevertheless, they estimate another 1 million taxpayers are missing out on $1 billion in stimulus funds simply because they haven’t filed their 2021 income taxes.

April 15th is the Tax Day for 2024 returns, but it also signifies a three-year deadline to claim any tax refunds or, in this case, the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for the year 2021.

Here’s what you need to know about this stimulus and whether you qualify for it.

Who is Eligible for the Stimulus Check?

Taxpayers in the U.S. who did not file or claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return are eligible to apply.

The refundable credit was designed for taxpayers who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stimulus amount varies based on your adjusted gross income. To qualify for the full $1,400, the taxpayer’s annual income must not exceed $75,000 for single filers or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.

How Do I Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check?

If you’ve already filed your previous tax returns, you don’t need to take any action; simply wait for the IRS to send your check or direct deposit into the bank account provided on your last tax return. They will inform you via a letter mailed separately.