Are you wondering if you’re eligible for the $1,390 stimulus payment coming in 2025? With inflation and financial struggles continuing to affect many Americans, the idea of receiving additional financial relief is attractive.
If you missed out on the third round of Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) in 2021, this payment may be an opportunity for you to get back what you’re owed. This article explains all the details you need to know, including eligibility, how to claim the payment, and the important deadlines to keep in mind.
What is the $1,390 Stimulus Payment?
The $1,390 stimulus payment you’re hearing about in 2025 isn’t a new payment but is part of the Recovery Rebate Credit from 2021. It was designed to help people who missed or didn’t receive the full third round of Economic Impact Payments. These were payments given by the U.S. government in 2021 as part of COVID-19 relief efforts.
The IRS has made it clear that if you were eligible for the 2021 stimulus but didn’t claim it, you might still be able to receive up to $1,390 as a credit on your 2021 tax return. This could be due to not filing a tax return in 2021, having changes in income, or adding a new dependent that year.
Who Qualifies for the $1,390 Payment?
To qualify for the $1,390 Recovery Rebate Credit, you must meet certain requirements. Here’s a summary of the eligibility criteria:
Did not receive the full 2021 Economic Impact Payment.
Were a U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2021.
Were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
Had an adjusted gross income (AGI) within the following limits:
$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 limits, you might still qualify for a partial payment. There are also special situations where you might qualify, such as:
Having a child born in 2021
Gaining a new dependent like a parent or grandchild
Experiencing a drop in income in 2021
Being unemployed or on disability benefits
Not having filed taxes in 2021
Even if you don’t usually file taxes (like retirees, students, or SSI recipients), you can still claim the credit.
How to Claim the $1,390 Stimulus Payment
If you believe you are eligible for this payment, here’s a step-by-step guide to claim it:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You can use the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Lookup Tool or consult a tax professional to confirm whether you’re eligible.
Step 2: File a 2021 Tax Return
To claim the credit, you must file a 2021 federal tax return. You’ll need to use Form 1040 and fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet found in the instructions. Even if you didn’t file a return in 2021, you can still do so to claim this payment.
Step 3: File Before the Deadline
The final deadline to file your 2021 return and claim the payment is April 15, 2025. After this date, the IRS will no longer process any claims.
Step 4: Submit Electronically for Faster Processing
For quicker processing, file your tax return electronically through trusted platforms like IRS Free File, TurboTax, or H&R Block. You can also track the status of your refund through the IRS Where’s My Refund tool.
Step 5: Respond to IRS Notices
If the IRS contacts you for additional information, be sure to respond quickly. Keep a copy of all your documents, including the tax return and any IRS correspondence, for your records.
Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Story
Let’s look at Sarah’s situation to understand how this works in real life. Sarah is a single mom who worked part-time as a nurse in 2021, earning $30,000. Due to financial stress, she didn’t file her taxes that year. She also had a baby in 2021 but didn’t realize she could have received the third-round stimulus check.
In 2025, Sarah hears about the Recovery Rebate Credit and files her 2021 return with help from a local VITA center. A few weeks later, she receives a check for $1,390. That money helps her pay utility bills and start saving for her daughter’s school supplies. Sarah’s situation is common, and anyone who missed out on the 2021 payment could benefit by filing their return.
Why Is This Payment Happening in 2025?
The IRS typically gives taxpayers up to three years to claim refunds or credits from a tax year. Since the third round of Economic Impact Payments was based on 2021 tax returns, the final date to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025. After that, any unclaimed funds will go back to the U.S. Treasury.
Practical Tips to Avoid Missing Out
If you haven’t filed your 2021 return yet, here’s what you can do to make sure you don’t miss out on the money you’re owed:
File your 2021 tax return ASAP if you haven’t already.
Use IRS Free File if your income was under $73,000.
Visit a VITA or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) center for free assistance.
Double-check your income and dependent documentation.
Use trusted online tax prep services with refund tracking.
Never pay upfront fees to claim this credit. The IRS and certified organizations offer free help.
The $1,390 stimulus payment coming in 2025 may not be new, but it’s a chance to claim money that was meant for you in 2021. If you missed out on the third round of Economic Impact Payments, you still have time to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Be sure to file your 2021 tax return before the April 15, 2025 deadline and claim what’s rightfully yours. Every little bit counts, especially with inflation and rising costs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
