Back in 2021, the U.S. government sent out a third round of stimulus payments worth $1,400 as part of the American Rescue Plan. These payments helped millions of Americans during the COVID-19 crisis. If you didn’t get yours or are unsure whether you received it, don’t worry—you still have time to claim it. In this article, we’ll explain how to check your payment status, what to do if you missed it, and how to get your money before the deadline.
What Was the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
The $1,400 stimulus payment was a one-time financial aid given to eligible individuals and families in 2021. The amount included $1,400 for each eligible person and dependent in the household.
Key Details at a Glance
Payment Amount: $1,400 per eligible person (including dependents)
Eligibility: Individuals earning up to $75,000; Married couples up to $150,000
Delivery: Direct deposit, paper check, or prepaid debit card
Missed Payment?: Claim it via Recovery Rebate Credit
Claim Deadline: April 15, 2025
IRS Contact Number: 800-919-9835
To Track Missing Payment: Use Form 3911
How to Track Your Stimulus Payment
1. Use the IRS Online Account
Although the original “Get My Payment” tool is no longer active, you can still track your payment this way:
Go to the IRS Online Account page.
Sign in or create an account.
Under “Economic Impact Payment Information,” check your payment records.
If you got the payment, you’ll also find a notice called Notice 1444-C. If you’ve lost it, you can request a tax transcript to view the payment info.
2. Check Your Bank Account
Look at your bank statements from 2021 for a deposit labeled IRS TREAS 310 TAXEIP3. That label means the $1,400 stimulus was deposited to your account.
3. Request a Tax Transcript
Visit the Get Transcript page on the IRS website to view your payment history. This shows if and when the payment was issued.
Who Was Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
Eligibility for the payment depended on your 2019 or 2020 tax return income:
Individuals earning up to $75,000
Married couples earning up to $150,000
Head of Household earning up to $112,500
Each dependent added an extra $1,400
If you earned more than these limits, your payment amount was reduced and eventually phased out.
What to Do If You Didn’t Get the $1,400 Stimulus
1. Check IRS Records
Log into your IRS account and look for the payment. If nothing shows up, you may not have received it.
2. Claim It Through the Recovery Rebate Credit
If you didn’t get your payment or got less than expected, file a 2021 tax return using Form 1040 or 1040-SR. On Line 30, write how much you should have received.
The IRS will add it to your refund or adjust your tax accordingly.
Important: File this before April 15, 2025.
3. Start a Payment Trace if IRS Says It Was Sent
If IRS records show your payment was issued but you didn’t get it, you need to request a payment trace:
Call the IRS at 800-919-9835
Fill and submit Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund)
If your check was cashed by someone else, the IRS will help you file a fraud claim.
Common Problems People Faced
Wrong Bank Account
If your payment went to a wrong or closed account, it would have bounced back. If it wasn’t reissued, you need to file a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Lost or Stolen Check
If your physical check was lost, stolen, or damaged, file Form 3911 to trace it and get a replacement.
Didn’t File Taxes in 2019 or 2020
If you didn’t file taxes, you had to use the Non-Filers Tool (now closed). If you missed it, file a 2021 tax return to get your payment.
