In 2025, some U.S. taxpayers may receive a stimulus check of $1400. This could provide much-needed support during a financial crisis. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has worked hard to ensure that eligible people receive this payment automatically. Moreover, this is without requiring any additional action. Continue reading to learn more about $1400 stimulus checks in 2025.
The Purpose of the Stimulus Check
The federal government created these stimulus checks to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Americans faced a financial crisis due to job losses and rising costs during this period. Thus, the $1400 stimulus check is a part of the larger effort. This is to support taxpayers affected by the pandemic.
In December 2024, the IRS announced that it would distribute about $2.4 billion. This is for eligible taxpayers. Moreover, this initiative aims to help those individuals who are eligible. However, they did not claim their Recovery Rebate Credit when filing their 2021 tax returns.
According to the IRS, more than one million taxpayers missed out on the Recovery Rebate Credit. This was during their 2021 tax returns. This refundable credit is for people who –
Did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks). This was during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May not have been aware of their eligibility for this credit.
The IRS wants to ensure that eligible taxpayers receive their stimulus checks automatically. This is so that they do not need to file an amended return. Hence, this removes the complex steps that make it difficult for people to receive this payment.
There are a few eligibility criteria to verify who can receive this check. The key points regarding the eligibility are –
The payment is available to people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
The income limits for receiving the credit card are lower. These are lower than the previous stimulus payment limits.
Single filers with an adjusted gross income over $80,000 are not eligible.
Married couples filing jointly must have an adjusted gross income under $160,000 to qualify.
How Much Will Be Received?
The amount of money received depends on various factors. These include income and filing status. There are a few examples to help with this.
Single person – an eligible single person with no dependents may receive up to $1400.
Married couples – eligible married couples filing jointly could receive up to $2800.
Dependents – if a couple has two qualifying dependents, their total payment could be as high as $5600. Also, qualifying dependents may include adults with disabilities. They may also include college students and even grandparents.
Moreover, payments can be lower based on the taxpayer’s income.
How to Claim the Check
Eligible citizens do not need to take any action to claim the check. The IRS will automatically send the payment. This is for all those who qualify. Moreover, there are certain ways in which the payment will be distributed.
Direct Deposit – if a taxpayer provided their bank information on their 2021 tax return, the IRS will deposit the money directly to the account.
Paper Check – however if taxpayers did not provide the bank information, they will receive a paper check through mail.
Also, the IRS will send a separate letter informing taxpayers about their Recovery Rebate Credit. This letter includes all essential details about the stimulus payment.
What if Taxes were not Filed for 2021?
There is still a chance to receive a stimulus check. This is even if one did not file their taxes in 2021. The IRS will accept back-year returns. This is until April 15, 2025. Moreover, submitting a tax return may help in claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit for eligibility.
When Will the Checks Arrive?
The IRS announced that the payment should be distributed by the end of January 2025. While there is no specific date mentioned, eligible taxpayers can expect it in the coming days. A taxpayer checking their bank account may already find the stimulus check there. Also, the payment will go directly to the bank account. This is the account associated with the 2021 tax returns. Also, it can go to the address listed in the IRS records.
Why Does This Payment Matter?
The impact of this check can be manifold. The Economic Impact Payments were distributed during previous rounds. This helped lift millions of people out of poverty. Also, it particularly helped Black Americans. They faced more financial volatility than their counterparts.
According to recent reports, the median income for Black households was $56,490 in 2023.
Meanwhile, the median income for White households was $89,050. Thus, the stimulus check aims to balance this gap. This is also to maintain financial parity among marginalized communities.
Previous Payment Impact
In 2021, the federal government distributed over $400 billion. This was in the first two rounds of the stimulus checks. Moreover, a study revealed that these payments lifted 11.7 million people out of poverty. This was in the year 2020. Also, many people benefited. Some of the major communities were the Black Americans. This was a major demographic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alongside, about 1.3 million Black Americans aged between 18 and 64 benefited from the checks. This information is provided by federal research. Additionally, the payments helped drop the Black child poverty rate. This was from 23.7% to 16.9%. Moreover, it assisted around 756,000 Black children.
The $1400 stimulus checks could provide major financial aid to citizens. There is no action required from the side of the taxpayers. The amount will be reflected in their bank accounts from the IRS. Also, the amount may be reflected through paper checks. This will be sent to the addresses recorded by the IRS. Taxpayers are urged to check their bank accounts to confirm the payments accordingly.
