The agency recently announced they are issuing automatic payments to eligible individuals who overlooked claiming this credit on their 2021 tax returns.

“Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stated. “To minimize headaches, we’re making these payments automatic, so taxpayers don’t need to file an amended return.”

What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?

The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for individuals who missed out on Economic Impact Payments (stimulus payments) in previous rounds. If you filed your 2021 tax return but left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or marked $0 when you were eligible, you might be entitled to a stimulus check now.

How Much Money Could You Receive?

The maximum payment amount is $1,400, according to the IRS. Nationwide, the agency is distributing $2.4 billion in Recovery Rebate Credit payments.

How Will You Get Your Payment?

Eligible taxpayers don’t need to take any action. The IRS is delivering these payments automatically. Payments were sent out in December 2024, with most recipients receiving funds by late January 2025.

Payments will arrive either through direct deposit to the bank account listed on your 2023 tax return or as a paper check to your address of record. Eligible recipients should also receive a notification letter about the payment.

What If You Didn’t File a 2021 Tax Return?

If you didn’t file your 2021 tax return, there’s still time to qualify. File your return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by April 15, 2025, to potentially receive your stimulus check.