IRS Announces Automatic $1,400 Stimulus Payments for Eligible Individuals This January 2025

Good news! The IRS has announced it will send automatic payments of up to $1,400 this January to people who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.

These payments are designed to make sure eligible taxpayers get the money they missed, without having to do any extra work.

What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?

The Recovery Rebate Credit is a tax benefit for anyone who didn’t get all the stimulus payments (also called Economic Impact Payments) they were owed during the pandemic.

After checking their records, the IRS found that about one million people who were eligible for this credit didn’t claim it when they filed their 2021 tax returns. To fix this, they’re sending out the payments automatically.

How Much Money Will You Get?

The amount varies depending on your situation, but the maximum payment is $1,400 per person.

Altogether, the IRS expects to send out around $2.4 billion to those who qualify.

Who Can Get This Payment?

You might be eligible if:

• You filed a 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
• You qualified for one or more stimulus payments during the pandemic but didn’t receive them.

If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, there’s still time to claim this credit and any other refunds you might be owed.

Just make sure to file by April 15, 2025.

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When and How Will You Get the Payment?

The IRS started sending payments last December 2024, and most people should receive theirs by the end of January 2025.

If you have direct deposit set up with the IRS, the money will go straight into your bank account. If not, they’ll mail you a paper check.

You’ll also get a letter from the IRS confirming the payment.

Will This Affect Other Benefits?

Nope! This payment won’t count as income, so it won’t impact your eligibility for federal programs like:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• SNAP (food stamps)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program)

That means you can use this extra money without worrying about losing other important benefits.

Why This Matters

The IRS is making it easier than ever for eligible people to get the money they deserve.

These automatic payments mean you don’t have to go through the hassle of filing additional paperwork or amended tax returns.

If you’re eligible, keep an eye on your bank account or mailbox this January.

And if you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, don’t wait too long—you have until April 2025 to claim this payment and any other refunds you’re owed.

Previous article: When to Expect Your January 2025 Social Security Payments

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