If you want to know about the $1,400 Economic Impact Payments, then it is the part of the American Rescue Plan Act passed in March 2021. The maximum payment was $1,400 per eligible individual, $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, and $1,400 for each dependent.
Here’s a summary of that stimulus program:
1. Purpose: These payments were intended to provide financial relief to individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Eligibility: Generally, U.S. citizens and residents with a Social Security number who were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return and met certain income thresholds were eligible.
3. Payment Amount: The maximum payment was $1,400 per eligible individual, $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, and $1,400 for each dependent.
4. Income Limits: The payments were gradually phased out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes above $75,000, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
However, you might also be referring to recent news about the IRS sending out more payments. In January 2025, the IRS started issuing special payments of up to $1,400 to about 1 million taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. This credit was for people who either didn’t receive one of the COVID stimulus payments or got less than they were eligible for.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If you believe your payment was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can initiate a payment trace with the IRS. To do this, you can call the IRS at 800-919-9835 or mail or fax a completed Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund.
Tracking Your Payment
The IRS provided several ways for taxpayers to track the status of their Economic Impact Payments:
- IRS Online Account: Taxpayers can securely access their individual IRS account online to view the total amount of their first, second, and third Economic Impact Payments under the “Economic Impact Payment Information” section on the Tax Records page.
- EIP Notices: The IRS mailed notices to eligible individuals confirming their payment amounts. These notices serve as official records of the payments and include:
- Notice 1444: Shows the first Economic Impact Payment sent for tax year 2020.
- Notice 1444-B: Shows the second Economic Impact Payment sent for tax year 2020.
- Notice 1444-C: Shows the third Economic Impact Payment sent for tax year 2021.
To find out more about this, I recommend checking these resources:
- IRS Website: The official IRS website (www.irs.gov) is the best source for accurate and up-to-date information.
- News Articles: Search for news articles about “IRS $1400 stimulus checks 2025” to find the latest updates from reliable sources.
- Financial Websites: Websites like NerdWallet, Forbes, and Kiplinger often provide helpful information about taxes and stimulus payments.
If you think you might be eligible for a payment but didn’t receive it, you should:
- Check your 2021 tax return: Make sure you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Contact the IRS: If you believe you’re eligible and haven’t received a payment, you can contact the IRS for assistance.
Conclusion
The 1400 Economic Impact Payment was a crucial part of the American Rescue Plan Act, providing vital financial assistance to millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS implemented a comprehensive plan to distribute these payments, with clear eligibility criteria and a streamlined payment schedule. They also provided resources for tracking payments and addressing issues, such as the IRS Online Account and EIP notices.
A key aspect of this plan was the inclusion of adult dependents as qualifying dependents, expanding eligibility for the payments. Additionally, the IRS took proactive steps to ensure payments reached eligible individuals, including issuing “plus-up” payments and automatically sending payments to those who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
For those who believe they are eligible but have not yet received their payment, the Recovery Rebate Credit offers a way to claim the missing funds. By filing a 2021 tax return before the April 15, 2025 deadline, eligible individuals can still receive the financial assistance they are entitled to.