Can I Still File for My Stimulus Check?

The U.S. government issued stimulus checks (Economic Impact Payments) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some eligible individuals did not receive their full payment, or any payment at all. Claiming these payments is generally tied to filing a federal income tax return for the relevant tax years.

Determining Eligibility

Eligibility depended on adjusted gross income (AGI), filing status, and dependency. Payments were distributed in multiple rounds with varying criteria and amounts. The first payment provided up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per qualifying child. The second payment offered up to $600 per adult and $600 per qualifying child. The third payment provided up to $1,400 per person, including all dependents.

AGI phase-out thresholds applied, reducing payments for incomes above certain levels. For single filers, phase-outs began at $75,000 AGI, for heads of household at $112,500, and for married couples filing jointly at $150,000.

The window for claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit (for the first and second payments) generally closed on May 17, 2024. For the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (for the third payment), the deadline was April 15, 2025. These deadlines align with the three-year statute of limitations for claiming refunds.

Information and Documentation for Claiming

To claim a missing stimulus payment via the Recovery Rebate Credit, gather specific information and documentation. You will need your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for the relevant tax year, as this determines your eligibility and the amount. All Social Security Numbers (SSNs) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents claimed on your return are necessary.

Records of stimulus payments received are important to calculate the credit. The IRS issued notices (e.g., Notice 1444, Notice 1444-B, Letter 6470, or Notice 1444-C) to confirm amounts sent. These notices should be kept with your tax records. If you did not receive a notice or misplaced it, you can view your Economic Impact Payments by accessing your IRS online account.

The Recovery Rebate Credit is claimed by filing Form 1040 or 1040-SR for the appropriate tax year. Use Schedule 3, Line 30, to calculate and report the credit. Have bank account information ready for direct deposit to expedite any refund.

The Claiming Process

After determining eligibility and preparing your tax return, submit it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can submit your federal tax return electronically (e-file) using tax software or through a qualified tax professional. Electronic filing is generally the fastest method for processing and receiving refunds.

Alternatively, you can mail a paper tax return to the IRS. Consult IRS instructions for the correct mailing address. After submission, the IRS typically processes e-filed returns and issues refunds within approximately 21 days, though paper returns can take considerably longer. If your return includes a Recovery Rebate Credit, processing time might be extended as the IRS verifies the credit amount.

Resolving Payment Issues

If you believe you were eligible for a stimulus payment, claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return, but still have not received the correct amount, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. While the IRS “Get My Payment” tool is no longer updated for checking payment status, you can review your tax transcript for the year the payment was issued. Tax transcripts provide detailed information about your tax account, including any Economic Impact Payments posted.

If your transcript does not clarify the issue, or if you believe there was an error in the payment amount, you can contact the IRS directly for assistance. The IRS website provides contact numbers and online resources for payment inquiries. In some instances, if an error was made on your original tax filing that resulted in an incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit calculation, you might need to file an amended tax return using Form 1040-X.