Can You Still Get a Missing Stimulus Check?

The U.S. government issued Economic Impact Payments, commonly known as stimulus checks, to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most eligible Americans received their payments, some individuals did not, or received less than their full entitlement. For those who believe they are still owed a payment, specific steps can be followed to claim these missing funds.

Eligibility Criteria for Past Payments

Eligibility for stimulus checks generally required individuals to be U.S. citizens or resident aliens and not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. The first payment offered up to $1,200, with an additional $500 per qualifying child under 17. The second payment provided up to $600 per eligible adult and $600 per qualifying child under 17.

The third Economic Impact Payment offered up to $1,400 per eligible individual and $1,400 for each qualifying dependent, including adult dependents. Income thresholds determined the full payment amounts, with payments phasing out for higher earners.

Claiming Missing Payments via Recovery Rebate Credit

The primary method for individuals to claim any missing stimulus payments is through the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their federal income tax return. This refundable tax credit reconciles the advance payments with the actual credit amount a taxpayer qualifies for based on their tax year information.

The Recovery Rebate Credit is claimed on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Missing first or second stimulus payments are claimed on the 2020 tax return, while a missing third payment is claimed on the 2021 tax return.

Information Needed to Claim the Credit

To accurately calculate and claim the RRC, taxpayers need specific information and documentation. Copies of their 2020 and/or 2021 tax returns (Form 1040 or 1040-SR) are essential. Taxpayers must also know the exact amounts of any Economic Impact Payments they did receive.

This payment information was typically provided by the IRS through notices. For the first and second payments, taxpayers usually received IRS Notice 1444 or Notice 1444-B. For the third payment, IRS Letter 6475 was sent. Social Security Numbers (SSNs) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) for all individuals included in the claim are also necessary.

How to File or Amend Your Tax Return to Claim the Credit

For those who have not yet filed a tax return for the relevant year (2020 or 2021) and are eligible for the RRC, they must file an original Form 1040 or 1040-SR. The credit is typically entered on Line 30 of these forms.

If a tax return for the relevant year has already been filed, taxpayers must file an amended tax return using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form is used to correct previously filed returns. When using Form 1040-X, taxpayers enter the original return information, the changes being made, and the corrected amounts.

Amended returns can sometimes be filed electronically, but paper filing by mail is also an option. Processing times for amended returns can vary, typically taking up to 16 weeks. The IRS provides an online “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool to track the status of a submitted Form 1040-X.