Will I receive an automatic stimulus check in 2025 from IRS?
About 1 million taxpayers are all set to receive IRS automatic stimulus payments ahead of the 2025 tax-filing season
IRS has switched to automatic stimulus payments after post-COVID economic impact payments amounting to $2.4 billion remained unclaimed since 2021. Even as the 2025 tax filing season beginning on January 27 looms, the predominant question among taxpayers is, “Will I receive an IRS stimulus check in 2025?”
One of the top misconceptions is the IRS automatic stimulus payments are this year’s tax refund. They are not, clarifies the IRS. Instead, the payments of up to $1,400 per individual are Recovery Rebate Credits that were unclaimed by eligible people on their tax returns after the pandemic .
In 2021, the IRS asked the people to apply for Economic Impact Payments. Those who failed to apply in time or claimed less than the full amount were asked to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
In December 2024, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said: “Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible.
“To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, we’re making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it.”
How much money can I get?
IRS clarifies that the maximum payment is $1,400 per individual and for married couples it’s $2,800. However, a family of four including the married couple and two qualified dependents could receive up to $5,600.
Am I eligible for the full tax credit amount?
The full credit amount of $1,400 is available to individuals with adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 for 2021. Married couples jointly filing are eligible to receive up to $150,000. The eligible amount reduces in proportion to the filers’ income above the threshold of $75,000. The eligible automatic stimulus amount becomes zero for individuals with $80,000 or more in adjusted gross income and married couples with $160,000 or more.
What do I need to do to receive an automatic payment?
Nothing, says the IRS. The payments are based on the 2021 tax returns. All eligible filers will automatically receive the checks.
When will I receive the payment?
By late January, the payments should begin arriving in accounts listed in the 2023 return filings. If it is not available, paper checks will be sent to the address the IRS has on record. IRS says separate letters will be sent to eligible taxpayers intimating them of the payment status.
If I do not receive the money or check, can I still claim payment?
Those who are within the eligible income threshold and still do not receive a payment or check can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing the 2021 tax return. The deadline for filing the return is April 15.
Source: Internal Revenue Service Website
