The IRS recently announced that around one million taxpayers had not claimed their Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC). As part of the federal government’s Covid-19 relief efforts, these payments were meant to provide financial support to Americans.
The IRS has already processed most of these payments automatically, ensuring that eligible taxpayers receive their funds without needing to file an amended return.
However, some individuals may still be unsure about their eligibility or how to check their payment status. If you suspect you missed out on your stimulus payment, there are simple steps to verify your status and claim any missing funds.
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Payment
The $1,400 stimulus payments, which were part of the Economic Impact Payments (EIP) program, should have been deposited directly into taxpayers’ bank accounts or sent as paper checks. The IRS used information from 2023 tax returns to identify and distribute these payments.
According to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, the payments were processed automatically for eligible individuals. This means that if you qualify, you do not need to take additional steps to receive your payment—it should have already arrived in your bank account or by mail.
Claiming
If you believe you are missing a stimulus payment, you may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit. This applies if you did not receive the full amount of your Economic Impact Payments or if you never received them at all.
The IRS outlines that depending on which payment was missed, taxpayers will need to file either a 2020 or 2021 tax return:
- First and second stimulus payments – Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return.
- Third stimulus payment – Claim the credit on your 2021 tax return.
To determine whether you are eligible, you can check your IRS online account for payment details. The “Economic Impact Payment Information” section on the Tax Records page provides the total amounts received.
Tracking
To help taxpayers keep track of their stimulus payments, the IRS issued three notices that were mailed to registered addresses:
| Notice | Purpose | Tax Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1444 | Shows the first Economic Impact Payment | 2020 |
| 1444-B | Shows the second Economic Impact Payment | 2020 |
| 1444-C | Shows the third Economic Impact Payment | 2021 |
If you misplaced these notices, you can still verify your payment history by logging into your IRS account or checking your past tax returns.
Next
If you believe you are missing a stimulus payment, take the following steps:
- Log into your IRS account – Check your Economic Impact Payment history.
- Review your tax returns – Confirm whether you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- File a tax return (if needed) – If you didn’t receive the full amount, file a 2020 or 2021 return to claim the credit.
- Contact the IRS – If you still have concerns, visit the IRS website or call their helpline for further assistance.
While the IRS has processed most payments automatically, it’s always a good idea to verify your status. If you qualify for a Recovery Rebate Credit, claiming it could mean receiving much-needed financial relief.
FAQs
How do I check if I got my stimulus?
Log into your IRS account and check the Economic Impact Payment section.
Can I still claim my stimulus payment?
Yes, by filing a 2020 or 2021 tax return if you missed it.
Do I need to amend my tax return?
No, the IRS has processed payments automatically for most taxpayers.
What if I lost my IRS stimulus notice?
Check your IRS account online or request a tax transcript.
Who qualifies for the Recovery Rebate Credit?
Taxpayers who missed or received less than the full stimulus payment.
