With the pandemic wreaking havoc on people’s finances, the U.S. government issued several rounds of stimulus checks to provide financial relief. The most recent round of payments included a $1,400 check for eligible Americans, part of the American Rescue Plan passed in March 2021.
However, despite the passage of time, some individuals are still waiting for their stimulus payments to arrive. If you’re one of them, here’s everything you need to know before the deadline.
Who Was Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
To qualify for the $1,400 stimulus check, individuals needed to meet certain income requirements. For most people, the eligibility was determined by their adjusted gross income (AGI) reported on their most recent tax returns.
- Single filers with an AGI of $75,000 or less received the full $1,400.
- Married couples filing jointly with an AGI of $150,000 or less received $2,800.
- Heads of households with an AGI of $112,500 or less also received the full amount.
The payment amount phased out for those with higher incomes. The eligibility was completely phased out for individuals with an AGI of $80,000, married couples with an AGI of $160,000, and heads of household with an AGI of $120,000.
Why Haven’t You Received Your $1,400 Stimulus Check Yet?
If you’ve qualified for the payment and haven’t received it yet, there are several reasons why this might be the case.
- Issues with Tax Filing Information
The IRS used tax returns from 2019 or 2020 to determine eligibility. If there were discrepancies with your filing, such as incorrect banking information or outdated address details, the payment might have been delayed. Make sure your tax information is up-to-date, and if you filed your 2020 tax return after the stimulus payment schedule was set, it might have delayed the payment. - Direct Deposit Failures
Many people opted for direct deposit payments to receive their stimulus checks faster. However, if the bank information was incorrect or outdated, it could cause delays in receiving the payment. In such cases, the IRS may mail a physical check instead. - Non-Filers
Some individuals, including seniors or people with disabilities, may not have filed taxes for 2019 or 2020. If you fall into this category, you might need to file a simple tax return to receive the payment. The IRS set up an online tool for non-filers to claim their stimulus check. - Claiming Dependents
If you’re a parent who claimed dependents on your taxes, the IRS might need additional information. While dependents under 17 years of age qualify for a $1,400 payment, additional documentation may be needed to verify their eligibility, especially if you had a baby after your last tax filing. - Income Discrepancies
If your income changed significantly from the year the IRS used to determine eligibility (2019 or 2020), you may need to take action. You can still claim your payment on your tax return for the year 2021 by filing your taxes for that year, and the IRS will process a payment accordingly.
What to Do If You’re Still Waiting
If your stimulus payment hasn’t arrived yet, here’s what you can do to track it down:
- Check the Status Online
The IRS provides an online tool called “Get My Payment,” which allows you to track the status of your stimulus check. The tool will show whether your payment has been processed, when it was sent, and how it was issued (e.g., direct deposit, paper check, or debit card). - Contact the IRS
If the tool doesn’t resolve your issue, or if you can’t get a clear answer, you may need to contact the IRS directly. However, be prepared for long wait times, as the IRS has been inundated with requests. - File Your Taxes
If you didn’t receive your check or think you qualify for additional funds (such as if you didn’t receive money for dependents), filing your 2021 taxes might be your best bet. You can claim your missing payment as a “recovery rebate credit” on your 2021 return. - Keep an Eye on the Deadline
There is a deadline to claim your stimulus payment for 2021. You must file your tax return by the 2021 tax deadline (typically April 18, 2022) in order to receive any missed payments for the 2021 tax year.
Stimulus Check Payment Timeline: Key Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2021 | Stimulus checks began being issued, starting with direct deposits. |
| April 2021 | IRS began issuing paper checks and prepaid debit cards. |
| April 18, 2022 | Deadline to claim your missing payment for 2021 tax year. |
| 2022 Tax Season | Tax filing for 2021, with any missed payments potentially being claimed. |
What Happens if You Don’t Claim Your Payment?
If you miss the deadline to claim your $1,400 stimulus payment by filing your 2021 tax return, you won’t be able to receive it in the future. The IRS has made it clear that the payments were intended as a one-time relief and won’t be issued again. So, it’s crucial to ensure you don’t miss the 2021 tax filing deadline if you’re still waiting for your check.
Conclusion
While the $1,400 stimulus check provided much-needed financial relief to millions of Americans, it’s understandable if you’re still waiting for yours. If you’re eligible but haven’t received your payment, take action by checking your payment status, updating your tax information, and filing your taxes if necessary. Keep in mind that time is running out to claim any missed payments, so make sure to take the necessary steps before the deadline. Your financial relief might be just one form away!
