IRS Wraps Up COVID-19 Relief with Final $1,400 Stimulus Checks—Everything You Need to Know

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is issuing the final round of $1,400 stimulus checks, marking the end of COVID-19 relief payments that began during the pandemic.

Nearly one million Americans will receive these payments automatically, totaling approximately $2.4 billion, as the IRS works to distribute funds to those who missed out on the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

If you’ve been wondering whether you might be eligible for a surprise stimulus payment in 2025, here’s everything you need to know.

Why Is the IRS Sending These Payments Now?

The $1,400 stimulus checks stem from the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, which allowed individuals who didn’t receive their full Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to claim the amount on their 2021 tax returns.

However, approximately one million taxpayers either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or mistakenly entered $0 on their returns, missing out on the money.

To correct this, the IRS has identified eligible individuals and is now issuing automatic payments to those who qualify. No action is required from recipients, and checks or direct deposits are expected to arrive by late January 2025.

Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?

The IRS is sending automatic payments to taxpayers who:

• Filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit despite being eligible.
• Were eligible for the credit but did not receive the third stimulus payment (issued in 2021).
• Provided up-to-date banking or mailing information in their tax filings, allowing for easy processing.

If you filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the credit—and you were eligible for the stimulus—you will automatically receive the $1,400 payment in this final distribution.

How Will Payments Be Sent?

The IRS is using the latest tax return information on file to issue payments. Here’s how you might receive yours:

• Direct Deposit: If you provided direct deposit details on your most recent tax return, your payment will be deposited into your bank account.
• Paper Checks: If the IRS does not have direct deposit information, you will receive a paper check via mail.

Additionally, recipients will receive a letter from the IRS confirming the payment and its purpose.

What If You Didn’t File a 2021 Tax Return?

If you never filed a 2021 tax return, you may still be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. However, you must file a 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025, to claim your stimulus payment.

Even if you had little or no income in 2021, filing a return could still allow you to claim:

• Recovery Rebate Credit ($1,400 stimulus check)
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), if applicable
• Other tax benefits you may have missed

For those who never filed and believe they qualify, it’s not too late—but the deadline is approaching.

Is This the Last Stimulus Check?

Yes. The IRS has confirmed that this is the final round of direct COVID-19 stimulus payments under the Recovery Rebate Credit program.

This batch of $1,400 payments is meant to close the chapter on pandemic-era relief efforts that began with:

• The First Stimulus Check ($1,200 in 2020, CARES Act)
• The Second Stimulus Check ($600 in December 2020, COVID-19 Relief Bill)
• The Third Stimulus Check ($1,400 in 2021, American Rescue Plan)

With no current plans for another stimulus program, these 2025 payments mark the final distribution of COVID-19 relief funds.

How to Check the Status of Your Payment

If you believe you qualify for the $1,400 stimulus check, you can check the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool on their website. This tool provides:

• Payment status (whether your check has been sent or scheduled)
• Delivery method (direct deposit or paper check)
• Additional information if action is required

If you haven’t received your payment by mid-February 2025, you may want to contact the IRS for further assistance.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Your Payment

The IRS’s final round of $1,400 stimulus payments is a last chance for eligible Americans to receive the COVID-era funds they may have missed.

If you filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, your stimulus check is on the way—no action needed.

For those who never filed a 2021 return, there’s still time to claim your money, but you must file by April 15, 2025 to receive the payment.

With no further stimulus checks planned, this marks the official conclusion of direct COVID-19 financial relief. If you’re eligible, be sure to watch your mailbox or bank account in the coming weeks for your payment.

Key Takeaways:

• Final round of $1,400 stimulus payments is being distributed in January 2025.
• One million taxpayers are receiving automatic payments totaling $2.4 billion.
• No action is needed if you filed a 2021 return but missed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
• Non-filers can still claim the payment by submitting a 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025.
• This is the last round of COVID-era stimulus payments—no further checks are planned.

If you’re expecting a stimulus check, keep an eye on your bank account or mailbox. For those who still need to claim it, filing a 2021 return is the only way to get your payment.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.