If you did not get the third stimulus check (Third Economic Impact Payment) in 2021 for any reason, then now you have the last chance to get it. The US tax agency IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is once again sending an amount of more than $1,200 through direct deposit in April 2025 — and this amount is being given under Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC).
Now the question arises that who can take this money? How can one take it? And how much amount can be received? In this article, we will tell you in simple language what is Recovery Rebate Credit, who is eligible for it, and what is the last date to claim it. If you miss this opportunity, then you will not get this money later.
What is Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a tax credit created by the government so that people who didn’t get all or any of their stimulus payments in 2020 or 2021 can get them through their tax returns.
The money due in April 2025 is specifically tied to the third round of stimulus checks (provided under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021). If the IRS didn’t send you the correct amount based on your previous income information, or you missed a payment, you can claim this money now by filing your 2021 tax return.
Who is eligible for this money?
You may be eligible for this credit if:
- You are a resident of the U.S. in 2021. You were a U.S. citizen or legal resident alien
- You had a valid Social Security number
- You weren’t claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- Your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) was within the following limits:
Tax status You get the full credit if income…
- Single $75,000 or less
- Married Jointly $150,000 or less
- Head of Household $112,500 or less
- If you make a little more than that, you may still be eligible for a partial amount. But if you make more than $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (married filing jointly), you won’t get any credit.
💰 How much money can you get?
The amount you get depends on how much you’ve already received and how many people in your household qualify.
- $1,400 per eligible adult
- $1,400 per eligible dependent (can be of any age)
🔸 Example: If a family has 2 parents and 2 children, and they missed the third stimulus payment — they can get up to $5,600 in total.
How to get $1,200+ IRS direct deposit in April?
To get this money, you must file a 2021 tax return — even if you have very low income and don’t usually file taxes.
- Follow These Steps:
- Fill your 2021 Federal Tax Return
- It is important to file this return because you will get the Recovery Rebate Credit through your return.
- Make sure to fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit section
There is a special section in the return where you can claim this credit. There you have to tell how much you received in the third stimulus payment.
See Letter 6475 sent by the IRS
This letter was sent by the IRS in early 2022, which tells how much you got in the third payment. This way you can give the correct information.
- E-file and choose direct deposit
- Filing online gets the money quickly. You can do this with IRS Free File or any tax software.
- Keep in mind the deadline: April 15, 2025
- You must submit your 2021 tax return by this date. After this, you will never be able to claim this money.
What if you have already filed?
If you have filed your 2021 tax return but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, then you can refile (amend) it — for this you have to fill Form 1040-X.
⚠️ Some common mistakes people make:
Not filing a tax return: You won’t get this money without filing a return, even if you are entitled to it.
Wrong dependent information: Fill in the name, date of birth, and SSN of children or dependents correctly.
Beware of fraud: The IRS never calls, emails, or texts you — if someone asks for your information, it could be a fraud.
Conclusion: Act now, or you will miss the chance
If you did not get the third stimulus check in 2021 or did not get the full amount — then this is your last chance. The IRS is sending this amount again in April 2025, but for that you will have to file your 2021 tax return.
The amount of $1,400 per person can become a big financial support for you, especially in this time of inflation and rising expenses.
👉 File before April 15, 2025 and get money through your direct deposit!
FAQs
1. What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a tax credit issued by the IRS for individuals who missed out on full or partial stimulus payments during previous rounds of COVID-19 relief. It’s claimed when filing your tax return.
2. Who is eligible to receive the $1,200+ direct deposit in April?
Eligibility depends on income level, tax filing status, and whether you’ve already received all the stimulus payments you were entitled to. The IRS uses your latest filed tax return to determine eligibility.
3. Do I need to apply separately for the Recovery Rebate Credit?
No separate application is needed. You must file a federal tax return for the appropriate year (usually 2020 or 2021) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on the form if you’re eligible.
4. When will the IRS send the direct deposit payments in April?
The exact payment date may vary, but deposits typically arrive in mid to late April. Check the IRS “Get My Payment” tool or your bank for updates.
5. How can I check if I’m on the list to receive the payment?
You can check your IRS account online or look at your tax return transcript to see if the credit was issued. You may also receive a notice by mail or direct deposit notification from your bank.