The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that some Americans can still receive a $1,400 stimulus check, but the clock is ticking. The window to claim this payment closes on April 15, 2026.
This payment is not a brand-new round of stimulus checks. Instead, it is part of the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) linked to the third stimulus check issued in 2021. Many eligible taxpayers either did not file their 2021 tax returns or failed to claim the credit, leaving over $1 billion in refunds unclaimed.
Who is the $1,400 stimulus check for?
The $1,400 check is available to individuals who:
- Were eligible for the third stimulus payment in 2021 but never received it.
- Did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing their 2021 tax return.
- Have not yet filed their 2021 tax return at all.
The IRS estimates that 1.1 million people may still qualify for this payment.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →What is the deadline?
To receive the $1,400 stimulus payment, taxpayers must:
- File their 2021 tax return by April 15, 2026.
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if it was not already included.
Even if you had little to no income in 2021, you may still qualify. Filing a return is the only way to claim the credit.
How much can you get?
The maximum payment is $1,400 per person. However, the amount is based on income:
- Single filers earning up to $75,000 can receive the full amount.
- Married couples filing jointly with income up to $150,000 can receive the full amount.
- Payments are reduced for those earning above these limits.
How to check if you already received the payment
If you filed your 2021 tax return but left the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or entered $0, you may have missed out. The IRS began sending automatic catch-up payments in December 2026 through January 2026 to those who qualified.
To verify:
- Review your 2021 tax return for the Recovery Rebate Credit field.
- Log in to your IRS online account and check the “Economic Impact Payment Information” under your tax records.
What if you haven’t filed yet?
If you never filed a 2021 tax return, you must file it before April 15, 2026. This is the same deadline for filing 2026 tax returns. If needed, you can request an extension, but the IRS urges taxpayers not to delay.
So, is the IRS sending $1,400 stimulus checks to eligible taxpayers? Yes — but only for those who qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit from 2021. If you missed your third stimulus payment, this is your last chance to claim it. File your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2026, to ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
For full details and updates, visit the official IRS website.
