During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government issued three rounds of stimulus payments to help individuals and families. Most people received these payments automatically. But what if you didn’t get one or more of your stimulus checks? The good news is — you may still be able to claim the money you missed. Whether a check was never received, was lost, or you didn’t qualify at the time but do now, the IRS allows you to claim it through your federal tax return using the Recovery Rebate Credit. In this article, we’ll explain how to check if you’re eligible, how to claim missed payments, and what to do if you’re unsure.
Check If You Received All Your Stimulus Payments
Before filing a claim, it’s important to check if you already received all the stimulus payments. There were three main payments:
- First round: $1,200 per adult and $500 per child (March 2020)
- Second round: $600 per adult and child (December 2020)
- Third round: $1,400 per adult and child (March 2021)
You may have missed a payment for several reasons:
- You didn’t file taxes in the year the payments were sent.
- Your income changed and you now qualify.
- You were claimed as a dependent before but are now independent.
- You moved and didn’t receive the mailed check.
- You had a child recently and didn’t update your tax information.
The IRS provided Letter 1444, 1444-B, and 1444-C as notices of each payment sent. You can also create an IRS online account to see your Economic Impact Payment history.
Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on Your Tax Return
If you didn’t get all the money you were eligible for, you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) by filing a tax return, even if you don’t normally file taxes.
- For missed first and second stimulus checks, file or amend your 2020 tax return.
- For the third stimulus check, file or amend your 2021 tax return.
On your tax return:
- Enter the total amount of stimulus money you actually received.
- The IRS will compare it to the total you should have received.
- If there’s a difference, the IRS will include the remaining amount in your refund or reduce any taxes you owe.
If you’re using tax software, it will ask about your stimulus payments and help you calculate the correct credit. You can also work with a tax professional to avoid mistakes.
Filing Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some quick tips to help you correctly claim your missing payments:
- Use accurate numbers: Double-check how much you received and don’t guess.
- Avoid duplicate claims: If you already received the full amount, don’t claim again.
- Amend past returns if needed: You can fix past mistakes by filing an amended return.
- Use IRS tools: Access your records online for exact figures and letters.
- File even if you have low income: You may still qualify for the full credit.
Even if you’re not required to file taxes (like low-income individuals), filing a return is the only way to claim missing stimulus funds.
Table: Stimulus Payment Amounts and Claiming Guidelines
| Stimulus Round | Payment Amount | Year Issued | How to Claim if Missed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | $1,200 per adult, $500/child | 2020 | File/amend 2020 tax return |
| Second | $600 per adult and child | 2020-21 | File/amend 2020 tax return |
| Third | $1,400 per adult and child | 2021 | File/amend 2021 tax return |
If you missed any of your stimulus payments, don’t worry — it’s not too late to claim the money. By filing or amending your tax return and using the Recovery Rebate Credit, you can get the funds you deserve. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking your IRS records and talking to a tax expert if needed. With a few simple steps, you could get hundreds or even thousands of dollars added to your refund. Don’t leave free money on the table — take action today and claim what’s rightfully yours.
FAQ’s:
Q1. What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
A1. The Recovery Rebate Credit allows you to claim missing stimulus payments by filing a tax return. It was created to help people who didn’t get all the money they were eligible for during the pandemic.
Q2. Can I still get stimulus money if I didn’t file taxes in 2020 or 2021?
A2. Yes, but you must now file a tax return for those years to claim any missed payments using the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Q3. What if I received part of a stimulus payment but not the full amount?
A3. You can still claim the difference on your tax return. The IRS will calculate how much more you should receive and add it to your refund.
Q4. Do I need special IRS letters to claim the credit?
A4. It helps to have IRS Letters 1444, 1444-B, or 1444-C, but they are not required. You can also check your payment records by logging into your IRS account online.
