The $1,400 stimulus payment, also known as the third Economic Impact Payment, was part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
This article provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide on tracking your stimulus payment, claiming a missing payment, understanding eligibility requirements, and what to do if you never received your check.
How to Track Your $1,400 Stimulus Payment with IRS Get My Payment
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $1,400 per eligible individual + dependents |
| Official IRS Tool | IRS Get My Payment |
| Who’s Eligible? | Individuals earning ≤$75,000, Married couples ≤$150,000 |
| Distribution Methods | Direct deposit, paper check, prepaid debit card |
| Missing Payment? | Claim via Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return |
| Deadline to Claim | April 15, 2025 |
| IRS Support Number | 800-919-9835 |
| Payment Trace Form | Form 3911 |
The $1,400 stimulus payment provided much-needed financial relief to millions of Americans. If you never received your payment, you can still claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. If the IRS records indicate that your payment was issued but you did not receive it, you may need to initiate a payment trace.
How to Track Your Stimulus Payment
1. Use the IRS Get My Payment Tool
The IRS Get My Payment tool provided the quickest way to determine the status of your stimulus payment. However, as of 2023, this tool has become inactive. If you still need to verify your payment, take the following steps:
- Log in to your IRS Online Account
- Visit IRS Online Account.
- Sign in or create an account.
- Under Economic Impact Payment Information, check for your payment history.
- Review IRS Notices
- The IRS sent Notice 1444-C to recipients of the $1,400 payment.
- If you misplaced this, you can request a tax transcript from the IRS website.
- Check Your Bank Account
- Payments were made via direct deposit, paper checks, and prepaid debit cards (EIP Cards).
- Look for deposits labeled IRS TREAS 310 TAXEIP3 in your bank statement.
- Request a Tax Transcript
- Go to Get Transcript Online to view payment history.
2. Who Was Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
The third stimulus payment had specific eligibility criteria based on income and dependent status:
- Individuals: Earned ≤$75,000 (phased out at $80,000).
- Married Couples: Earned ≤$150,000 (phased out at $160,000).
- Head of Household: Earned ≤$112,500 (phased out at $120,000).
- Dependents: Each dependent qualified for an additional $1,400.
If you made more than the income limits, your payment was reduced or eliminated based on a sliding scale.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Your $1,400 Stimulus Payment
1. Check Your IRS Account for Payment Status
Visit the IRS Online Account to review your tax records. If no payment is recorded, you may need to apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
2. Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
If you didn’t receive your stimulus payment or received less than expected, you can claim it as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.
How to Claim:
- File a 2021 tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR) if you haven’t already.
- Use Line 30 to enter the amount of stimulus money you should have received.
- The IRS will either apply the credit to taxes owed or issue a refund.
Deadline to File: April 15, 2025.
3. Request a Payment Trace if IRS Records Show It Was Sent
If the IRS records indicate that your payment was sent, but you never received it, initiate a payment trace:
- Call the IRS at 800-919-9835.
- Mail or fax Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to the IRS.
- If the check was cashed by someone else, the IRS will send you a claim package to investigate fraud.
Common Issues and Solutions
1. Your Payment Was Sent to the Wrong Bank Account
If the IRS sent your payment to a closed or incorrect bank account, it should have bounced back and been reissued as a paper check or debit card. You may need to claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit if it wasn’t reissued.
2. Your Stimulus Check Was Lost or Stolen
If your paper check was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must request a payment trace with Form 3911.
3. You Didn’t File Taxes in 2019 or 2020
Non-filers had to submit information through the IRS Non-Filers Tool (now closed). If you missed it, you must file a 2021 tax return to claim your payment.
