New Stimulus Checks Start Arriving for 1 Million Americans

Americans are welcoming the arrival of new stimulus payments, worth up to $1,400.

Why It Matters

About 1 million Americans will receive a financial check from the IRS for back payments, specifically Economic Impact Payments. These payments, originally meant to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic, could bring a much-appreciated financial boost to some individuals after Christmas.

What to Know

The new payments, called Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), are being sent to taxpayers who qualified but didn't claim federal stimulus checks on their 2021 tax returns.

"Qualified taxpayers are individuals who previously filed a 2021 tax return, but whose Recovery Rebate Credit field on that return was either left blank or incorrectly stated as $0 when in fact they were eligible for the credit," the IRS said in its recent announcement.

Payments during the COVID era, initially sent four years ago, were disbursed in late December, and according to the IRS, they should reach their destination by late January 2025.

Multiple users have reported receiving their stimulus payments this month.

Buddy, I just received a stimulus check in the mail because I never got one during the pandemic. Sounds good to me.

A user named Stoogie shared a post on January 2 that included a photo of a letter labeled "Not a bill or an advertisement." The text of the post read: "It is 2025 and I just received a COVID stimulus check in the mail."

ISA asked X that very day: "Has anyone else received a stimulus check recently because I just received one out of the blue."

Payments are deposited directly into bank accounts or sent by paper check, and recipients will also receive a notification letter about the payment.

What People Are Saying

The IRS remains dedicated to enhancing services and assisting taxpayers. These payments are a reflection of our pledge to go above and beyond for taxpayers. Internal data analysis reveals that one million taxpayers neglect to claim this intricate credit despite being eligible for it.

To reduce hassle and ensure eligible taxpayers receive their money, we're making these payments automatic, so these individuals won't have to go through the complex process of filing a revised return to get it.

What's Next

If they file and claim the RRC by April 15, 2025.

The IRS stated that a tax return is necessary to claim the credit, "even if they had very little income from a job, business, or any other source at the time."

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