Current Status of the 1400 Stimulus Check
The third round of Economic Impact Payments, commonly referred to as the 1400 stimulus check, was authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The IRS began issuing these payments in March 2021, with eligible individuals receiving up to $1,400 per person. As of the most recent IRS data, the vast majority of eligible recipients have received their payments, either via direct deposit, paper check, or debit card. The IRS continues to process a limited number of late claims for those who did not receive their full payment or who were eligible but did not file a return. For the latest IRS guidelines on payment status, visit the official IRS website.
The IRS Get My Payment tool remains the primary method for individuals to check the status of their 1400 stimulus check. The tool provides real-time updates on whether a payment has been issued, the delivery method, and the expected arrival date for paper checks. Users can access the tool by logging in with their IRS account credentials or by providing personal identification information. According to the IRS, the tool is updated once per day, usually overnight. For detailed instructions on using the tool, visit the IRS Get My Payment portal.
Eligibility Requirements and Income Limits
Eligibility for the 1400 stimulus check was based on 2020 tax returns, or 2019 returns if 2020 returns were not yet processed. Single filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 received the full $1,400 payment, with the amount phasing out for incomes above that threshold. Married couples filing jointly with incomes up to $150,000 qualified for the full payment, and heads of household with incomes up to $112,500 were also eligible. The payment amount began to phase out at a rate of $5 for every $100 of income above the threshold. For a full breakdown of the income limits, visit Forbes tax coverage.
Dependent children under the age of 17 qualified for an additional $1,400 per dependent, making family units with multiple children eligible for significantly larger payments. The IRS used the most recent tax filing data to determine dependent eligibility, which means some individuals who had a child in 2020 but did not file an updated return may need to claim the additional amount when they file their 2020 taxes. The IRS also sent Letter 6475 to recipients who received a payment, confirming the amount and whether the payment included a dependent. For information on dependent qualifications, visit the IRS dependent criteria page.
How to Claim a Missing 1400 Stimulus Check
Individuals who did not receive their full 1400 stimulus check payment can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 federal tax return. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a line item on Form 1040 that allows taxpayers to claim the full amount they were eligible for, minus any payments already received. The IRS has set a deadline for claiming the credit tied to the tax filing deadline for the 2020 tax year, which was extended to May 17, 2021, for individuals. Taxpayers who missed the deadline may still be able to file an amended return, but the window for claiming the credit is limited. For official IRS guidance on the Recovery Rebate Credit, visit