The Internal Revenue Service will issue automatic payments later this month to eligible people who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. The IRS announced the special step Friday after reviewing internal data showing many eligible taxpayers who filed a return but did not claim the credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for individuals who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIP), also known as stimulus payments.
No action is needed for eligible taxpayers to receive these payments, which will go out automatically in December and should arrive in most cases by late January 2025. The payments will be automatically direct deposited or sent by paper check; eligible taxpayers will also receive a separate letter notifying them of the payment.
How to Claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit
The IRS is no longer issuing third Economic Impact Payments.
If you received the full amount of the third Economic Impact Payment, you don't need to include any information about your payment when you file your 2021 tax return.
If you didn't qualify for a third Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount, you may be eligible to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit when you file your 2021 tax return. You must file a return to claim the credit, even if you don't usually file a tax return. The credit is based on your 2021 tax year information, so any third Economic Impact Payments you received will reduce the amount of the credit you're eligible for. Your 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit will reduce any tax you owe for 2021 or be included in your tax refund.
You will need the total amount of your third Economic Impact payment and any plus-up payments to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. Using the total amount of the third payments from the individual's online account or Letter 6475 when filing a tax return can reduce errors and avoid delays in processing while the IRS corrects the tax return.
Do not include amounts of missing first or second stimulus payments on your 2021 tax return.
File your 2021 tax return electronically and the tax software will help you figure your 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. Your Recovery Rebate Credit will reduce the amount of any tax you may owe for 2021 or be included in your tax refund, and can be direct deposited into your financial account. You can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or alternative financial products for your direct deposit. You will need to provide routing and account numbers.
How to Claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit
All first and second Economic Impact Payments have been sent out by the IRS. If you didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2020 tax return if you have not filed yet or by amending your 2020 tax return if it's already been processed. Your Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return will reduce the amount of tax you owe for 2020 or be included in your tax refund. Here's how eligible individuals claim the credit:
Do Not claim any missing first or second payments on your 2021 tax return.
File a 2020 tax return if you have not filed one yet or amend your 2020 tax return if your 2020 return has already been processed. Your Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return will reduce the amount of tax you owe for 2020 or be included in your tax refund.
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