Are you wondering about an IRS stimulus check in 2025? You're not alone! Many people have questions about federal relief payments. It's crucial to get accurate information directly from official sources. As of June 2025, there are no new federal stimulus checks broadly authorized or planned for issuance in 2025.
However, there's a very important nuance: you might still be eligible for a past stimulus payment, specifically the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) of up to $1,400 per person, if you didn't claim it previously. The deadline for claiming this Recovery Rebate Credit by filing your 2021 tax return was April 15, 2025. If you missed that deadline, unfortunately, those specific funds have reverted to the U.S. Treasury.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to check for any outstanding stimulus-related payments you might be owed, and what steps to take.
Checking Your IRS Stimulus Check Status (for Past Payments)
While there are no new stimulus checks for 2025, many Americans may still be due money from previous rounds, primarily the third Economic Impact Payment. The IRS provides official tools to help you determine if you're owed anything.
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| How To Check Irs Stimulus Check 2025 |
Step 1: Are You Eligible for a Past Stimulus Payment?
Before diving into checking your status, let's quickly clarify who might have been eligible for the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) that was available through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Individuals: Generally, you qualified for the full $1,400 if your adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2021 was $75,000 or less. The payment phased out completely at $80,000.
- Married Couples Filing Jointly: You could receive up to $2,800 if your combined AGI was $150,000 or less, with a cutoff at $160,000.
- Dependents: Each qualifying dependent, regardless of age, also qualified for $1,400.
Did you fall within these income thresholds in 2021 and believe you never received your full payment? If so, proceed to the next steps!
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
Step 2: Accessing Your IRS Online Account – Your Go-To Resource
The most efficient and reliable way to check your stimulus payment history is through your IRS Online Account. This secure portal provides a wealth of information about your tax records, including any Economic Impact Payments issued to you.
Sub-heading: Setting Up or Logging In to Your IRS Online Account
- Visit the Official IRS Website: Open your web browser and navigate to www.irs.gov. Be extremely careful to only use the official IRS website to avoid scams.
- Locate "Sign in to your Online Account": This is usually prominently displayed on the homepage. Click on it.
- Login or Create an Account:
- Existing Users: Enter your username and password. You may need to complete a multi-factor authentication step for security.
- New Users: If you don't have an account, click on "Create an account." You'll be guided through a rigorous identity verification process, which may involve providing personal information and answering security questions. This is to protect your sensitive tax data. Be prepared to verify your identity thoroughly.
Sub-heading: Navigating Your Online Account for Stimulus Information
Once successfully logged in, look for sections related to "Tax Records" or "Economic Impact Payment Information." Here, you should be able to see:
- The amounts of any stimulus payments issued to you.
- The dates those payments were sent (direct deposit or mailed check).
- The method of payment (direct deposit or paper check).
Compare the information here with your own records. Did the IRS issue a payment that you never received? This is a key piece of information.
Step 3: Using the "Where's My Refund?" Tool (for Tax Returns with Recovery Rebate Credit)
While primarily for tax refunds, if you filed a 2021 tax return specifically to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit because you missed a stimulus payment, the "Where's My Refund?" tool can also be useful.
Sub-heading: How to Use "Where's My Refund?"
- Go to the IRS "Where's My Refund?" Page: Visit www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund.
- Provide Required Information: You'll need:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, etc.).
- The exact refund amount from your 2021 tax return (this is crucial for accurate results).
- Check Your Status: The tool will provide the status of your refund. If your refund includes the Recovery Rebate Credit, the status will reflect the processing of that overall refund.
Remember: This tool primarily tracks tax refunds. If you simply missed a stimulus payment and didn't file a 2021 return to claim it by the April 15, 2025, deadline, this tool won't show a stimulus payment independently.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
Step 4: Reviewing Your Tax Transcripts
Tax transcripts provide a detailed summary of your tax return information. This can be helpful if you need to confirm specific amounts related to stimulus payments.
Sub-heading: How to Get Your Tax Transcript
- Online Account: The easiest way to get your tax transcripts is through your IRS Online Account (as described in Step 2). Look for a section to "Get Transcript Online."
- By Mail: You can also request a transcript be mailed to you by calling 800-908-9946 or by using Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. Be aware that mailed transcripts can take several weeks to arrive.
When reviewing your transcript, look for entries labeled "Economic Impact Payment" or "IRS TREAS 310" (the code for direct deposits of stimulus checks). This will confirm if and when a payment was issued.
Step 5: What if the IRS Shows a Payment, But You Never Received It?
If your IRS Online Account or tax transcript indicates a stimulus payment was issued, but you never received it (it wasn't direct-deposited or you never got a paper check), you might need to request a payment trace.
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Sub-heading: Initiating a Payment Trace
- Understand the Process: A payment trace helps the IRS determine what happened to your payment.
- Call the IRS: The primary number to call for payment inquiries is 800-919-9835.
- Mail or Fax Form 3911: You can also complete and mail or fax Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to the IRS. Follow the instructions on the form carefully.
Be prepared for potential wait times when calling the IRS, especially during peak tax seasons.
Important Considerations for 2025
It's vital to reiterate:
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
- No New Federal Stimulus: As of June 2025, there are no new federal stimulus checks or Economic Impact Payments currently authorized or being issued by the IRS for the year 2025. Rumors about $5,000 or other large, new federal stimulus checks in 2025 are generally false.
- Recovery Rebate Credit Deadline Passed: The opportunity to claim the third Economic Impact Payment ($1,400) by filing a 2021 tax return as a Recovery Rebate Credit passed on April 15, 2025. If you did not file by this date, you cannot claim this specific payment now.
- State-Level Programs: Some states may offer their own rebate programs or relief payments. These are entirely separate from federal IRS stimulus payments. If you hear about a "stimulus check" in your state, research it through your state's official government website, not the IRS.
- Scam Alert: Be highly vigilant against scams. The IRS will never text, email, or contact you through social media to ask for personal or financial information to "claim" a stimulus payment. All official communication will be by mail, or you can access information securely through the official IRS website.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check my eligibility for past IRS stimulus checks?
You can primarily check your eligibility for past stimulus checks by reviewing the income thresholds for the year the payment was issued (e.g., 2021 for the $1,400 payment) and comparing it to your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for that year. The official IRS website (IRS.gov) has detailed eligibility criteria for each Economic Impact Payment.
How to use the IRS Get My Payment tool in 2025?
The "Get My Payment" tool, found on IRS.gov, was primarily used for the initial rounds of Economic Impact Payments. While it may still show your history for those payments, its primary functionality for new payments is largely dormant as there are no new federal stimulus checks. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and address to use it.
How to track a missing IRS stimulus check that was already issued?
If the IRS records show a stimulus check was issued but you never received it, you need to initiate a payment trace. You can do this by calling the IRS directly at 800-919-9835 or by mailing/faxing a completed Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund.
How to find my IRS Online Account?
Go to the official IRS website, www.irs.gov, and look for the "Sign in to your Online Account" link, usually located prominently on the homepage. This will direct you to the secure login or registration page.
How to recover lost 2021 tax documents needed to claim a stimulus check?
If you needed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return but lost documents, you can often retrieve them. Check your IRS Online Account for wage and income transcripts, or request copies of missing tax forms (W-2s, 1099s) from former employers or financial institutions.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling, read carefully here.
How to contact the IRS about stimulus check inquiries?
For general inquiries, the main IRS phone number is 800-829-1040. However, for specific stimulus payment traces, it's recommended to call 800-919-9835 or submit Form 3911. Be prepared to verify your identity.
How to avoid IRS stimulus check scams in 2025?
Always be suspicious of unexpected calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from the IRS about stimulus checks. The IRS will never demand immediate payment, ask for personal information via email or text, or threaten legal action. Always verify information on IRS.gov.
How to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit if I missed the deadline?
Unfortunately, the deadline to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2021 tax return was April 15, 2025. If you missed this deadline, you are generally no longer able to claim that specific payment.
How to know if a state-level stimulus program is legitimate?
If you hear about a state-level stimulus or rebate, always verify the information on your state's official government website (e.g., your state's Department of Revenue or Treasury). Do not rely on social media posts or unofficial websites.
How to check if any other tax credits are available to me in 2025?
Even without broad stimulus checks, you may be eligible for various federal tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC). You can explore these on IRS.gov or consult a qualified tax professional.
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