If you filed your 2021 tax return and claimed the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, you might be wondering why that money still hasn’t hit your bank account. You’re not alone — millions of Americans are still waiting on payments they were promised years ago. But here’s the good news: the IRS is processing these payments right now in 2025, and there’s a clear, step-by-step process to check exactly where your payment is and when you’ll get it.
Whether your deposit is stuck in IRS limbo, or you just want to confirm the status of your refund, this guide walks you through everything — in plain English.
First, What Is the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit?
The $1,400 stimulus was part of the third round of federal COVID relief checks sent in 2021. Most people got it automatically. But if you didn’t receive it, or only received part of it, you could claim the rest by filing your 2021 tax return and requesting the Recovery Rebate Credit.
The IRS is now re-processing those missed claims, and some eligible people are just now receiving the money — even though they filed a while ago.
Important note: The deadline to claim this credit is April 15, 2025. So if you haven’t filed a 2021 return yet, there’s still time to get your check.
Already Filed? Here’s How to Track Your $1,400 Payment
If you’ve already filed and claimed the credit, but the money hasn’t shown up yet, you have a few reliable ways to track it:
1. Use the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool on the IRS Website
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Go to irs.gov/refunds
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Click “Check My Refund Status”
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Enter:
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Your Social Security Number or ITIN
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Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)
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The exact refund amount (including the $1,400)
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This tool is updated every night and will tell you whether your return is still being processed, whether your refund was approved, and whether a payment has been sent.
2. Check Your IRS Online Account
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Visit irs.gov/account
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Sign in with ID.me (you’ll need to create one if you haven’t already)
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Once logged in, you can view:
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Refund and payment history
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Any notices or letters sent
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Your current account balance and status
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This is the most detailed way to see exactly what the IRS sees — including if your $1,400 has been scheduled for deposit or mailed as a check.
3. Watch for IRS Letters in the Mail
After issuing your payment, the IRS usually sends a notice confirming the amount and date. This might be labeled as Letter 6475 or Notice CP12. It’s a good sign if you’ve received one — it means your claim was processed and the payment is either on the way or already sent.
How Long Does It Usually Take?
Here’s the general timeline:
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Electronically filed returns: About 21–30 days
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Paper returns: Up to 8–12 weeks (longer if corrections are needed)
The IRS began issuing some of these long-overdue payments in December 2024, so depending on when you filed, your check could be on the way now.
What If You Still Don’t See Anything?
If the IRS says they sent your payment but you haven’t received it:
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Wait 21 days (for direct deposit) or 6 weeks (for a mailed check or debit card).
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Check with your bank and review your IRS account online.
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If it’s still missing, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
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You may be asked to submit Form 3911 — this starts a payment trace to investigate lost or stolen refunds.
Be aware that this process takes time, but if you’re owed money, the IRS is required to follow through.
Warning: Avoid Stimulus Scams
The IRS will not call, text, or email you to ask for banking information or verify your refund. If someone contacts you claiming they’re with the IRS and offers to “release your refund,” it’s likely a scam.
Always track your refund through official IRS.gov portals only.
Bottom Line: Don’t Miss Out on Your $1,400
If you filed and claimed the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit but haven’t received it:
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Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool and online account to check the status.
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Make sure the IRS has your correct banking info and address.
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Contact the IRS if your refund has been delayed more than 6 weeks.
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Be proactive — if you wait too long, your payment may be harder to trace.
If you haven’t filed yet and think you might qualify, you have until April 15, 2025, to claim your money. This is likely the last chance to get your missing stimulus, so don’t delay.
