If you’ve recently heard rumors of a new $1,400 direct deposit hitting bank accounts in April 2025, you’re not alone. The headlines, social media buzz, and online chatter have sparked excitement and confusion nationwide. Many people are wondering: Is this a new stimulus payment from the government? Is it legit? Can I still get mine?

The truth is, yes—some Americans are receiving $1,400 direct deposits in April 2025. But no, it’s not part of a new stimulus package. Instead, this payment is connected to the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) from the third round of stimulus payments issued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know: what this payment is, who’s eligible, how to claim it before the deadline, and common misconceptions to avoid.

What Is the $1,400 Payment?

The $1,400 being deposited into some Americans’ accounts in early 2025 is part of the Recovery Rebate Credit, a provision under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The act authorized a third round of Economic Impact Payments—commonly known as stimulus checks—providing up to $1,400 per eligible adult and dependent.

While most eligible Americans received their third stimulus payment in 2021, a large number did not, often due to unfiled tax returns, outdated IRS records, or complex eligibility issues. To address this, the IRS allowed those individuals to claim the missed payment as a tax credit on their 2021 return.

Fast forward to 2024 and 2025: the IRS has identified over 1 million non-filers who were likely eligible but never claimed the credit. In response, the agency began issuing these delayed payments in December 2024, with many arriving in bank accounts in March and April 2025.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Who Qualifies for the $1,400?

To qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Did not receive the full $1,400 stimulus in 2021

• Filed a 2021 tax return or are willing to file before April 15, 2025

• Valid Social Security number

• U.S. citizen or resident alien

• Income below the phase-out thresholds in 2021:

  • Single: under $75,000

  • Married filing jointly: under $150,000

  • Head of household: under $112,500

Why Are These Payments Showing Up in 2025?

Though the third stimulus was issued in 2021, not everyone received what they were owed. The IRS has since undertaken an initiative to identify and contact eligible individuals who haven’t claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Many payments were delayed due to:

• Unfiled 2021 tax returns

• Incorrect or outdated contact and banking information

• Unreported dependents born or adopted in 2021

If you’re seeing an unexpected deposit labeled “IRS TREAS 310 TAX REF”, it may be your overdue RRC payment.

How to Claim the $1,400 Before the Deadline

You must act before April 15, 2025 to file or amend your 2021 return and claim the credit.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Check If You Filed in 2021

   • If you did and didn’t receive the full $1,400, you may need to file an amended return.

   • If you didn’t file, start gathering documents.

2. Prepare Necessary Documents

   • Social Security numbers (for self and dependents)

   • 2021 income documents (W-2s, 1099s)

   • IRS letters indicating stimulus payments received (Letter 6475)

3. File or Amend Your 2021 Tax Return

   • Use IRS Free File if your income was below $73,000.

   • Make sure to complete Line 30 on Form 1040 for the RRC.

   • Choose direct deposit for quicker processing.

4. Track Your Refund

   • Use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.

   • Expect your refund within 4–8 weeks for new filings, and up to 16 weeks for amended returns.

What If You Already Filed But Missed the Credit?

You can still fix this by filing Form 1040-X to amend your return.

How to Do It:

• Visit IRS.gov/amended-return

• Use supported tax software or consult a tax preparer

• Provide a clear explanation of why you’re claiming the RRC now

• Submit the form electronically if possible

Common Reasons People Missed Their $1,400 Payment

• Didn’t file a 2021 tax return due to low income

• Moved or changed bank accounts without updating IRS records

• Gave birth or adopted a child in 2021

• Was previously claimed as a dependent but no longer qualified

Each of these can now be resolved by filing or amending your 2021 return.

Debunking Myths: What’s True and What’s Not

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I still file even if I didn’t have income in 2021?
A: Yes. There is no minimum income requirement to claim the RRC.

Q: How long will it take to receive my payment?
A: Typically 4–8 weeks for new returns and up to 16 weeks for amended returns.

Q: Will I be taxed on this money?
A: No. The Recovery Rebate Credit is not considered taxable income.

Q: What if I owe back taxes?
A: In most cases, stimulus-related credits are not offset by IRS debts, but check with a tax advisor for your specific situation.

Q: Can I file on paper?
A: Yes, but e-filing is faster and reduces errors.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave $1,400 on the Table

With the deadline to claim your 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit fast approaching, now is the time to act. Whether you missed the stimulus entirely or didn’t get the full amount, filing or amending your 2021 return could put $1,400 back in your pocket.

Visit IRS.gov or consult a licensed tax professional to get started today. Don’t wait until it’s too late—April 15, 2025 is your last chance to claim what you’re owed.