WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced on Friday that it will be sending $2.4 billion in “special payments” to approximately 1 million Americans. These payments are aimed at ensuring that individuals who did not receive all of their federal stimulus checks during the pandemic will now get the money they are owed.
The payments will vary by individual, with a maximum of $1,400 per recipient. The IRS said the payments will be automatic, meaning eligible taxpayers will not have to go through the process of filing amended returns to receive their funds.
“In order to minimize any inconvenience and expedite the process, we’re making these payments automatic,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stated. “Eligible individuals will receive the money without needing to take additional steps.”
Who is Eligible for the IRS Payment?
The IRS is sending the payments to people who filed tax returns but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit in 2021. The credit was intended for individuals who did not receive the full amount of their stimulus checks, which were issued as part of three rounds of federal relief during the pandemic — two in 2020 and a third in 2021.
Most eligible taxpayers have already received their stimulus payments either directly or through the recovery rebate credit. However, this new round of payments is aimed at those who missed out on claiming the full amount.
Do You Need to Apply?
No action is required from recipients. The IRS said the payments will be issued automatically to about 1 million people who are eligible for the recovery rebate credit but did not claim it on their tax returns. The IRS will also send a letter to recipients notifying them that they will receive the payment.
When Will the Payments Be Sent?
The IRS expects to begin sending out the payments in December, with most arriving by late January 2025. Recipients can expect the money to either be directly deposited into their bank accounts or mailed as a paper check, depending on the payment method on file with the IRS.
This initiative is part of the IRS’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all eligible Americans receive the financial relief they are entitled to.
