In April 2025, many Americans are seeing unexpected deposits hit their bank accounts—up to $1,250 in some cases. These payments are part of the IRS’s final effort to distribute unclaimed COVID-era relief money through the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC). If you missed the third stimulus payment or didn’t file your 2021 tax return, this surprise cash boost could have your name on it.
But not everyone qualifies automatically, and there’s a looming deadline: April 15, 2025. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.
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What Is the $1,250 Federal Direct Deposit From the IRS?
The $1,250 direct deposit stems from the Recovery Rebate Credit, which was originally issued to cover any missing amounts from the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). These were part of the government’s COVID-19 financial aid program, distributed between 2020 and 2021.
If you were eligible for the third stimulus check but didn’t receive it—or didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 return—the IRS is now stepping in to fix that. In 2025, they’re issuing final payments to people who qualify, with amounts ranging from several hundred dollars up to $1,250, and in some cases, even as much as $1,400.
Why Is the IRS Sending These Payments Now?
The IRS is essentially doing one last sweep to ensure that no eligible American is left behind. Many people missed out on their stimulus payments due to:
- Not filing a 2021 tax return
- Filing incorrectly
- Outdated contact or banking information
Now, with a hard deadline approaching, the IRS is automatically sending payments to those who appear to qualify. However, if you haven’t yet filed your 2021 taxes, you must do so by April 15, 2025, to be considered.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,250 IRS Payment?
To qualify for this direct deposit or mailed check, you need to meet specific criteria:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return
- U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN)
- Not listed as a dependent on someone else’s 2021 tax return
What If You Already Filed?
If you filed your 2021 tax return but missed the RRC, the IRS will use your existing information to determine eligibility and send your payment automatically.
How Much Money Could You Receive?
The actual amount varies depending on your filing status and income level:
Payment Breakdown by Filing Status
- Single Filers: Up to $1,250 if eligible
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $2,500 total
- With Dependents: Some families could receive up to $1,400 per person
Your income, number of dependents, and whether you already received partial payments will affect your final amount.
How Will You Receive the Payment?
The IRS is issuing payments using the most recent data they have on file, so here’s how it works:
Two Main Delivery Methods
- Direct Deposit: If you included your bank info on a recent tax return, the money will go straight into your account—usually within 1–2 weeks of processing.
- Paper Check: If direct deposit details are unavailable or outdated, expect a check in the mail. This could take several weeks longer.
You can track the status of your payment using the IRS Get My Payment tool on their website.
What If You Don’t Qualify for the $1,250?
If you’re not eligible for this specific payment, don’t worry—there are still other financial aid options out there. You may qualify for:
Other Federal Assistance Programs
- Child Tax Credit (CTC): Up to $3,600 per child depending on age and income
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): For low-to-moderate income earners
- State and Local Aid: Programs for rent, utilities, food,
Common Reasons for Delayed or Missing Payments
Some people expecting a payment may face delays due to these avoidable issues:
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect bank account information on your return
- Failure to file your 2021 return by April 15, 2025
- Being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
If you think you’re eligible and still haven’t received a payment, double-check your tax filing history and contact the IRS if needed.
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Why Keeping Your IRS Information Updated Matters
Outdated or missing information is one of the biggest reasons eligible people don’t get their payments. Whether you’ve:
- Moved to a new address
- Changed your bank account
- Had a change in marital status or dependents
…it’s crucial to update the IRS as soon as possible. You can do this by filing your most recent tax return with the correct details or using the IRS online account tools to make updates.
Final Reminder: File by April 15, 2025, to Claim Your Money
If you think you’re eligible but haven’t filed your 2021 return yet, the window is closing fast. April 15, 2025, is your last chance to claim what could be a life-changing payment. Don’t leave free money on the table.