The news for American taxpayers, this year, is very good: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officially announced the disbursement of stimulus checks of $1,400 per person in 2025, corresponding to unclaimed recovery credits from 2021. More than one million taxpayers will receive these automatic payments, which will total $2.4 billion. The measure seeks to correct errors in previous tax returns and alleviate outstanding financial burdens.
The funds are part of a program that has been dubbed the “Refund Recovery Credit,” established in 2021 through the American Rescue Plan Act. Originally, this benefit sought to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but recent audits identified that 1 million returns failed to claim it. Errors such as entering “$0” or leaving empty fields motivated the automation of the process.
Are they new stimulus checks? yes and no
In reality, there are no “new” stimulus checks being created in the United States, but at the same time, we are in the presence of billions of dollars that represent a new injection into the nation’s economy. “These funds were already allocated, but were not distributed correctly due to administrative failures,” explained a spokesperson with whom we spoke.
The institution estimates that 95% of the beneficiaries will receive the money before June 2025, prioritizing bank accounts registered in previous statements. To access stimulus checks of up to $1,400, applicant taxpayers must meet the following requirements:
Maximum income to receive automatic payment:
- $75,000 for individual taxpayers
- $150,000 for couples
Additional amount per eligible dependent:
- $1,400 for each dependent, including children
- Example: a family of four could receive up to $5,600
Exclusion for income greater than:
- $80,000 for individuals
- $160,000 for couples
Process and deadlines:
- IRS will use 2021 tax returns to determine eligibility
- Those who did not file taxes in 2021 must do so before April 15, 2025 to claim the credit
- Payments will be sent via direct deposit the physical check, according to the information recorded
- A will be sent notification letter to confirm processing
Should I do any additional procedures to claim the stimulus check?
In most cases, there is no need to take any additional actions or actions that you are not aware of. The IRS will send the funds without requiring extra paperwork. However, it is recommended to verify the postal address and bank details in the agency’s system. Those who changed their address or account must update their information using form 8822 or contact the Taxpayer Service Center.
For cases in which payments have not been received, the agency suggests waiting at least six weeks after notification before reporting incidents. Subsequent claims will require filing Form 3911, available on the IRS website. Experts warn about scams: “The IRS never requests personal information by email or social media website,” emphasized a tax analyst.
“DOGE dividends” rumors: are stimulus checks confirmed?
In recent weeks, information has circulated about possible stimulus checks tied to Dogecoin (DOGE), supposedly funded with federal savings. These rumors arose following statements from figures such as Elon Musk and former officials, but the IRS has clarified that “there is no official cryptocurrency-related program for these payments.”
Some initial proposals suggested the possibility of returning up to $5,000 per family using funds from budget cuts. However, analysts consider these initiatives “unlikely.”
National news outlets reported that, if materialized, the amounts would range between $1,200 and $2,500, but only for active taxpayers. However, legislative experts have ruled out its viability. “We prioritize balancing the budget over making new disbursements,” said a congressional aide.
Economists predict that the $2.4 billion injected will reactivate sectors such as retail and services. A JP Morgan study estimates that 68% of beneficiaries will allocate the funds to debts, while 22% will use them for essential expenses. Although less than the impact of 2021, this measure could increase domestic consumption by 0.3% this year.
