Inflation and the rising cost of living have made it harder for many Americans to stay financially stable. Fortunately, the IRS is issuing special payments of up to $1,400 to nearly one million taxpayers. These automatic payments come as part of the Recovery Rebate Credit, providing relief to those who didn’t receive their full Economic Impact Payments (EIP) in previous rounds. However, with the good news comes a warning—scammers are using this opportunity to trick people into revealing personal information.
Let’s break down what these IRS payments are, who qualifies, and how to protect yourself from scams.
Payments
The $1,400 payments are part of the Recovery Rebate Credit, which was introduced to ensure all eligible Americans received their full Covid-19 stimulus benefits. These payments apply to individuals who filed their 2021 tax returns but did not claim the credit for missed stimulus payments.
The IRS has already identified eligible taxpayers in its system and is automatically issuing these refunds. This means recipients do not need to file an amended return or take any action—the money is either being deposited directly into bank accounts or sent via paper checks.
Eligibility
Not everyone qualifies for these payments. The IRS is sending refunds only to those who:
- Did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return.
- Were eligible for the Covid-19 stimulus but did not receive the full amount.
- Filed a 2021 tax return, allowing the IRS to identify the missing credit.
If you meet these criteria, the IRS is likely already processing your payment.
Scams
With tax season in full swing, scammers are taking advantage of this refund by impersonating IRS agents. Reports indicate fraudsters are sending phishing text messages that claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus payment. The message asks for personal details, promising to send the money within days.
How to Spot a Scam
Here are a few red flags to watch for:
- Unsolicited messages from unknown numbers claiming to be the IRS.
- Requests for personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or passwords.
- Urgency and threats, pressuring you to act immediately or risk losing your payment.
What to Do if You Receive a Scam Message
- Do not respond to the message.
- Do not click on any links in the text.
- Report the scam to the IRS at [email protected].
- Verify your payment status on the official IRS website (IRS.gov).
Process
The IRS has made the process simple and automatic. If you’re eligible, here’s what to expect:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | IRS identifies eligible taxpayers. |
| 2 | Payment is issued automatically. |
| 3 | Funds are sent via direct deposit or check. |
Most payments have already been processed, and many recipients have received their money through direct deposit linked to their latest tax return.
If you haven’t received your payment but believe you qualify, check the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website to track your status.
The IRS’s $1,400 payments provide much-needed relief to those who missed out on previous stimulus checks. The best part? There’s no action required—if you qualify, the money is coming your way. Just be cautious of scammers trying to exploit this program. Always verify official IRS communications and avoid sharing personal information with unknown sources.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $1,400 IRS payment?
Taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 return.
Do I need to apply for the payment?
No, the IRS is issuing payments automatically to eligible individuals.
How will I receive my $1,400 payment?
Payments are sent via direct deposit or mailed as a paper check.
How can I check my payment status?
Use the IRS ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool on IRS.gov to track your payment.
How can I avoid IRS payment scams?
Ignore unsolicited messages, don’t share personal info, and report scams to the IRS.
