WASHINGTON – About 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. Funds will be deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible individuals or transferred by check.

The IRS said it is distributing about $2.4 billion to taxpayers who did not claim a refund credit on their 2021 tax returns. This credit was available to those who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or received less than the full amount. The IRS said it found that many eligible taxpayers did not claim the credit.

READ MORE: Refund Credit 2021: What it is and who qualifies

“The IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and help taxpayers,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in an online statement. “These payments are an example of our commitment to going the extra mile for taxpayers. When we looked at our internal data, we found that a million taxpayers had failed to claim this complex credit when they were actually eligible. To minimize hassle and make this money available to eligible taxpayers, we make these payments automatically, meaning these individuals do not have to go through the extensive process of filing an amended tax return to receive them.”

Who will receive the $1,400 stimulus check? | IRS 2021 Refund Credit

The 2021 Refund Credit payments will only go to qualified taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return but had the Refund Credit data field left blank or populated with $0 when the taxpayer was actually eligible for the credit.

How can I find out if I claimed the refund credit on my 2021 tax return? | IRS 2021 Refund Credit

To check if you claimed the refund credit on your 2021 tax return:

Check your tax return: Review your 2021 tax return and look for an item related to the Refund Credit. If you’ve claimed it, it should be listed there.

Use the IRS online account: Log in to your IRS online account. You can view your tax records, including any refund credits claimed.

Contact the IRS: If you’re still unsure, you can contact the IRS directly for help. They can help you verify that credit was claimed on your return.

READ MORE: Trump stimulus checks: Will they be issued and could you receive one?

How can you apply for a $1,400 stimulus check? | IRS 2021 Refund Credit

No action is required for eligible taxpayers to receive these payments, which will occur automatically in December and should arrive by the end of January 2025 in most cases. Payments are automatically direct deposited or sent by check; Eligible taxpayers will also receive a separate letter informing them of the payment.

Will you get the entire $1,400? | IRS 2021 Refund Credit

Payments vary depending on several factors, but the maximum payment is $1,400 per person. The estimated amount of outgoing payments will be approximately $2.4 billion.

Taxpayers who did not file a tax return for 2021 may be eligible for the credit if they file a tax return

The IRS reminds taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2021 tax return that they may be eligible for a refund if they file and claim the Refund Credit by April 15, 2025.

Eligible taxpayers who have not filed a tax return must file a tax return to claim a refund credit, even if their income from a job, business or other source was minimal or non-existent.

Further information on the 2021 Refund Credit from the IRS.

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