A $1,200 refund has been approved for workers who earned income in 2024, delivering targeted financial support. If you had jobs, freelanced, or gigged last year, you might qualify—here’s how to check, claim, and receive it.
Who Qualifies for the $1,200 Refund?
To be eligible, you must have earned some income in 2024, filed a federal tax return or IRS non-filer form by June 30, 2025, and have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $60,000 or less (single), $90,000 or less (head of household), or $120,000 or less (married filing jointly). Full-time, part-time, gig, and freelance workers all qualify, as long as their income falls within the threshold and they filed on time.
How and When Payments Will Be Issued
Refunds will be deposited or mailed based on IRS records. Here’s the schedule:
| Milestone | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Tax Return or Non‑Filer Submission Deadline | June 30, 2025 |
| Direct Deposit Info Update Deadline | July 7, 2025 |
| Online Payment Tracker Activates | July 10, 2025 |
| Early Deposit Wave | July 12–16, 2025 |
| Mid‑Cycle Deposits | July 17–22, 2025 |
| Final Deposit Wave | July 23–28, 2025 |
| Mailed Checks Sent if No Bank Info | July 29–August 10, 2025 |
Starting July 10, use the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool to follow your refund’s progress. Direct deposit goes out first, and checks follow if no valid bank info was provided.
What You Should Do Now
If you haven’t yet filed, submit your 2024 tax return or non‑filer form by June 30. Confirm your current direct deposit info in the IRS portal before July 7. After July 10, regularly check the portal; if you encounter errors or see messages like “Bank Info Needed” or “Verification Required,” address them immediately—responding promptly can help your money arrive with the current payment waves.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive the Refund
If you haven’t received your refund by August 10, revisit the payment portal. Look for messages such as “Rejected” or “Delayed.” Updates are often due to banking issues or identity verification. Resolve the problem via portal prompts, and your refund typically arrives within 7–10 days. If it’s still missing after August 15, call the IRS Economic Impact Payment hotline at 1‑800‑919‑9835, with your Social Security number, AGI, filing status, and any portal notifications.
The $1,200 worker refund is a valuable opportunity for those who earned income in 2024. To secure it, file your return or non‑filer form by June 30, update your direct deposit information by July 7, and monitor the IRS portal from July 10. If you encounter issues, address them swiftly or contact the IRS to ensure your refund is processed without delay.
FAQ’s:
1. Can gig or freelance income count?
Yes—all legal work, including freelance and gig income, qualifies as long as it’s reported on your 2024 return.
2. Is the $1,200 payment taxable?
No—it is a non-taxable federal refund, not considered taxable income.
3. What if I missed the filing deadline?
Late filers may still get a partial payment, but processing won’t begin until August or September.
4. Can I update my deposit info after July 7?
You can update it anytime, but payments after that may be mailed as checks instead of deposited.
5. Who can I call if the portal shows issues?
If errors persist after August 15, call the IRS EIP hotline at 1‑800‑919‑9835 with your filing details and portal alerts.
