2021 Rtn: Questions resulted in some 1200$ tax break based on a stim payment I did not receive. Later IRS said I owed $1200. Used Std Ded. Why? Tks!

It sounds like you claimed the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return, and then when processed by the IRS they determined that you either a) You weren't eligible for the credit, or b) You had already received the credit.   It is impossible for me to determine what happened.  The best and easiest way to determine what happened, with certainty, is to call the IRS and ask them.  You should call the IRS:

 

Before you call, make sure you know or have the following information handy:

• Social Security cards and birth dates for those who were on the return you are calling about
• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter if you don’t have a Social Security number (SSN)
• Filing status – Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Joint or Married Filing Separate
• Your prior-year tax return. We may need to verify your identity before answering certain questions
• A copy of the tax return you’re calling about
• Any letters or notices we sent you

IRS phone numbers 

Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, unless otherwise noted. Residents of Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific time. Puerto Rico phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.

Individuals:

800-829-1040