The IRS is reminding taxpayers that time is running out to claim the $1,400 stimulus check from the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). If you missed out on this payment during the 2021 distribution, you have until April 15, 2025, to file a 2021 tax return and claim what you’re owed.
The $1,400 stimulus payments were part of the American Rescue Plan Act, introduced to help Americans during the COVID-19 crisis. While most people received their checks automatically, some were left out due to changes in their financial or family situation, such as a drop in income or the addition of new dependents.
For those who didn’t get the full amount, the IRS allows eligible taxpayers to claim the missing funds through the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2021 tax return. This includes people who typically do not file taxes due to low or no income.
Why You Might Have Missed the $1,400 Payment
The IRS says many people were left out because they didn’t file a tax return for 2021 or reported incorrect amounts on their returns. Others may not have realized they were eligible, especially if they experienced a change in their income or household size.
The Automatic Fix for 1 Million Taxpayers
To address this, the IRS recently issued automatic payments to about 1 million taxpayers who either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or incorrectly claimed $0 on their 2021 tax return. Most of these payments were sent by January 2025.
However, if you haven’t received an automatic payment or haven’t filed a 2021 tax return, April 15, 2025, is your last chance to get your check.
How to Claim Your Stimulus Check
Check Your Eligibility:
To qualify for the $1,400 payment, you must meet income requirements and have been eligible for the third round of payments in 2021.
Review Your Payment History:
Log in to your IRS online account to see if you received the full payment in 2021. You can find this information under the “Economic Impact Payment” section on the Tax Records page.
File a 2021 Tax Return:
If you didn’t file a tax return or think you’re owed more, file a 2021 tax return and complete the section for the Recovery Rebate Credit to claim any missing funds.
Seek Help if Needed:
If you’re unsure how to proceed, contact the IRS or seek advice from a tax professional. There are also free online resources available to help you file your return.
Why the Deadline Matters
After April 15, 2025, the IRS will no longer accept claims for the 2021 stimulus payment. Don’t miss this opportunity—once the deadline passes, any unclaimed stimulus funds will be lost forever.
Key Takeaways:
The $1,400 stimulus payment was designed to help Americans during the COVID-19 crisis.
If you didn’t receive the full amount, you can still claim it by filing a 2021 tax return.
The final deadline to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025.
The IRS has already issued automatic payments to many taxpayers, but millions may still be eligible for additional funds.
With the clock ticking, now is the time to act. File your 2021 tax return and claim the money you’re owed before it’s too late.
