If you missed out on the third round of stimulus checks during the pandemic—or you’re not sure whether you ever received it—there’s still a window of opportunity to get that money. But the clock is ticking.
The IRS has announced that the final deadline to claim the $1,400 stimulus check from 2021 is April 15, 2025. That might sound far away, but it’s just around the corner in tax time—and if you don’t act before then, the money disappears for good.
What’s This $1,400 Payment, and Why Are We Still Talking About It?
Back in 2021, the government issued the third round of stimulus payments to help Americans recover from the financial blow of COVID-19. That money—$1,400 for most individuals—was part of the American Rescue Plan.
But not everyone got the payment automatically. Some people fell through the cracks. Maybe they didn’t file taxes that year because they didn’t earn much income, or they weren’t sure they qualified. Others filed but didn’t know they had to actively claim the payment on their return.
Now, the IRS is giving those people one final chance to claim what’s rightfully theirs.
Are You Still Eligible?
You might be. Here’s who the IRS says qualifies:
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Single filers who made less than $75,000 in 2021
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Married couples filing jointly who earned under $150,000
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Heads of household earning up to $112,500
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Anyone who had qualifying dependents in 2021 (including children or relatives)
If you made more than those amounts, the payment was reduced—and phased out completely at higher income levels. But a lot of people, especially lower-income households, are still eligible and haven’t claimed it yet.
Why Didn’t You Get It Already?
According to the IRS, over one million people never got their full payment—or anything at all.
Some reasons might include:
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You didn’t file a tax return in 2021, either because you didn’t need to or didn’t know you should
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You didn’t complete the section on your tax return that asked about stimulus payments
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Your records were missing or incomplete when the IRS processed your return
If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and the good news is, you can still fix it.
How to Claim Your $1,400 Before It’s Too Late
The only way to get the money now is to file a 2021 federal tax return and claim what’s called the Recovery Rebate Credit. Even if you weren’t required to file because of low income, you still need to submit a return to receive the check.
The deadline to do this is April 15, 2025. After that date, the money is gone forever. It’s not like other benefits where you can reapply later—the law gives you a three-year window, and that window is closing.
You can use the IRS’s Free File program if your income was below a certain level. If you need help, many local tax clinics and community centers can walk you through the process at no cost.
No Penalties, Just Money in Your Pocket
Here’s something important to know: there’s no penalty for filing a late return just to claim your refund or stimulus check. So don’t let the fear of “being in trouble” keep you from what’s yours. If the IRS owes you money, they want to give it to you—you just have to ask.
In fact, the IRS says there’s over $1 billion in unclaimed refunds from the 2021 tax year alone. The average refund? About $780, not including the $1,400 stimulus for those who missed out.
What to Do Next
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Gather any documents you have from 2021 (W-2s, income statements, or benefit letters)
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File a 2021 tax return—either online or through a preparer
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Make sure to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your return
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Do it before April 15, 2025
This is money you’re entitled to. If you or someone you know might be eligible, don’t let it slip away.
After everything people have been through these past few years, missing out on $1,400 that could help pay bills, buy groceries, or pad a savings account is something most can’t afford. Thankfully, it’s not too late—if you act now.
