Millions of Americans can still be eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, but time is limited. IRS 2021 American Rescue Plan stimulus checks are going unclaimed by more than one million taxpayers. The deadline to receive this economic relief is April 15, 2025. If you lost the third payment, you should take action immediately to get your fair refund.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
IRS stimulus checks qualification is determined by income and tax filing status. To be eligible, you must have the following conditions:
- Single Filers: If your 2021 adjusted gross income (AGI) was $75,000 or less, you are eligible for the maximum of $1,400. The amount phases out entirely at $80,000.
- Married Filers Filing Jointly: If your joint AGI was $150,000 or less, you’re eligible for $2,800. The credit is phased out at $160,000.
- Dependents: Every dependent, whether age-related or not, gets an extra $1,400.
These payments were first made in 2021, but a lot of people never received them. If you didn’t receive yours, you can still qualify through the Recovery Rebate Credit—but only if you file your 2021 tax return by the April 15, 2025 deadline.
How to Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
To receive the IRS stimulus checks, you have to file a 2021 federal tax return. The IRS has determined more than 1.1 million taxpayers who have not yet filed their return, with over $1 billion in outstanding refunds.
Here is how you can obtain your payment:
- File Form 1040 – File a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025.
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit – If you qualified but did not receive the payment, this tax credit will get you the full amount.
- Check Your IRS Records – Go to IRS.gov to check your stimulus payment history and see if you qualify.
It’s easy, but missing the deadline means losing your $1,400 refund forever.
No Extensions: What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
The IRS is making it unequivocal—no extensions past April 15, 2025. While most tax refunds normally have a three-year window in which to make a claim, stimulus payments should be claimed in advance. In the event of not filing a 2021 tax return, IRS stimulus checks are sent to the U.S. Treasury, and you lose eligibility for receiving the payment.
Automatic Payments for Certain Taxpayers
For those who have already filed their 2021 tax returns but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, the IRS is making automatic payments. If you were eligible and didn’t get the credit, nothing needs to be done—the IRS will automatically process your payment using current tax records. But for those who never filed a return, action is needed now to get their refund.
How Much Money Is Still Unclaimed?
The IRS estimates that more than $1 billion worth of refunds remain unclaimed. The average refund amount for non-filers is roughly $781, not including the $1,400 stimulus. That’s thousands that some might be eligible for if they file by April 15, 2025.
Where to Check Your Eligibility
To see if you are eligible for the IRS stimulus payments, go to IRS.gov. The site has step-by-step guidance, required tax forms, and eligibility checks. If you are not sure if you got the third stimulus payment, you can check your IRS account online.
Don’t Miss Out on Your $1,400 Refund
Your IRS stimulus checks’ deadline is soon. With more than one million Americans still in the running, it’s time to take action. If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, do it before April 15, 2025, to claim your financial assistance. Don’t miss the deadline and lose your $1,400 refund for good. File today and claim what belongs to you!
