Only 30 days remain to secure your stimulus checks. Are you one of the eligible individuals?
Last 30 Days to Claim Your Eligible Stimulus Check
Eligible individuals have just 30 days left to claim their $1,400 stimulus check. While some Americans may still qualify for the stimulus payment before April 15, 2025, they must act quickly and ensure their 2021 tax return is filed within this timeframe. The IRS continues to encourage those eligible to submit their tax returns if they have not yet claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), a refundable credit for individuals who missed the last set of economic impact payments, commonly referred to as stimulus checks. This RRC allows those who did not receive the third round of payments during the pandemic to retroactively claim their funds.
Failing to file by the deadline could result in permanently losing a $1,400 stimulus check set aside for eligible individuals by the IRS. The deadline draws near.
Who Still Qualifies for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
If you did not submit a tax return for 2021, you might still be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and receive the full $1,400 stimulus payment (or more if you are claiming dependents). Eligibility for the stimulus check primarily depended on income, meaning even if you weren’t required to file taxes in 2021, you could still qualify if your income met the necessary criteria.
The IRS has noted that many low-income individuals, seniors, and some self-employed workers may not have filed a 2021 tax return simply because they weren’t required to, and thus they could still be owed funds. The stimulus payments were distributed based on income thresholds, allowing individuals earning up to $75,000 annually (or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly) to receive the full amount.
Should your income exceed these thresholds, you may have received a smaller payment, and individuals earning more than $80,000 (or $160,000 for married couples) were disqualified from receiving the check. Nevertheless, numerous individuals who didn’t get their initial payments may still be eligible, with the IRS encouraging them to file their 2021 tax return before the upcoming deadline.
Steps to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check
If you believe you qualify but have yet to submit your 2021 taxes, follow these steps to claim your check:
- File Your 2021 Tax Return – The Recovery Rebate Credit can be claimed on your 2021 federal tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR).
- Utilize the IRS Free File Program – If your income was $73,000 or less, you can file for free using the IRS Free File service.
- Check Your Payment Status – Use the IRS Get My Payment tool to verify if you received a stimulus check in 2021.
- File Before April 15, 2025 – Ensure your return is submitted before the deadline to qualify for the credit.
According to a recent news release from the agency, the IRS automatically disbursed $2.4 billion in January to individuals who had not claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit but had previously filed their 2021 tax returns. However, the IRS has stressed that there are no automatic payments for those who missed the 2021 stimulus check because they did not file a 2021 tax return. In simpler terms, to claim this payment, you must submit a tax return.
If you do not file in time, the IRS will not provide a check retroactively, and you’ll forfeit the opportunity to claim the $1,400 payment.
Act Quickly to Claim Your Stimulus Check
The IRS warns that last-minute filing by April 15 might lead to delays or processing issues. Taxpayers who procrastinate may encounter filing errors or processing delays that could jeopardize their ability to claim the stimulus check on time.
Filing early gives you ample time to resolve issues, such as confirming dependent information or correcting income discrepancies. Additionally, the IRS often faces a backlog of tax returns as the deadline approaches, which could delay payments for even those who file punctually. If you think you may qualify but are unsure how to proceed, reach out to the IRS or a tax professional without delay to ensure you don’t miss out on the $1,400 stimulus check.
If filing is necessary, consider submitting electronically and thoroughly verify all details on your return. Given the recent challenges and layoffs at the IRS, accurately filed electronic returns are the most efficient means of avoiding delays. The IRS claims that those filing electronically with direct deposit should anticipate receiving refunds in less than 21 days. However, any missing or incorrect information and discrepancies in personal details can lead to additional scrutiny—a situation that, combined with a reduced workforce, could significantly extend processing times.
Final Thoughts on Stimulus Checks: File Soon to Avoid Losing Your Rebate
With only 30 days left to claim the $1,400 stimulus check, time is running out for individuals who did not file a 2021 tax return. The IRS has made it clear that there will be no extensions or automatic payments for those who miss the April 15, 2025 deadline. If you believe you are eligible, act promptly—this is your final chance to claim the stimulus payment before it’s no longer available.
