Residents of Florida might be overlooking free money if they haven’t yet received their $1,400 stimulus checks from the federal government; however, there’s still time for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
The Internal Revenue Service began distributing approximately $2.4 billion to 1 million taxpayers in December 2024 for Recovery Rebate Credit checks that remain unclaimed. Nonetheless, they estimate that an additional 1 million taxpayers are still missing out on $1 billion in stimulus simply because they have not filed their 2021 income taxes.
April 15, 2025, is Tax Day for the 2024 tax returns, but it also marks the three-year deadline to claim any tax refunds, including the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021.
Here’s what you need to know about the stimulus and your eligibility.
U.S. taxpayers who did not file or claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return are eligible to apply for it.
This refundable credit was designed for taxpayers who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (or stimulus checks) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The amount of the stimulus payment depends on your adjusted gross income. To qualify for the full $1,400, annual income must not exceed $75,000 for single filers or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
If you’ve already filed your previous tax returns, all you need to do is wait for the IRS to send a check or use direct deposit to the last bank account listed on your 2023 tax return.
The IRS will inform you through a separate mailed letter.
You have until April 15, 2025, to submit back-year returns.
According to the IRS, you may still qualify for the check, but only those who have filed their taxes will receive one.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: $1,400 stimulus check: Who is eligible, how to claim before Tax Day
