Many Americans may still qualify for a $1,400 stimulus check, but the deadline is approaching fast. The IRS has established April 15, 2025, as the cutoff date for individuals who have yet to claim their Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) for the 2021 tax year. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you don’t lose out on your payment.
Billions in Unclaimed Stimulus Payments
The IRS reported that around 1.1 million Americans have not yet claimed their stimulus payments, resulting in an estimated $2.4 billion in unclaimed funds. These payments were a part of the third-round Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) sanctioned under the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021.
In December 2024, the IRS commenced the automatic distribution of payments to taxpayers who filed their 2021 returns but either did not fill out the RRC field or mistakenly entered $0. Nevertheless, individuals who failed to file a return in 2021 must submit their tax returns by April 15, 2025, to obtain any owed stimulus money.
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Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
You might still qualify for a payment if:
- You did not file a 2021 tax return but were eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- You filed a 2021 tax return but neglected to claim the RRC (left the field empty or put $0).
- Your income was too low to need filing taxes, yet you were still eligible.
- You faced financial difficulties during the pandemic and did not receive the full stimulus amount.
The IRS is urging Americans to examine their tax records and confirm that they have claimed their stimulus payment before it is forfeited to the U.S. Treasury.
How to Claim Your Missing Stimulus Check
- Review your 2021 tax return. Locate the Recovery Rebate Credit section. If you left it empty or entered $0, you may still be entitled.
- File a 2021 tax return if you haven’t already. The deadline is April 15, 2025. The simplest way to do this is through the IRS Free File program or by consulting a tax professional.
- Access your IRS online account to check past stimulus payments and calculate any outstanding amounts.
- Look for direct deposit or a mailed check. The IRS will use your most recent tax return information to process the payment.
More Than 1 Million Americans Have Unclaimed Refunds
In addition to stimulus payments, the IRS has reported that over 1 million Americans are owed tax refunds from 2021. The median refund amount is around $762 per taxpayer, with eligible individuals receiving even larger refunds. Like the stimulus payments, these refunds must be claimed before April 15, 2025.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stressed the urgency:
“The window is closing for people who may have a tax refund waiting for them. We encourage people to review their records and file their 2021 tax return as soon as possible.”
IRS Staffing Challenges & Processing Delays
While efforts are underway to distribute unclaimed stimulus funds, the IRS is dealing with operational challenges. Over 6,000 positions were eliminated in early 2025, complicating the process for taxpayers seeking assistance. To prevent delays, the IRS recommends utilizing online tools and resources prior to reaching out to an IRS representative.
Final Reminder: Act Before April 15
If you suspect you’re missing a stimulus check or tax refund from 2021, the time to act is now. File your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to ensure you receive any unclaimed funds. Visit the IRS website or consult a tax professional to avoid missing out on money that could offer essential financial help.
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