Over a million eligible Americans have the opportunity to claim their outstanding payments before the April 15, 2025, deadline for the IRS’s $1,400 stimulus check approaches. This payment, tied to the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), is part of the American Rescue Plan Act, designed to provide financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you didn’t receive the full $1,400 stimulus check or did not file a 2021 tax return, you may still be eligible. However, time is running out. Below, we detail who qualifies, how to file a claim, and the consequences of missing the deadline.
Importance of the Deadline
The IRS distributed the third wave of COVID-19 economic impact payments in 2021, which includes the $1,400 stimulus. While most Americans received their checks automatically, millions of eligible individuals missed out due to:
* Filing mistakes
* Lack of awareness about the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit
* Being exempt from filing taxes due to low income
The IRS currently advises those who qualify but have not received their payment to file a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025.
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Eligibility
You may qualify for a $1,400 stimulus payment from the IRS if:
* Your Social Security number was active in 2021.
* You were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
* You did not receive the full $1,400 payment in 2021.
* You opted not to file a 2021 tax return even though you were eligible.
This credit is especially vital for low-income individuals and retirees reliant on Social Security, as the IRS has confirmed that even those with minimal or no income in 2021 can claim it.
The Process to Claim the IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check Before April 15
* If you didn’t file a 2021 tax return or received less than the full $1,400, you can qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC).
* You need to submit a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, in order to be eligible for the IRS $1,400 stimulus payment. Filing a return is necessary even if you typically do not file taxes.
* You can file your return by mail or online.
* Eligible taxpayers can file for free through the IRS Free File program.
* IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are available for those needing help with tax filing.
* Once your 2021 tax return is processed, the IRS will send your missed stimulus payment via mail or direct deposit.
Reasons Some Americans Did Not Receive the $1,400 Stimulus Check
The IRS states that many eligible Americans missed the $1,400 stimulus check due to misconceptions about filing requirements.
Common reasons include:
* Not filing 2021 tax returns due to low income or reliance on Social Security benefits.
* Errors in filing that led to a blank Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) field
* Believing they were not eligible since they had previously received stimulus funds
The IRS has identified approximately one million taxpayers who may still qualify and is reaching out to notify them about their unpaid amounts to ensure they do not miss out.
Important Information
Following a review of 2021 tax forms, the IRS found that around 1 million taxpayers were eligible for the stimulus payment since the RRC field was either left blank or incorrectly marked as $0.
These taxpayers are currently receiving automatic payments via mail or direct deposit, with amounts up to $1,400 varying based on individual circumstances.
The IRS mentioned that a supplemental letter detailing the payment will also be sent to affected taxpayers. Nonetheless, those who never filed a 2021 return may forfeit the $1,400 payment and must file by April 15 to receive the credit. The IRS website offers free filing options for some taxpayers.
This is particularly crucial for low-income individuals or those not typically filing tax returns since the IRS has emphasized that people can claim the credit even with little or no income in 2021.
To qualify, taxpayers must not have been claimed as dependents on another’s return and must possess a valid Social Security number.
Taxpayers who file a 2021 return may also qualify for additional pandemic-related benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, leading to a significantly larger refund when claiming all credits simultaneously.
Also read: IRS tax refund April 2025: Who will receive deposits this month? Schedule here
Moreover, the IRS is providing support through Taxpayer Assistance Centers, especially for those requiring help with their 2021 returns or checking their eligibility. Users can schedule appointments and find locations via the IRS’s contact website.
