The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has noted that more than 1 million eligible Americans have still not claimed their $1,400 stimulus check. With the deadline fast approaching, individuals must act quickly and submit their 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to be eligible.
This disbursement forms part of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), included in the third round of COVID-19 economic impact payments under the American Rescue Plan. In 2021, many Americans received their checks automatically; however, some missed out due to errors in filing returns, not filing a tax return at all, or misunderstandings about eligibility.
Factors Leading to Some Americans Not Receiving the $1,400 Stimulus Check
The IRS indicates that several reasons contribute to Americans not claiming their $1,400 Stimulus check, including:
- Errors in submitting their 2021 tax returns.
- Uncertainty about their eligibility due to low income and reliance on Social Security benefits.
- Believing that payments had already been received.
- Not filing a 2021 tax return.
To assist Americans in receiving their stimulus checks, the IRS has implemented an automatic process for sending payments via direct deposit or mail. Individuals only need to ensure their 2021 tax return is filed and verify they have not yet received the payment.
Criteria for Claiming the $1,400 Stimulus Check
You are eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus check if you meet the following conditions:
- You are a legal resident of the United States with a valid Social Security number in 2021.
- You were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You have not received the stimulus payment in 2021.
- You did not file a tax return for 2021, or if you did, your payments were issued automatically.
Individuals with minimal or no income in 2021 are encouraged to claim the stimulus check, as it could be vital for low-income earners and retirees who depend heavily on SSI, Social Security, or VA benefits.
Steps to Claim Your Stimulus Check Before the April 15, 2025, Deadline
If you have not yet received your $1,400 stimulus check, be sure to complete the following steps before April 15, 2025:
- File a 2021 tax return, even if you typically do not file taxes.
- Utilize the IRS Free File program to submit your return.
- File your tax return either online or by mail.
- Seek assistance from the IRS if you’re unsure how to file your 2021 tax return.
The Importance of Claiming Your $1,400 Stimulus Check
For many Americans, this stimulus check represents more than just extra cash; it can have a substantial impact on their financial situation. Lisa Perkins, the director of the UConn Law Tax Clinic, highlighted, “An extra $1,400 can significantly influence families already grappling with food insecurity and escalating costs.”
The CEO of 9i Capital Group also remarked, “For many, this money has already been allocated or will serve to reduce debt.” The personal financial impact is tangible, even if it doesn’t necessarily stimulate the economy on a broader scale.
Additional Benefits Available Besides the Stimulus Check
By filing your 2021 tax return, a prerequisite for claiming the $1,400 stimulus check, you will also become eligible for other benefits introduced during the pandemic, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for families with children and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for low-income workers.
Final Thoughts
The IRS has confirmed that the deadline to claim your $1,400 Stimulus check is April 15, 2025. Be sure to fulfill all eligibility requirements and, most importantly, file your 2021 tax return before the deadline. You can do so by visiting IRS.gov or sending a return by mail. Low-income individuals or those with no income at all are strongly encouraged to apply for the stimulus check, as they qualify as well.
