Mar 23, 2025 04:18 PM IST
The IRS Offers Thousands of Americans an Opportunity to Claim Up to $1,400 in Stimulus Funds by April 15
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided an opportunity for thousands of Americans to claim up to $1,400 in stimulus funds by April 15. To receive any outstanding amounts from the third round of stimulus checks, taxpayers must file their 2021 tax return. If they do not, the unclaimed funds will be transferred to the U.S. Treasury and will be permanently forfeited.
The IRS allows Americans three years to claim a tax refund, which includes refundable credits and stimulus payments associated with the 2021 return. As the third round of stimulus checks is connected to 2021 taxes, the last day to claim the funds—or any other refund for that year—is April 15, 2025. More than a million Americans could still receive these funds if they complete the necessary paperwork before the deadline.
Read More: Social Security benefits set to increase starting March 2025: Who qualifies?
Who qualifies for the $1,400 IRS refund?
To claim your 2021 tax refund by the April 15, 2025 deadline, you must have an unfiled 2021 return, an income of less than $150,000 (joint) for the $1,400 stimulus (Recovery Rebate Credit), or be eligible for credits such as the EITC or CTC. You must be a U.S. citizen or resident with an SSN/ITIN, have no prior claims, and file Form 1040 on time.
What happens if the deadline is missed?
Your check will be forfeited entirely. If the 2021 tax return is not submitted by the cutoff, the $1,400 or any other 2021 refund will be classified as ‘unclaimed’ funds and sent to the Treasury.
Read More: Social Security April 2025: Reasons you may not receive a check this month | Explained
Can you apply for the funds after April 15?
No. The IRS will not grant any routine extensions or grace periods. However, there are a few limited exceptions for military personnel deployed in combat zones and individuals facing IRS processing errors or disputes. A last-minute legislative update could potentially extend the application window.
