With the tax deadline of April 15, 2025, approaching, many Americans who haven’t filed their 2021 tax return may still have a chance to claim a $1,400 stimulus check. This payment is available through the Recovery Rebate Credit, part of the federal government’s COVID-19 relief initiatives. If you did not file taxes in 2021 or neglected to claim the payment, the IRS is providing a final opportunity for eligible individuals to obtain the funds, as reported by USA Today.
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Who qualifies?
The IRS has clarified that taxpayers who did not receive their complete stimulus payments in 2021 might still be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. To qualify, individuals must be U.S. citizens or resident aliens, and their 2021 tax return needs to be filed by the deadline. Even if you neglected to claim the credit when filing, you can still amend your return or submit a new one for the $1,400 payment.
The stimulus check is available for individuals who:
* Did not get the full $1,400 stimulus check in 2021 (due to errors or incomplete filings).
* Were eligible for the Economic Impact Payment but did not claim it for any reason.
* Experienced a significant life event in 2021 that would have increased their eligibility for the payment (for example, having a baby or a dependent).
Steps to claim the stimulus check
To obtain the $1,400 payment, individuals must file a 2021 tax return by the April 15, 2025, deadline. Taxpayers who failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit in their earlier returns can still submit an amended return to include it. Ensure the correct amount of the Recovery Rebate Credit is claimed to qualify for the full $1,400.
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Individuals who have already filed their 2021 returns without claiming the credit will automatically receive their stimulus payment with no further action required. However, those who haven’t filed should do so before the deadline to qualify for the rebate. If you’re uncertain whether you missed the Recovery Rebate Credit, check your 2021 tax filing or consult a tax professional for assistance.
Amount of the stimulus payment
Eligible individuals who file by the deadline could receive up to $1,400 per person, which includes amounts for dependents. This means families could potentially get more if they qualify for multiple payments based on household size. However, income limits apply. The full $1,400 is available for individuals with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) of up to $75,000, or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. Payments are gradually reduced for higher incomes, and individuals earning more than $80,000 ($160,000 for couples) are not eligible.
What happens if you miss the April 15 deadline?
The IRS has stated that this is the final chance to claim the 2021 stimulus payment. After April 15, 2025, taxpayers who have not filed or claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit will lose eligibility for the $1,400 check. It is crucial for those who missed the filing period to act now to take advantage of this last opportunity.
Taxpayers who are unsure about their eligibility for the Recovery Rebate Credit or need assistance with their returns can visit the IRS website for guidance. The IRS also offers free filing options for individuals with income below certain thresholds. For those who prefer paper filing, the IRS recommends electronic filing to speed up processing times, particularly since processing paper returns can take much longer.
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If you didn’t file your 2021 taxes or forgot to claim the $1,400 stimulus payment, time is limited to make use of this final opportunity. Submitting your 2021 tax return before the April 15, 2025, deadline could secure the financial assistance you deserve. Don’t miss this chance to claim your $1,400 IRS stimulus check. Act now to ensure you receive the payment before the deadline passes.
