Can you picture a situation where money is up for grabs, yet nobody steps forward to claim it? Is it due to a lack of interest? Or perhaps they are unaware that they are able to collect it? If this topic piques your curiosity, continue reading because you might also be entitled to this stimulus payment. There are still individuals who haven’t claimed the stimulus check that the government approved back in 2021, and yes, some have yet to receive it! Naturally, patience can wear thin, and that limit has now been reached by the IRS, which has established a deadline for claiming these funds. So, if you forgot to claim it, this could mean losing that money permanently… Don’t you want that $1,400?
Which stimulus payment are we referring to?
Despite the fact that over three years have elapsed since this payment was announced, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has verified that thousands of people have yet to request it. This payment was aimed at alleviating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. It was as straightforward as submitting your taxes and requesting a refund, and even if you didn’t file taxes in 2021, you might still qualify for this payment, particularly because it was designed for low-income individuals and those with limited resources (to provide them with some additional financial support).
Why haven’t they claimed it?
The main reasons are that many people were unaware that this check could be claimed even without filing in 2021, while others simply didn’t know their eligibility. So, act quickly, because you have only a few days left before this check is forever lost in the IRS’s archives.
When is the deadline to file for it?
The final day of this year’s tax season is April 15, 2025. After this date, anyone who hasn’t made a claim will no longer have the opportunity to do so.
What happens if I miss the tax return deadline?
The answer is straightforward: the money is lost for good. Quite literally. There will be no recourse to claim it after the deadline. It doesn’t matter whether you qualify or not: if you don’t take the initiative, the check won’t arrive. Do you need more reasons to file?
Who is eligible to receive this payment?
Anyone who has not received it and did not file a return for that year can still claim it through a Recovery Rebate Credit.
How can I claim the payment?
It’s quite simple, and we’re frustrated that you haven’t done it yet, but we’ll guide you through the process step by step. Fortunately, this payment doesn’t require hiring an accountant or incur any fees. You simply need to file a tax return for the 2021 tax year. Even if your earnings that year were low, this process will enable the IRS to evaluate your situation and send you the appropriate payment.
This procedure is officially known as the “Recovery Rebate Credit,” as previously mentioned, and though it may sound complicated, it’s accessible even to those who have never filed a tax return before. You’re running low on reasons not to file… right?
What if I’m unsure about my eligibility?
There’s no secret formula, but if you didn’t receive the $1,400 in 2021 and didn’t file your return, it’s very likely that you are entitled to that amount. Checking your status is easy, and there’s nothing to lose.
Community organizations and social agencies are highlighting this issue, especially since those who often miss out on this assistance are the most vulnerable: elderly individuals, migrants, informal workers, and low-income families, who can least afford to forgo a $1,400 benefit.
So, make a note of it: April 15, 2025, is the last chance to file your return and claim this payment that is rightfully yours, and once that deadline passes, there will be no second chances.
The matter is clear: the money is there, waiting for you. But nobody is going to come to your door to hand it to you. You have to take the first step. And the sooner you act, the better.
