Over a Million Americans Could Still Claim Up to $1,400 in Pandemic Stimulus Funds — Here’s How

IRS Sending $1,400 Stimulus Checks in 2025

But there’s a deadline. Taxpayers have until April 15, 2025 to file a 2021 tax return and claim the credit. After that, any unclaimed money disappears.

What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?

The Recovery Rebate Credit was part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which authorized the third and final round of stimulus payments in 2021. Most Americans received these payments automatically. However, those who didn’t file taxes in 2021 — or had life changes like income drops or new dependents — may still be eligible.

The credit is designed to reconcile missed or partial stimulus payments. Eligible taxpayers who never received the third stimulus check — or who received less than they were entitled to — can still get the full amount by claiming this credit on a late 2021 tax return.

Who qualifies?

The amount you’re eligible for depends on your 2021 adjusted gross income (AGI) and filing status:

Single filers: Full $1,400 credit if AGI was $75,000 or less, phases out entirely at $80,000.

Married couples filing jointly: Full $2,800 credit if AGI was $150,000 or less, phases out at $160,000.

Head of household: Full $1,400 credit if AGI was $112,500 or less, phases out at $120,000.

Each qualifying dependent (regardless of age) adds another $1,400, subject to the same income thresholds.

Common scenarios where people missed out

Non-filers: People who earned below the standard deduction and weren’t required to file.

Gig workers and freelancers: Those with fluctuating income who may not have realized they qualified.

Retirees or Social Security recipients: Some thought they didn’t need to file a return because they had no taxable income.

New parents in 2021: If you had a child in 2021, you may be eligible for an additional $1,400 per child, but only if you file for the credit.

How to claim your credit

The IRS has laid out a clear path for claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Gather your information

Locate your 2021 income details, including W-2s, 1099s, or other records.

Check IRS Notice 1444-C or your IRS online account (https://www.irs.gov/account) to confirm whether you received the third stimulus.

Step 2: Download the 2021 Form 1040

Go to the official IRS site: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year to download Form 1040 and instructions for the 2021 tax year.

Step 3: Complete the form

Fill out the 2021 Form 1040, following instructions to report your income and dependents.

On Line 30, enter the Recovery Rebate Credit amount you believe you are owed (the IRS provides a worksheet in the instructions to help calculate this).

Step 4: Submit your return

Paper filing only — e-filing is not available for 2021 returns.

Mail your return to the IRS. The correct mailing address depends on your state and whether you’re enclosing a payment; check page 3 of the Form 1040 instructions.

Step 5: Track your refund

Once filed, track the status at https://www.irs.gov/refunds.

Important reminders

Use the IRS online account tool to check your payment history and verify if you already received the third stimulus payment.

If you did receive the full amount in 2021, you are not eligible for additional funds.

Processing times for paper returns can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Filing early minimizes delays.

Filing for the Recovery Rebate Credit does not affect your eligibility for other benefits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Watch out for scams

The IRS has warned about increased scams targeting people eligible for credits. The IRS will never call, text, or email you demanding personal information to issue a rebate. Stick to filing directly through the IRS website and only use IRS-endorsed forms.

What happens after April 15, 2025?

If you miss the April 15, 2025 deadline, the credit — and any potential refund from your 2021 return — will no longer be available. The money will revert to the U.S. Treasury.

This deadline also applies to any unclaimed tax refunds from 2021, which, according to the IRS, total over $1 billion nationwide.

What if you didn’t have income in 2021?

Even if you didn’t earn income in 2021, you may still be eligible. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit, meaning it’s available even to those with no tax liability. As long as you meet the AGI requirements and file a return, you can still receive the money.

Bottom line

The clock is ticking on one of the last remaining COVID-era financial supports. If you or someone you know didn’t file taxes in 2021, it’s worth reviewing eligibility for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Filing a late return could secure thousands in unclaimed stimulus funds.

For official IRS guidance and forms, visit:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/recovery-rebate-credit

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/prior-year

Don’t wait until 2025 to take action — get your paperwork in order now.

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