If you missed out on your $1,400 stimulus check from 2021, you still have time to claim it! The deadline to file and receive the payment is April 15, 2025. Eligible taxpayers can receive the money through direct deposit or a paper check sent to the address listed on their tax return.
Many people who were eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit didn’t claim it, and the IRS is giving them one last chance to get their money. Whether you forgot to file a return or overlooked the credit, there’s still time to act. Here’s everything you need to know to claim your stimulus payment before it’s too late.
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
To qualify for the $1,400 payment, you need to meet the following income requirements:
- Single Filers: Earned less than $75,000 in adjusted gross income.
- Married Couples Filing Jointly: Combined income of less than $150,000.
- Dependents: Eligible dependents could receive $1,400 each, regardless of their age.
If your income was higher, your payment amount may have been reduced or phased out entirely.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable tax credit for individuals who didn’t receive one or more of the COVID-19 stimulus payments. Many taxpayers either missed claiming the credit on their 2021 tax return or filed incorrectly, leaving them without the payment they deserved.
In December 2024, the IRS identified many of these cases and automatically issued payments. However, if you still haven’t filed your 2021 tax return or claimed the credit, you need to act before April 15, 2025.
How to Check If You Claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit
If you’re not sure whether you claimed the credit, follow these steps:
- Review Your 2021 Tax Return: Look for the line item that mentions the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Check IRS Online Account: Log in to your IRS Online Account to view your tax records and check for any payments.
- Contact the IRS: If you’re still unsure, call the IRS for assistance to confirm whether you claimed the credit.
What If You Didn’t File a 2021 Tax Return?
Even if you didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you may still qualify for the payment. The IRS allows taxpayers to back-file a return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, even if they had little or no income that year. If you haven’t filed yet, submit your return before April 15, 2025, to secure your stimulus payment.
Why the Deadline Matters
The IRS typically gives taxpayers three years to file a refund or claim a credit. Since the 2021 tax return deadline was in April 2022, the final date to claim the stimulus payment is April 15, 2025. After this date, the funds will no longer be available, and you won’t be able to claim your payment.
If you’re one of the 1.1 million Americans who haven’t claimed their $1,400 stimulus check, don’t wait! April 15, 2025, is your last chance to file and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Check your 2021 tax return, log into your IRS account, or contact the IRS to confirm your eligibility. Don’t miss out on money that could be rightfully yours!
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