Many Americans are still waiting to get their $1,400 stimulus payment from the government. If you’re one of them, there’s still hope—but time is running out. The final date to file your 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025. If you miss this deadline, you might lose the money for good.
This payment is meant for people who didn’t receive the third round of stimulus checks sent out during the COVID-19 pandemic under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. If you didn’t get that payment back then, you may be eligible now—but you must file your 2021 tax return.
Who Can Still Get the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
Anyone who did not receive the third stimulus check during the pandemic may be able to claim it now. The IRS has reminded people to act fast if they want to receive the money. If you were eligible but didn’t file your 2021 return, or if you filed it incorrectly, you need to fix it before April 15, 2025.
Income Limits for Eligibility
If you earned the following in 2021, here’s how much you may get:
Single filers earning $75,000 or less can get the full $1,400
For incomes between $75,000 and $80,000, the amount reduces slowly
Above $80,000, you won’t qualify for this check
For married couples filing jointly, if your combined income was $150,000 or less, you can get the full $2,800. Again, the amount reduces as your income goes above that limit.
How to Claim Your Payment
To receive this stimulus check now, you must file a 2021 federal tax return. This is how you can claim what’s called the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you didn’t file in 2021 or made a mistake and didn’t check the right box, this is your last chance to fix it.
Here’s what to do:
File or amend your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025
Include your bank account details for direct deposit (if not already provided)
Check your status through the IRS website for any issues
If you don’t file by April 15, the money will legally go to the U.S. Treasury, and you won’t be able to claim it later. The IRS gives taxpayers up to three years to file and claim refunds, and this deadline is final.
How Will You Receive the Payment?
If your 2023 tax return has up-to-date bank info, the IRS will send the stimulus money directly to your bank. If not, they will mail you a paper check. So it’s important that your personal and financial details are updated with the IRS.
Don’t Miss This Final Opportunity
The IRS is making a big push to remind people to file their taxes if they missed out on the third stimulus check. For many families, this $1,400 (or $2,800 for couples) could provide important support. But missing the deadline means losing the money permanently.
If you think you might qualify, don’t delay. File your 2021 tax return or correct it as soon as possible.
Also see:- Social Security Payments in the US: How Much Will You Get in 2025?
