Time is running out. If you didn’t claim your $1,400 stimulus payment from the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return, the IRS might still owe you money—but the deadline is April 15, 2025.
This isn’t a new stimulus package. It’s a final effort by the IRS to distribute unclaimed payments to roughly one million eligible taxpayers. The agency started issuing these checks in December 2024, and while many have already received theirs, others still have time to claim what’s rightfully theirs.
Who’s Getting These Payments?
You might be wondering—am I eligible? The answer comes down to your 2021 tax return and income level.
- Individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $75,000 or less in 2021 get the full $1,400. It phases out completely at $80,000.
- Married couples filing jointly qualify for up to $2,800 if their AGI was $150,000 or less, phasing out at $160,000.
- Dependents claimed on a 2021 return may also qualify for $1,400 each, subject to the same income limits.
The IRS found that many eligible taxpayers either didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 returns or mistakenly left it blank. If that happened, you may be getting a payment automatically.
How Are Payments Being Sent?
The IRS is distributing these funds in two ways:
- Direct deposit for those who provided bank account details on their most recent tax return.
- Paper checks sent to the mailing address on file if no bank information is available.
Everyone receiving a payment should also get an IRS notification letter confirming the details. This is your official proof that the money is yours.
Do You Need to Take Action?
If you already filed a 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the credit, the IRS is sending the payment automatically—no action needed.
But if you never filed a 2021 return, you must do so before April 15, 2025, to claim your payment. Here’s what to do:
- File a 2021 tax return and include the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Make sure your contact and banking details are up to date.
- Check your eligibility on the IRS website or log into your IRS account.
Why This Matters
This is one of the last pandemic-era relief payments still available. Once the deadline passes, unclaimed payments will be lost for good.
The IRS’s internal review found that nearly a million people had overlooked this credit, leading them to take the rare step of issuing automatic payments. They want to get this money into the hands of eligible taxpayers without forcing them to amend past returns.
Final Reminder: April 15, 2025
Don’t leave money on the table. If you think you qualify but haven’t received your payment, check your 2021 return and file if necessary. This is your last chance to claim your $1,400 before the deadline closes for good.
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