Millions of Americans may still be eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, but time is running out. The IRS has set an April 15, 2025, deadline for taxpayers who have not yet claimed their Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) for the 2021 tax year. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you don’t miss out on your payment.
Billions in Unclaimed Stimulus Payments
The IRS announced that approximately 1.1 million Americans have yet to claim their stimulus checks, leaving an estimated $2.4 billion in unclaimed funds. These payments were issued as part of the third-round Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021.
In December 2024, the IRS began automatically sending payments to taxpayers who filed their 2021 returns but either left the RRC field blank or mistakenly entered $0. However, those who did not file at all in 2021 must submit their tax returns by April 15, 2025, to receive any missing stimulus money.
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Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
You may still be eligible for a payment if:
- You did not file a 2021 tax return but were eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- You filed a 2021 tax return but did not claim the RRC (left the field blank or entered $0).
- Your income was too low to require filing taxes, but you were still eligible.
- You experienced financial hardship during the pandemic and did not receive the full stimulus amount.
The IRS has urged Americans to review their tax records and ensure they have claimed their stimulus payment before it is forfeited to the U.S. Treasury.
How to Claim Your Missing Stimulus Check
If you believe you are owed a stimulus check, follow these steps:
- Check your 2021 tax return. Look for the Recovery Rebate Credit section. If you left it blank or entered $0, you may still be eligible.
- File a 2021 tax return if you haven’t already. The deadline is April 15, 2025. The easiest way to do this is through the IRS Free File program or a tax professional.
- Log into your IRS online account to verify past stimulus payments and calculate any missing amounts.
- Expect direct deposit or a mailed check. The IRS will use your most recent tax return information to process the payment.
More Than 1 Million Americans Have Unclaimed Refunds
Beyond stimulus payments, the IRS has also revealed that over 1 million Americans are owed tax refunds from 2021. The median refund amount is approximately $762 per taxpayer, with some individuals eligible for even larger amounts. However, like stimulus payments, these refunds must be claimed before April 15, 2025.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel emphasized the urgency:
“The window is closing for people who may have a tax refund waiting for them. We encourage people to review their records and file their 2021 tax return as soon as possible.”
IRS Staffing Challenges & Processing Delays
Despite efforts to distribute unclaimed stimulus funds, the IRS is facing operational setbacks. More than 6,000 positions were cut in early 2025, making it more difficult for taxpayers to get assistance. To avoid delays, the IRS recommends using online tools and resources before attempting to contact an IRS representative.
Final Reminder: Act Before April 15
If you suspect you’re missing a stimulus check or tax refund from 2021, the time to act is now. File your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025, to ensure you receive any unclaimed money. Visit the IRS website or consult a tax professional to avoid losing out on funds that could provide critical financial relief.
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