More than 1 million Americans could lose out on a $1,400 stimulus check unless they file a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, according to a warning from the Internal Revenue Service. This unclaimed payment is tied to the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, which was part of the third round of COVID-19 economic impact payments authorized under the American Rescue Plan.
Why These Stimulus Checks Are Still Available
While most eligible Americans received the $1,400 stimulus automatically in 2021, many were left out due to filing mistakes or confusion about eligibility. Some low-income individuals and retirees may not have filed a tax return that year, assuming they didn’t qualify.
The IRS says it identified over 1 million taxpayers who either:
- Left the RRC field blank or filled it in incorrectly
- Never filed a 2021 return at all
In total, an estimated $2.4 billion is still on the table.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus?
You may still qualify if you meet these requirements:
- You had a valid Social Security number in 2021
- You were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
- You didn’t receive the full $1,400 stimulus in 2021
- You did not file a 2021 tax return
Even those with little or no income in 2021 can still file and claim the credit. This includes people who rely on Social Security, SSI, or veterans’ benefits.
How to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check
To get your money, you must:
- File a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) if you didn’t already receive the full amount
- Ensure you are not listed as a dependent and have a valid Social Security number
The IRS offers free filing options for eligible taxpayers through its Free File program. You can file online or by mail.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the IRS is providing support through its nationwide Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
Why Didn’t Some People Get the Check?
The IRS says many taxpayers missed the payment for simple reasons:
- They didn’t file a return because they earned too little
- They made errors on the 2021 form, leaving the RRC section blank
- They assumed they already received all eligible payments
To resolve this, the IRS is now issuing automatic payments to those who underclaimed the credit but filed a return. If you’re one of these taxpayers, you’ll get a letter explaining the payment. But if you never filed, you must act before April 15.
Additional Benefits You Could Receive
Filing a 2021 return now might also make you eligible for:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- The Child Tax Credit (CTC)
These credits could boost your refund well beyond the $1,400 stimulus amount.
Expert Insights on the $1,400 Stimulus Push
Lisa Perkins, director of the UConn Law Tax Clinic, said, “An extra $1,400 can make an enormous difference, especially for families already dealing with food insecurity and rising prices.”
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, added, “For most, this money has already been spent or will go toward paying down debt. The personal financial impact is real, even if it doesn’t move the economy as a whole.”
Final Reminder
The deadline to file a 2021 return and claim your $1,400 stimulus check is April 15, 2025. After that date, the opportunity disappears for good.
If you think you may be eligible, visit IRS.gov today to get started.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.