The clock is ticking for more than 1 million Americans who are still eligible to claim a $1,400 stimulus check from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The IRS has set April 15, 2025 as the final deadline to file a 2021 tax return and receive the Recovery Rebate Credit — or forfeit the money permanently.
If you think you missed out on the final round of pandemic relief payments, here’s what you need to know to get your money before it’s gone for good.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The Recovery Rebate Credit was part of the third and final round of federal stimulus checks issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provided up to:
- $1,400 per eligible individual
- $2,800 for married couples
- $1,400 per dependent, regardless of age
If you didn’t receive your check in 2021 or didn’t claim the credit on your tax return, you may still be eligible to file and claim the refund.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
Eligibility depends on your 2021 adjusted gross income (AGI) and filing status:
| Filing Status | Full Stimulus Eligibility | Phase-Out Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to $75,000 | $75,001 – $80,000 |
| Married (Joint) | Up to $150,000 | $150,001 – $160,000 |
| Head of Household | Up to $112,500 | $112,501 – $120,000 |
Dependents also qualify, and there is no minimum income requirement — even if you don’t normally file taxes.
💡 Important: The credit is refundable, meaning you can still get it even if you owe no taxes.
What’s the Deadline to File?
The final day to file your 2021 tax return and claim the $1,400 stimulus check is:
🗓️ April 15, 2025 (Tax Day)
- No extensions will be granted.
- After this date, unclaimed funds become property of the U.S. Treasury.
- The IRS warns last-minute filers may face processing delays, so file now to ensure your eligibility.
How to Claim Your Stimulus Check
- File a 2021 tax return using Form 1040 (even if you had no income).
- Use your W-2s or other income documents from 2021.
- Indicate on the form that you did not receive the third stimulus payment.
- Submit by April 15, 2025 online, by mail, or with a tax preparer.
If you already filed in 2021 but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, you may need to file an amended return.
How Will You Get Paid?
The IRS will issue payment in one of two ways:
- Direct deposit using banking information from your 2023 return
- Paper check mailed to your current address
What If You Don’t File?
Failing to file by the deadline means:
- You forfeit the $1,400 payment
- Other unclaimed tax credits or refunds from 2021 may also be lost
- The money goes back to the U.S. Treasury
According to the IRS, over $1 billion in refunds remain unclaimed from 2021 — and 1.1 million Americans are still eligible.
What Experts Are Saying
“The most important thing about the Recovery Rebate Credit is that it’s refundable—meaning you can get the credit even if you don’t owe taxes,”
— Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group
“Millions received checks, but many don’t realize they’re still eligible. This is your last chance,”
— Alex Beene, Financial Literacy Instructor
Final Tips to Secure Your $1,400 Check
- File your 2021 return before April 15
- Use trusted tax software or visit a local tax preparer
- Update your mailing and bank details with the IRS
- Act now — no automatic payments after the deadline
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out on Your Stimulus Money
The $1,400 stimulus check is still available — but only until April 15, 2025. Whether you missed the payment during the pandemic or didn’t realize you were eligible, the Recovery Rebate Credit offers one final chance to get your money.
Visit IRS.gov or consult a tax expert today to ensure you claim what you’re owed before it’s too late.
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