Time is running out to claim a missing $1,400 stimulus check from 2021. The IRS has set May 17, 2025, as the final deadline for eligible Americans to file and receive the third Economic Impact Payment through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
What is the $1,400 stimulus payment?
The $1,400 stimulus check was part of the American Rescue Plan, which Congress passed in March 2021. While most payments were issued automatically, the IRS reports that over 1 million people never received their full amount—often due to missed tax filings or errors in IRS records.
If you didn’t receive the full $1,400 in 2021, you can still claim it by filing a 2021 tax return and requesting the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Who is eligible to claim this stimulus?
You may qualify for the $1,400 payment if:
- You didn’t receive it in 2021 or received less than the full amount
- You earned below the income limits in 2021 ($75,000 for single, $150,000 for married)
- You were not listed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- You had a qualifying Social Security number
Even individuals with little or no income in 2021 can qualify, as long as they file a 2021 return.
How to file and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
To claim your payment, follow these steps:
- File a 2021 federal tax return by May 17, 2025
- Use IRS Free File or paper forms to complete the return
- Fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit section to request your missing $1,400
- Submit electronically or mail it with enough time to arrive by the deadline
If you’ve already filed a 2021 return but didn’t claim the credit, you may need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X).
Where to get help before the deadline
The IRS recommends visiting:
- IRS.gov/recovery-rebate-credit for instructions and FAQs
- Free File Alliance partners, offering no-cost returns for those earning under $73,000
- Local VITA or AARP Tax-Aide sites, which provide in-person help
You can also call the IRS help line at 800-829-1040, though wait times may increase as the deadline approaches.
What happens if you miss the deadline?
If you don’t file by May 17, you will permanently forfeit your right to the $1,400 payment. This deadline was extended from the normal three-year statute of limitations, but no further extensions are expected.
Final reminder
The clock is ticking. If you never received your full $1,400 stimulus payment, this is your last opportunity to claim it. File your 2021 return and request the Recovery Rebate Credit before May 17, 2025, to ensure you don’t miss out.
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