Did you know you might be missing a tax refund of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the United States? If you lived or worked in the US in 2021 and haven’t claimed this money yet, you still have time—but the deadline is very close. Many people don’t realise that they could be eligible for this refund. If you think you might have forgotten to file your taxes for 2021, it’s time to act fast and claim what’s yours.
Let’s break down everything you need to know in simple language.
What is the $1,400 IRS Tax Refund?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US government gave out stimulus checks to help people. The third round of these checks was part of something called the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you didn’t receive the third check in 2021, you could still claim it now by filing your 2021 tax return. But the deadline to do this is April 15, 2025.
Even if you earned little or no income in 2021, you still need to file your return to get the money. So don’t assume you’re not eligible just because you didn’t make much that year.
Why April 15 Is So Important
The IRS gives people three years from the original tax filing deadline to claim their refunds. The original deadline was April 2022, which means April 15, 2025 is your final chance to get your money. If you miss this date, the US government will keep the money, and you won’t be able to claim it anymore.
Some people are confused and think the deadline is April 14, but it’s officially April 15. So mark your calendar and don’t wait until the last moment.
Who Can Claim This Refund?
You can get the full $1,400 refund if:
- You earned less than $75,000 in 2021 as a single person
- You earned less than $150,000 as a couple
- You did not receive the third stimulus check in 2021
Even if you don’t owe any taxes or didn’t file because your income was too low, you must still submit your 2021 tax return to claim this benefit.
What If I Already Filed But Didn’t Claim?
If you filed your 2021 return but forgot to claim the credit, don’t worry. The IRS has been sending out automatic payments to many people since January. Still, it’s a good idea to check your records or contact the IRS to confirm your refund status.
Over $1 Billion Still Unclaimed
According to the IRS, more than 1 million people haven’t claimed their 2021 tax refunds, and over $1 billion is still waiting to be claimed. While the average refund is around $781, those who qualify for the full amount can get up to $1,400. That’s a lot of money to leave behind!
How to File Before the Deadline
To claim your refund, file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025. You can do it by mailing the form or using tax software online. If you’re mailing it, make sure the envelope is postmarked by April 15. If filing electronically, do it before midnight on the deadline day.
Be careful—if you owe money to the government for things like student loans or child support, the IRS may deduct it from your refund.
Also, if you haven’t filed your tax returns for 2022 or 2023, the IRS might hold your refund until you clear up those issues. So it’s better to file everything on time and avoid extra trouble.
Many people forget or delay filing old tax returns, thinking it’s too late or not worth the effort. But in this case, it could mean losing up to $1,400. That’s a big amount, especially when it’s yours to claim without any penalties. The deadline is coming soon, so make sure to check if you’re eligible and file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025. Don’t let this money slip away!