If you missed your chance to get the third stimulus check back in 2021, there’s still time — but only a little. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that April 15, 2025, is the final date for eligible taxpayers to claim the Recovery Refund Credit worth up to $1,400 per person.
This benefit is meant for people who didn’t receive the full amount (or any amount) of the third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the IRS, over 1 million people didn’t properly claim this benefit on their 2021 tax returns, even though they qualified for it.
What Is the Recovery Refund Credit?
The Recovery Refund Credit is a special benefit for people who didn’t get the third stimulus payment in March 2021. It is different from the first two checks that were sent in 2020. You can only claim this credit on your 2021 tax return, so it’s important to act fast if you haven’t done so yet.
Even if you had no income in 2021, you may still qualify — but only if you file your tax return by April 15, 2025.
Who Can Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
To get the full amount, you must meet the following income limits:
- Single filers: Income must be below $75,000
- Married couples filing jointly: Income must be below $150,000
The amount of your credit depends on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). If your income was higher, you may still receive a smaller payment, but those with very high income won’t qualify.
This payment is not taxed by the federal government, but you should check if your state or local authority treats it as taxable income.
How to Claim the Payment
If you didn’t file your 2021 tax return:
- You must file it before April 15, 2025
- Use IRS tools or tax filing services to complete your return
- If you qualify, the credit will be added automatically
If you already filed your 2021 return but forgot to claim the credit:
- The IRS may send it automatically if you qualify
- Check your IRS online account to confirm your EIP payments
- If there’s a mistake, you should file an amendment before the deadline
Payments will be sent either by direct deposit or paper check, and the IRS will send you a confirmation by mail once it’s processed.
Why Some People Missed the Credit
Many people didn’t claim the Recovery Refund Credit because they didn’t know about it or made mistakes while filling out their tax forms. IRS reports say about 12% of eligible people missed out.
To fix this, the IRS started sending payments from December 2024 and will continue till April 2025. But once the deadline passes, you cannot claim it anymore.
Expert Advice: Don’t Miss the Deadline
Tax experts suggest checking your 2021 return carefully and comparing it with the stimulus payments you received. If there’s any mismatch, you should act fast and submit corrections or amendments before April 15, 2025.
If you’re unsure, contact a local tax advisor or use free online tax help tools. The IRS has also set up assistance programs to help with claims and correct errors
If you didn’t get the third stimulus check in 2021, this is your last chance to claim up to $1,400 through the Recovery Refund Credit. You must file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, even if you had no income that year.
There’s no penalty for filing late if you’re only claiming a refund. After that date, the IRS will no longer accept retroactive claims, and you may lose your money forever. So act now and double-check your past returns — that unclaimed check might still be waiting for you.