The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued an urgent reminder to Americans: more than 1.1 million taxpayers have not yet claimed their 2021 tax refunds, and the deadline is quickly approaching. If you’re one of them, you may be missing out on an average refund of $781, and in some cases, even more—up to $5,600 for eligible families.
The deadline to file and claim your 2021 tax refund is April 15, 2025. If you don’t act now, the money will go to the United States Treasury, and you won’t be able to get it back.
Why Is There Still Money Left?
Many people didn’t file their 2021 tax returns, either because their income was too low or they didn’t think they qualified for any refunds. But what they may not know is that credits like the Recovery Rebate Credit are refundable—which means you could still get a payout even if your income was zero.
In December 2024, the IRS automatically sent out $2.4 billion in refunds to those who had filed. But for those who haven’t filed yet, time is running out. You must file Form 1040 for the 2021 tax year before the April deadline, or you’ll lose the right to claim the money.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit was designed to help people who didn’t get the full Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. For 2021, this included:
- $1,400 for each adult
- $2,800 for married couples
- $1,400 for each qualifying dependent
So, a family of four could get up to $5,600. These funds do not affect eligibility for government programs like SNAP or SSI, making them a great help for families with low or no income.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible to claim your 2021 refund:
- You must file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025
- Even if you had zero or low income, you may still qualify
- You need to file Form 1040 for the year 2021
Once the deadline passes, your refund goes permanently to the US Treasury—no exceptions, no extensions.
How to File Quickly
To file your 2021 return now:
- Download Form 1040 (2021) from the IRS website at irs.gov/forms-instructions
- If you’re missing income documents like a W-2 or 1099, request a transcript using Form 4506-T or call 800-908-9946
- Create or log into your IRS online account to check previous payments and track your refund
- If you need help, contact IRS support or visit a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
You can also order a copy of Form 1040 by phone at 800-TAX-FORM.
When Will I Get My Refund?
Once you file, the IRS processes:
- Electronic returns within 24 hours
- Older e-returns in 3–4 days
- Paper returns in about 4 weeks
So, filing electronically is the fastest and safest option
If you haven’t claimed your 2021 IRS tax refund, you have until April 15, 2025 to do so. After that, more than $1 billion in unclaimed refunds will become the property of the US government. Whether your refund is small or large, this is money that belongs to you—but only if you act in time.
Complete Form 1040 for 2021, check for Recovery Rebate Credit, and file your return before it’s too late. Don’t let your hard-earned money go to waste.