The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has announced that April 15, 2025, is the last day to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, which was part of the third round of stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you didn’t receive your $1,400 payment back then, you can still file your 2021 tax return and get your money—but only if you act before midnight today.
What Were the Federal Stimulus Payments?
Between 2020 and 2021, the US government released multiple rounds of stimulus checks under laws like the CARES Act to help people during the pandemic. The third payment—up to $1,400 per person—was based on your adjusted gross income (AGI).
If your income in 2021 was:
- $75,000 or less (single filer): You got the full $1,400.
- $80,000 or more: You received nothing.
- Between $75,000 and $80,000: You received a reduced amount.
These checks were sent automatically to most eligible Americans. But if you didn’t receive this payment, the IRS gave you the chance to claim it through the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit—and today is your last chance to do that.
How to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Now
Even if you had little or no income in 2021, you can still file your 2021 tax return just to claim the credit. Follow these steps:
- Gather your 2021 income documents (if any, like W-2 or 1099 forms).
- Download Form 1040 or 1040-SR from the IRS website.
- On Line 30, enter the amount you didn’t receive.
- File electronically or by mail before the end of April 15, 2025.
If you’re not sure how to file, the IRS offers free help through its IRS Free Tax Prep service, available in English and Spanish.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
According to the IRS, this is the final deadline. It won’t be extended again. If you miss it, you will lose your right to the payment forever. The unclaimed money will be sent to the US Treasury and cannot be recovered later.
Even if the IRS owes you a refund, and not the other way around, you must file by April 15 to receive it. After this date, the opportunity is permanently closed.
Are There Any New Stimulus Programs in New York?
As of April 15, 2025, there are no active state stimulus programs in New York. However, in December 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a $3 billion “Inflation Rebate” plan, which would provide payments between $300 and $500, depending on income and marital status.
But the plan has been delayed in the New York State Legislature, and no date has been set for when (or if) the checks will be sent. A state official mentioned that fall 2025 is the earliest possible time for payments, if approved.
What We Know About the Proposed New York Program
- The proposed amount per person is between $300 and $500.
- It would cover about 8.6 million taxpayers, including 3.6 million in NYC.
- The program is meant to support lower- and middle-income households.
- No exact rules or eligibility criteria have been shared yet.
- No official release date for payments has been confirmed.
A spokesperson from the NYC Fair Housing Coalition said people are eager to know what to prepare. But experts also say that these payments are only short-term fixes and must be supported by deeper changes, such as better job opportunities and rent control policies.
Today, April 15, 2025, is your final opportunity to claim the $1,400 federal stimulus check through the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, now is the time. There are no more extensions and no second chances—miss it, and the money is gone forever.
In New York, no new checks are being sent right now, though a possible rebate program is under discussion. Until then, your best option is to check whether you are eligible for federal credits and file your taxes before the day ends.