The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that over 1 million Americans could still receive up to $1,400 from the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)—but only if they file their 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025.
This is your last chance to get this money, which was part of the American Rescue Plan passed in 2021 to help people during the COVID-19 crisis.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is linked to the third round of stimulus checks. While most people received their payments automatically in 2021, many didn’t because of:
- Mistakes on their tax return (like leaving the RRC field blank or putting 0)
- Not filing a return at all—especially those with low or no income, including people living on Social Security or other non-taxable benefits
The IRS is now giving a final opportunity for those who missed the payment to file and claim it.
Who Can Still Get the $1,400
You are eligible for this payment if you:
- Did not receive the full stimulus check in 2021
- Haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Were not claimed as a dependent by someone else in 2021
Even if you had zero or very little income, you can still file and claim this money.
Deadline: April 15, 2025
You must file your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025. If you miss the deadline, the IRS will no longer accept your request, and the money will go back to the U.S. Treasury.
This is the final deadline—no extensions will be given.
How to Claim the Payment
The IRS recommends these steps to make the process easier:
- Go to the official IRS website
- Use the free filing options available (especially for low-income individuals)
- Download Form 1040 for the 2021 tax year
- Make sure to correctly fill in the Recovery Rebate Credit section
If you need help, you can also contact IRS support or visit a low-income taxpayer clinic near you.
What Happens If You Already Filed?
If you filed your 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the RRC correctly, the IRS may already be sending you the payment by mail or direct deposit. The average amount depends on your situation but can go up to $1,400 per person.
No action is needed if the IRS is correcting your return and you qualify.
This is your final chance to claim the $1,400 stimulus check through the Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021. If you think you may have missed out, act quickly—April 15, 2025, is the last day to file and get your money.
Don’t lose out on a payment that could make a difference in your daily life. Visit the IRS website and file your return today—it’s free, easy, and can put money back in your hands.