Today marks a critical deadline for millions of Americans who may still be eligible for the $1,400 stimulus payment issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that April 15, 2025, is the final day to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit from the third round of Economic Impact Payments distributed in 2021.
If eligible individuals fail to file a 2021 tax return by the end of the day, they risk losing access to this significant financial support—forever.
If you didn’t receive the third stimulus check in 2021, or weren’t required to file taxes back then, this could be your last chance to get that money.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a federal tax credit tied to the third round of stimulus payments authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021. While most Americans received the payment automatically based on IRS data, many low-income individuals, non-filers, and certain dependents never got their checks.
To rectify this, the IRS allowed qualifying taxpayers to claim the missed stimulus through a credit on their 2021 federal tax return.
However, by law, tax refunds and credits must be claimed within three years. That window closes today.
“After April 15, unclaimed payments will be turned over to the U.S. Treasury,” the IRS stated in a reminder posted earlier this month.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the full $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, your 2021 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must have been within the following thresholds:
- $75,000 or less for single filers
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
- $112,500 or less for heads of household
Those with incomes above these thresholds could still qualify for a partial payment. However, the credit phases out entirely for:
- Individuals earning over $80,000
- Married couples earning over $160,000
- Heads of household earning over $120,000
Additionally, dependents of any age were eligible for their own $1,400 payment under the 2021 rules, provided the taxpayer claimed them properly.
If you already received the third stimulus check in 2021, you likely are not eligible to claim this credit again. To verify, check your IRS Letter 6475, which was sent out in early 2022 and details how much you received.
How to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Before It’s Too Late
If you didn’t receive the third stimulus payment or didn’t file a 2021 return, here’s how to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit today:
1. File a 2021 Federal Tax Return
You must file a 2021 return, even if you don’t normally file taxes. This is the only way to receive the missed payment. You can do this by using IRS Free File, a free tool that allows people with incomes below $73,000 to file federal returns online.
2. Use Your IRS Online Account
Log in to your IRS online account to check your tax transcripts and any prior stimulus payments received.
3. Avoid Filing an Amended Return
If you haven’t filed for 2021 yet, you can include the credit in your original return. No need to amend or file extra paperwork unless you made an error in a previous submission.
Additional Benefits
Filing your 2021 return by today doesn’t just secure the $1,400. You may also qualify for other refundable tax credits like:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — worth up to $6,728 for qualifying individuals and families
- The Child Tax Credit — expanded to $3,600 per child under 6 and $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17 for 2021
Even if you didn’t earn income or pay taxes in 2021, you may still qualify for these credits.
Don’t Miss Out
More than $1 billion in unclaimed 2021 refunds are still owed to taxpayers, according to the IRS. With many unaware of their eligibility, this could be a life-changing opportunity for households still recovering from the financial strain of the pandemic.
Failure to act by midnight tonight will mean that the funds go back to the federal government. That’s money you may never see again.
“We urge everyone who may be eligible to take action before it’s too late,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Even if you don’t usually file a tax return, filing for 2021 can mean thousands in refundable credits.”
Where to Get Help?
Need assistance filing your return? Check out these official resources:
- IRS Free File
- IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Information
- Get My Payment Tool
- Find a Local IRS Office
You can also call the IRS Help Line at 800-829-1040, though wait times may be long due to Tax Day volume.
Bottom Line:
If you didn’t get your $1,400 stimulus payment in 2021, filing your 2021 tax return today, April 15, 2025, is your last chance to receive it.
