Millions of Americans have just 48 hours left to claim a $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, or risk losing the cash forever. The April 15, 2025 deadline is the last opportunity to file a 2021 tax return and receive the third round of federal stimulus payments issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirmed that an estimated 1 million eligible people never received their third stimulus check and can still claim it — but only if they act quickly.
What Is the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit?
The $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law by President Biden in March 2021. The law authorized a third round of Economic Impact Payments (commonly known as stimulus checks) to help Americans cope with the financial burden of the COVID-19 crisis.
While most Americans received their payments automatically in 2021, some people were missed due to various reasons such as income fluctuations, not filing a tax return, or major life changes (like the birth of a child).
Those who didn’t receive the full amount can still claim it — but only by filing a 2021 federal income tax return, even if they weren’t required to file taxes that year.
Who Is Eligible?
According to the IRS, you may be eligible for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit if you:
- Didn’t receive the full $1,400 third stimulus payment in 2021
- Didn’t file a tax return for 2021
- Had a significant life event in 2021 (such as having a baby)
- Had income below the filing threshold but were otherwise eligible
The income eligibility thresholds for full payments are:
- $75,000 or less for single filers
- $112,500 or less for heads of household
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
Payments phase out above those limits and are unavailable to individuals earning more than $80,000 or couples over $160,000.
For full eligibility criteria, visit the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit page.
How to Claim the Credit?
To claim the credit, you must:
- File a 2021 federal tax return by April 15, 2025
- Fill out the Recovery Rebate Credit section of Form 1040
- Submit the return electronically or by mail
Even if you had little or no income in 2021 and weren’t normally required to file taxes, you must file a return to claim the credit.
The IRS offers a free tool called IRS Free File for individuals with income below $73,000 to file their tax returns online.
If you are unsure whether you received the full payment, you can view your IRS account and records at IRS.gov/account.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you don’t file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, you will lose your right to claim the $1,400 credit forever. The IRS is legally barred from issuing refunds for that tax year after the deadline passes.
This means even if you were fully eligible, you will not be able to get the money if you don’t take action by the cutoff date.
IRS Urges Prompt Action
The IRS is encouraging all eligible individuals to act now.
“We are urging everyone who may be entitled to this money to file as soon as possible before the deadline,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel in a public notice. “Millions of people have received these payments, but there’s still time for those who missed out.”
To help taxpayers meet the deadline, the IRS has provided updated guidance and tools. You can find more information at the IRS COVID-19 Tax Relief page.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible or how to file, the IRS offers a wide range of support:
- Interactive tax assistants: irs.gov/help/ita
- Free tax prep assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program: irs.gov/VITA
- IRS customer service: Call 1-800-829-1040
Bottom Line
This is your last chance to get what could be a life-changing $1,400 payment. Whether you’re a low-income earner, experienced a major life event, or simply didn’t file in 2021, the clock is ticking.
If you don’t file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, the opportunity to claim the stimulus check disappears for good.
Take action today. Visit irs.gov to file and secure your recovery rebate.
