Millions of Americans are at risk of losing out on valuable stimulus payments and tax refunds if they don’t act before the fast-approaching deadline of April 15, 2025. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a final reminder: if you haven’t yet filed your 2021 federal tax return, you may be eligible for money you didn’t even know was owed to you.
The IRS estimates that more than 1 million people still haven’t claimed 2021 refunds or the third round of Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus checks. The agency is urging Americans to file their 2021 returns immediately—or risk forfeiting their payments forever.
What’s the Deadline and Why It Matters?
Under federal law, taxpayers generally have three years to file and claim tax refunds. For tax year 2021, that three-year window closes on April 15, 2025. If you miss the deadline, any unclaimed money will become the property of the U.S. Treasury.
According to the IRS’s latest release, the median potential refund is about $781, with totals reaching nearly $1 billion nationwide.
“This is a critical deadline for so many people,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to claim the money they deserve.”
Who Should File a 2021 Tax Return Now?
You should consider filing a 2021 tax return—even if you weren’t required to—if:
- You didn’t receive the third stimulus check (up to $1,400 per person)
- You earned income in 2021 and may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- You had taxes withheld from your paycheck but never filed to get a refund
The IRS specifically encourages low-income workers, part-time employees, and families with children to review their eligibility for overlooked credits.
Key Payments and Tax Credits You Could Still Claim
1. Recovery Rebate Credit (Stimulus Check #3)
If you didn’t receive the full $1,400 stimulus check issued in 2021, you might qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Eligibility: Individuals earning under $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples) were eligible for the full payment.
- How to Claim: File a 2021 tax return and complete Line 30 of Form 1040.
- More Info: IRS Recovery Rebate Credit
2. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is a refundable credit for low- to moderate-income earners. The 2021 expansion temporarily boosted the credit and widened eligibility.
- Credit Amounts:
- Up to $1,502 for workers without children
- Up to $6,728 for families with three or more children
- More Info: IRS EITC Page
3. Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Many families also qualified for an enhanced Child Tax Credit in 2021—up to $3,600 per child under 6 and $3,000 for children ages 6–17.
If you didn’t receive the full credit via advance payments in 2021, you can still claim the remainder by filing a 2021 return.
- More Info: IRS Child Tax Credit
Didn’t File Because You Didn’t Earn Much? You Might Still Qualify
Many people mistakenly believe that if they had no or low income in 2021, they aren’t eligible for refunds or stimulus payments. In reality, you must file a return to claim any of the credits mentioned—even if you weren’t required to file based on income.
To help, the IRS offers Free File, a service available to individuals with income under $73,000, which provides guided online tax preparation at no cost.
How To Check If You Received the Third Stimulus Payment?
If you’re unsure whether you received the 2021 stimulus check, log in to your IRS Online Account to view payment history.
Make sure to compare the information with your Notice 1444-C, which was mailed by the IRS to confirm third-round stimulus payments.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Refund Offsets: If you owe back taxes, child support, or other federal debts, the IRS may offset your refund.
- No Penalty for Late Filing if Refund Due: If you’re owed a refund, you won’t be penalized for filing late.
- Beware of Scams: Always file through trusted sources and avoid offers promising “free money” or instant refunds.
Last Call to Claim What’s Yours
The clock is ticking for those who missed out during the height of the pandemic. Whether you didn’t realize you qualified or simply forgot to file, now is the time to act.
File your 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025 to receive any due refunds or credits. After that date, any unclaimed funds will be permanently lost.
For official IRS tools and information, visit the following:
- IRS Main Website
- 2021 Tax Return Filing Help
- IRS Free File Portal
