The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that eligible individuals who did not receive their $1,400 stimulus payment as part of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit still have time to claim it—but the clock is ticking. The final deadline to apply is April 15, 2025, and individuals who miss this window risk losing out on the payment.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Payment?
The $1,400 stimulus payment was part of the federal government’s third round of Economic Impact Payments issued during the pandemic. The IRS is now sending out checks to approximately one million people who may have missed the payment by failing to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
If you had minimal or no income in 2021, you may still be eligible for this payment. However, you must file a 2021 tax return to claim it.
Key Deadline and How to Apply
The IRS has set April 15, 2025, as the final day to file a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Even if you typically don’t file taxes due to low or no income, filing a return is mandatory to receive the payment.
If you already filed your 2021 tax return and are eligible, you don’t need to do anything further—the IRS is processing the payments automatically. However, if you didn’t file, it’s important to take action before the deadline.
How to Check Your Payment Status
To see if you received previous stimulus payments, you can:
- Log in to your IRS Online Account: This tool allows you to check any stimulus payments sent to you and whether you need to take further action.
- Refer to IRS notices: The IRS previously mailed notices to recipients confirming payment amounts. If you missed these payments, filing for the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return will help you claim what you’re owed.
What to Do if You Need Help
If you’re unsure about your eligibility or the steps to file your tax return, you can visit IRS.gov or consult a tax professional for guidance. Community tax clinics and local assistance programs may also be available to help you complete your filing at no cost.
Don’t Miss Out on the Payment
The IRS has encouraged individuals to act quickly and avoid waiting until the last minute to file their returns. Once the April 15 deadline passes, it may be difficult to recover any unclaimed payments.