Final Weeks to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check – Are You Missing Out?

If you haven’t received your $1,400 stimulus check from 2021, time is running out. The IRS is reminding taxpayers that they have until April 15, 2025, to claim their missing payment. According to recent reports, over 1.1 million Americans are still eligible for these funds, but they must file a 2021 tax return to receive the money.

Why Are People Still Owed This Money?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government issued three rounds of stimulus payments to help struggling Americans. The third round, approved in March 2021, provided $1,400 per person, including dependents. While most payments were sent automatically, some people never received theirs due to:

• Not filing a tax return in 2021 (even if they had little or no income).

• IRS processing errors or missing bank details.

• Changes in income or dependent status that weren’t reflected in IRS records.

For those who missed out, the IRS provided a second chance through the Recovery Rebate Credit, which allows eligible individuals to claim their missing stimulus payment when filing their 2021 tax return.

Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Payment?

To be eligible, you must have:

 An adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less for individuals, $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly. Payments phase out completely at $80,000/$160,000.

 Filed a 2021 tax return (or file one before April 15, 2025).

 Claimed any dependents you had at the time—each eligible dependent adds an extra $1,400 to your total payment.

How to Claim Your Money Before the Deadline

If you’re one of the millions who may have missed out, here’s what you need to do:

1. File a 2021 tax return ASAP – even if you don’t normally file. You can do this electronically or by mail.

2. Look for the “Recovery Rebate Credit” section on your tax form to claim the missing payment.

3. Check your IRS account online to see if a payment was issued in 2021 but never received.

4. Gather any missing tax documents, such as W-2s or income statements, to complete your return.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

After April 15, 2025, any unclaimed stimulus payments will go back to the U.S. Treasury, meaning you’ll lose out on the money for good. This deadline is especially important for low-income families who may also qualify for additional refunds, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

States With the Most Unclaimed Payments

The IRS reports that certain states have higher numbers of unclaimed refunds. For example:

📍 California – Over 116,300 residents are owed refunds, with an average of $600 each.
📍 Texas – Approximately 102,200 people are eligible, with a median refund of $810.

Act Now – It’s Your Money!

With just weeks left to claim your missing stimulus check, now is the time to act. Filing your 2021 tax return could mean an extra $1,400 in your pocket – or even more if you have dependents.

If you need assistance, visit IRS.gov or speak with a tax professional to ensure you get the money you’re owed before it’s too late.