If you didn’t receive your $1,400 IRS stimulus check, or if you received less than you were eligible for, you may still have the opportunity to claim it but time is running out. The IRS has set a firm deadline of April 15, 2025, for eligible individuals to claim their missing third Economic Impact Payment (EIP) through the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return. This is your last chance to secure that money before it’s gone.
Whether you’re a college student, retiree, or someone who didn’t file taxes in 2021, you could still be eligible. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about claiming this payment, who qualifies, and how to make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
In March 2021, the U.S. government passed the American Rescue Plan Act, which approved the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) worth up to $1,400 per person. These payments were aimed at providing financial relief to individuals and families struggling due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Who Was Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus?
- $1,400 for each qualifying adult
- $1,400 for each qualifying dependent, including children, college students, and even adult dependents (like elderly parents or disabled adults)
Unlike the first two stimulus payments, the third round included adult dependents, which expanded eligibility for many households. Most payments were automatically issued based on your 2019 or 2020 tax return, but some individuals especially those who had changes in life circumstances might have missed out.
How Does the Recovery Rebate Credit Work?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable tax credit that allows eligible individuals to claim their missing or partial stimulus payment when filing their 2021 federal tax return. Even if you don’t owe taxes or weren’t required to file, you can still file a return to receive the credit as a refund.
This credit is for:
- People who didn’t receive the full third stimulus check
- People who missed out on payments for eligible dependents
- Individuals who experienced changes in household size or income
In other words, if you missed out on the $1,400, this is your last chance to claim it.
Who Can Still Claim the $1,400 Stimulus?
You may still be eligible for the third stimulus payment if any of the following apply to you:
- You didn’t receive the third stimulus payment at all
- You received less than the full amount (e.g., missing dependent payments)
- You didn’t file taxes in 2021, but you had income or met the eligibility criteria
- Your 2021 income was lower than in previous years, making you newly eligible
- You had a child in 2021 or experienced other changes in household size
Income Limits for Full Stimulus Payment
The following income limits apply to qualify for the full $1,400 payment:
- Single Filers: Up to $75,000
- Head of Household: Up to $112,500
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $150,000
Once your income exceeds these limits, the payment begins to phase out. If your income was above $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (married), you were not eligible for the third stimulus payment.
However, if your 2021 income was below the threshold even if you were above it in earlier years you may still qualify.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check
Step 1: Confirm Whether You’ve Already Received It
Before you start filing your 2021 tax return, it’s important to double-check whether you already received the stimulus payment:
- Review bank statements from March to May 2021
- Look for IRS Letter 6475, which was mailed in early 2022 to notify recipients of their payment
- Log into your IRS online account to view your payment status
If you didn’t receive the payment or received less than the full amount continue to the next steps.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
You’ll need a few key documents to file your 2021 tax return correctly:
- Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for yourself and any dependents
- Proof of income, such as W-2s, 1099 forms, or self-employment records
- Any documentation for life changes (e.g., a child born or adopted in 2021)
- Valid ID and address for identity verification
Step 3: File Your 2021 Tax Return
Although it’s now 2025, you can still file a 2021 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Here’s how:
- Use IRS Free File if your income is below $73,000
- Alternatively, use reliable tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, or consult with a licensed tax professional
- While completing your Form 1040, make sure to complete the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet, which will calculate the amount you’re owed. This step is crucial it’s the only way to trigger your refund.
Step 4: Submit and Track Your Refund
Once you submit your return, it may take several weeks to process, especially if you file a paper return. To speed up the process, opt for e-filing and provide your direct deposit information. You can track your refund using the Where’s My Refund tool on the IRS website.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you fail to file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, you will lose your chance to claim the $1,400 stimulus payment. The IRS operates on a three-year refund window for prior-year returns, and once the deadline passes, you will no longer be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Why Did So Many People Miss Out on the Third Stimulus?
Millions of Americans didn’t receive the third EIP due to reasons like:
- Assuming they were ineligible due to income
- Not filing taxes because they had little or no income
- Missing IRS letters while relocating
- Believing dependents wouldn’t qualify
- Failing to update their tax information after life changes (e.g., new dependents)
If any of these sound familiar, don’t panic it’s not too late, but you need to act before the deadline.
Pro Tips from Tax Experts
- File early to avoid IRS delays, especially for prior-year returns
- Use IRS Free File or certified tax professionals to ensure error-free filing
- Double-check dependent information, especially for children born in 2021
- Choose direct deposit to receive your funds faster
- Watch out for scams the IRS will never ask for personal information via email, text, or phone call
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the $1,400 IRS Stimulus
1. Can I still get the stimulus if I didn’t file taxes in 2021?
Yes, if you were eligible, you must file your 2021 tax return before the April 15, 2025 deadline to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
2. What if I never received IRS Letter 6475?
You can still claim your payment. Check your IRS online account or review your bank records for confirmation.
3. How will I get the money?
The IRS typically issues payments via direct deposit. If you didn’t provide banking info, you may receive a paper check.
4. What if I had a baby or adopted a child in 2021?
You may qualify for an additional $1,400 per new dependent. Be sure to list them on your 2021 tax return.
5. Is the $1,400 stimulus taxable?
No. The IRS has confirmed that stimulus payments are not taxable and will not affect your refund.