If you didn’t claim your third stimulus check of $1,400 by April 15, 2025, you’ve missed your chance for good. This was the last day to apply through the Recovery Rebate Credit, which was tied to COVID‑19 relief payments. Now, any unclaimed money goes back to the U.S. government, and there’s no way to get it anymore.
April 15, 2025 – The Final Date to Claim
The IRS had clearly said that April 15, 2025, was the strict deadline to file your taxes and claim the third stimulus check. Even if you had a filing extension, it didn’t apply to the stimulus deadline. If you missed it, there is no appeal, no extension, and no second chance. That money is now officially gone and moved to the federal Treasury.
Why You Can’t Claim It Anymore
The IRS followed its usual rules and gave taxpayers three full years to request the payment. People were reminded multiple times, and there was plenty of time to act. Now that the program is closed, the IRS will not allow any further claims. If you didn’t file for the Recovery Rebate Credit on time, the funds are gone permanently.
Rumours of a Fourth Stimulus Check – Are They True?
Social media is full of posts claiming that a fourth stimulus check of $2,000 is coming. Some even say President Donald Trump promised a $5,000 “DOGE dividend” linked to Elon Musk. But there is no official confirmation from Congress or the IRS.
These are just rumours or scams. Right now, no new stimulus check has been approved. Experts say to be careful and don’t believe unofficial sources. Always check the IRS website or trusted news for real updates.
How Tax Refunds Work in 2025
Even if you missed the stimulus, you can still get your regular tax refund. If you file online and give your bank account details, you should get your money in about 21 business days. If you’re waiting for a paper check, it may take six to eight weeks to arrive.
Refunds are only sent after your return is accepted by the IRS. Filing and acceptance are two different steps. After your return is accepted, you can track the status online using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
Refund Status Stages
“Where’s My Refund?” shows three stages:
- Return Received – The IRS got your return and started reviewing it.
- Refund Approved – Your refund has been verified and is being prepared.
- Refund Sent – Your money has been transferred to your bank or mailed.
Paper returns take longer. The IRS needs about four weeks just to process them before you can even track them online.
What If There’s a Problem With Your Refund?
Sometimes, returns are delayed due to errors or mismatched details. The IRS will notify you by mail if there’s an issue. If your refund is reduced, the reason will be explained in the letter. The online system won’t show the reason for any changes—only the final approved amount.
Special Cases for Deadline Extensions
Some people may get extra time to file taxes. For example:
- People in disaster zones may get longer to file. This only applies to regular taxes—not expired benefits like the stimulus.
- Military members in combat zones get an extra 180 days after leaving the zone. But this still doesn’t help with old stimulus deadlines.
- IRS errors may lead to an extension, but only in rare cases. Missing the deadline by personal mistake doesn’t qualify.