Did you miss out on the third stimulus check back in 2021? You might still be able to claim it, but time is running out. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that April 15, 2025 is the final deadline to file your 2021 tax return and request the Recovery Rebate Credit, which could be worth up to $1,400 per person.
If you qualify and haven’t filed yet, this might be your last chance to get that money. Over $1 billion in unclaimed refunds are still waiting to be collected by more than 1 million Americans. Let’s break down everything you need to know to secure your refund.
What Is the $1,400 Refund About?
This refund comes from the third round of stimulus checks issued in 2021, part of the U.S. government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The payments were officially called the Recovery Rebate Credit, and while most people received the money automatically, some didn’t file a return that year, and the IRS never issued their payment.
Now, the only way to get that money is to file a 2021 tax return—even if you didn’t earn any income that year or weren’t required to file.
Who Can Qualify for the Full $1,400?
To receive the full amount, your income in 2021 must have been:
- $75,000 or less for single filers
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
- $112,500 or less for heads of household
If your income was higher, the amount gets reduced and phases out completely beyond those limits.
What to Do to Claim the 2021 Tax Refund
Step 1: File Your 2021 Tax Return
If you haven’t already filed your 2021 return, you must do it before April 15, 2025. That’s the three-year deadline the IRS gives for claiming tax refunds. After that date, your refund becomes property of the U.S. Treasury—meaning you lose it permanently.
Even if you made little or no income in 2021, you still need to file to receive the credit. There’s no penalty for filing late if the IRS owes you money.
Step 2: Check if You Already Received It
Some people may have already gotten this payment without realizing it. If you filed your 2021 taxes but didn’t claim the credit, the IRS may have sent it automatically earlier this year. Check your IRS records, bank account, or contact the IRS to verify.
Step 3: Submit Electronically or by Mail
If you’re mailing your return, it must be postmarked by April 15, 2025. Filing electronically gives you until midnight on April 15, and it’s often faster and safer.
Keep in mind: If you owe debts like child support, student loans, or back taxes, the IRS may deduct those from your refund.
What If You Didn’t File 2022 or 2023 Taxes?
If the IRS sees that you haven’t filed more recent returns, it might delay your 2021 refund. In some cases, they could even calculate your taxes on their own, which often results in you owing more than if you filed yourself.
So, it’s best to file all outstanding returns as soon as possible to avoid complications and get your full refund.
Average Refunds and What You Might Receive
According to recent IRS data:
- The maximum Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021 is $1,400 per person
- The average refund among late filers is around $781
This amount could be a significant financial boost, especially if you’re dealing with bills, debt, or rising expenses.