Did you know that you could be missing out on a $1,400 tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)? If you haven’t claimed your 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, the clock is ticking. April 15, 2025, is the final date to claim your money, and if you don’t act now, the U.S. Treasury will keep your refund.
Let’s break it down simply and explain what this refund is, who can get it, and how to file your claim.
What Is the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit was part of the pandemic-era stimulus payments given in 2021. If you did not receive the third stimulus check (or received less than you should have), this credit lets you claim the money through your 2021 tax return.
You can get up to $1,400 per person, depending on your income and filing status.
Who Can Claim This Refund?
You can claim this refund if:
- You did not receive the full third stimulus check in 2021.
- Your income was below $75,000 (or $150,000 if married filing jointly).
- You have not filed your 2021 tax return yet.
- You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
Even if you had very low income or no income in 2021, you can still file and claim the credit. There is no penalty for filing late if the IRS owes you money.
Deadline to File: April 15, 2025
This is very important: April 15, 2025, is the final day to file your 2021 tax return and claim your refund. After that, your money goes to the U.S. Treasury, and you lose the right to collect it.
You can file online using tax software (deadline is midnight), or mail your return, but make sure the postmark is on or before April 15.
What If You Already Filed but Didn’t Claim It?
Don’t worry! If you filed your 2021 return and forgot to claim the credit, the IRS may still send it automatically. Many people began receiving these payments in early 2025.
Still, it’s a good idea to check your IRS records or contact the IRS directly to confirm your payment status.
$1 Billion Still Unclaimed!
According to the IRS, more than 1 million people haven’t claimed their 2021 refunds, with $1 billion still waiting to be collected. The average refund is $781, but those eligible for the full $1,400 should file now before it’s too late.
However, if you owe money (like student loans or child support), the IRS can deduct the amount from your refund.
Also, if you haven’t filed returns for 2022 or 2023, your 2021 refund might be held until those filings are completed.