If you missed out on the third stimulus check during the COVID-19 pandemic, you still have a chance to claim it—but time is running out. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding Americans that the final day to file a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025.
This could be your last opportunity to receive up to $1,400 per person if you didn’t get the full third round of stimulus payments under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Who Is Eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit?
You may still qualify for this refundable credit if:
- You did not receive the full third stimulus check issued in 2021.
- You were eligible based on your 2021 income.
- You haven’t filed a 2021 tax return, or you filed but did not claim the credit.
Even if you don’t usually file taxes, you’ll need to submit a 2021 return to get this money. The IRS will not issue the payment unless the return is properly filed before the deadline.
How Much Money Can You Receive?
The amount you could receive from the Recovery Rebate Credit depends on your adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2021. Here’s a simple breakdown:
For Single Filers:
- $1,400 if income was $75,000 or less
- Gradually reduced up to $80,000
- Not eligible if income exceeded $80,000
For Married Couples Filing Jointly:
- $2,800 total if combined income was $150,000 or less
- Gradually reduced up to $160,000
- No credit if income was over $160,000
For Each Eligible Dependent:
- You may receive an additional $1,400 per qualifying dependent claimed on your 2021 return.
Why You Need to Act Before April 15
The IRS allows a three-year window to file a tax return and claim any refund or credit. Since the 2021 tax filing season officially ended in April 2022, this year marks the final chance to claim your money.
If you don’t file by April 15, 2025, your Recovery Rebate Credit will expire, and that refund will legally become the property of the U.S. Treasury. That means you’ll permanently lose out on any stimulus money you may have been eligible for.
What If I Already Filed But Didn’t Claim the Credit?
If you filed your 2021 taxes but forgot to check the box for the Recovery Rebate Credit, or left it blank, you must file an amended return before April 15, 2025. You can do this using IRS Form 1040-X to correct your original return and claim the credit.
Will the IRS Send the Check Automatically?
In most cases, no. The IRS only sends checks automatically if you already filed a return and included your banking information. If you didn’t file in 2021, or if your return was incomplete or incorrect, the IRS won’t issue a check unless you file or amend your tax return.
That’s why it’s important to double-check your 2021 tax status and submit any necessary forms as soon as possible.