The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that April 15, 2025 is the final day to claim tax refunds for fiscal year 2021 and unreceived stimulus payments. Once this date passes, taxpayers will no longer be able to claim these benefits.
The IRS estimates that over 1.1 million taxpayers still have up to $1 billion in unclaimed refunds, and it’s essential to act quickly if you haven’t yet filed for your tax refunds or Recovery Rebate Credit.
Why Can You Still Claim a 2021 Stimulus Payment?
The IRS generally allows taxpayers to claim refunds up to three years after the filing deadline. For 2021 taxes, the original deadline was April 18, 2022. This means the deadline for claiming the 2021 stimulus check and Recovery Rebate Credit would typically be April 18, 2025.
However, recent communications from the IRS specify that the final deadline is April 15, 2025, possibly due to calendar adjustments. If you miss this deadline, you will lose the opportunity to claim these benefits.
What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit was part of the 2021 stimulus relief package. It offered up to $1,400 per person to eligible taxpayers.
If you didn’t receive the full stimulus payment or didn’t file a return in 2021, you still have time to claim it — but you must do so by April 15, 2025. The IRS has made it clear that this is the final opportunity to claim these payments.
Who Qualifies for the 2021 Stimulus Payment?
Not everyone is eligible to claim the 2021 stimulus payment, but you might be eligible if:
- You were a U.S. citizen or a qualified resident in 2021.
- You meet the income thresholds, such as an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $75,000 for single filers.
- You were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
Low-income individuals who do not typically file taxes can use tools like the IRS Non-Filers Tool to submit their claims.
What to Do if You Miss the Deadline
If you fail to file your return by April 15, 2025, you will lose the chance to claim these refunds and credits. For taxpayers who have already filed and were eligible, the IRS began automatic deliveries in December 2024, issuing refunds to about 1 million taxpayers who hadn’t previously claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
These payments were deposited through January 2025. However, if you didn’t receive the credit yet, you still need to file your return to ensure you get your payment.
Documents Needed to Claim Your Refund
To claim your 2021 tax refund or stimulus payment, you will need to file your 2021 tax return with the IRS. The IRS recommends filing electronically to speed up the process and ensure faster access to your refund via Direct Deposit.
Here are the documents you will need to file:
- Form W-2 (wage income)
- Form 1098 (mortgage interest)
- Form 1099 (income from freelance work or investments)
- Form 5498 (IRA contributions)
If you are correcting a previous return, you can use Form 1040-X, which allows for three amendments per year for the previous two years.
The median refund for 2021 is $781, according to IRS data. Processing can take up to six weeks, so it’s crucial to file as soon as possible.
What If You Have Debts?
Refunds could be withheld if you have any outstanding debts, such as back taxes or child support payments. If you have not filed your returns for 2022 or 2023, the IRS will block your return until your filings are up to date.
IRS Tools for Tracking Your Refund
To track your refund or request transcripts, the IRS offers several tools:
- Get Transcript Online: This tool allows you to access your income records.
- 800-908-9946: This phone number makes it easy to request tax transcripts by mail.