$1,400 Stimulus Still Unclaimed by 1 Million Americans — Deadline Looms

Published on: April 7, 2025

An estimated one million Americans still have a chance to claim a stimulus payment worth up to $1,400—but time is running out. The IRS is urging taxpayers who missed out on earlier Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to act fast. These funds are tied to the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, and the deadline to file and claim it is April 15, 2025.

Millions of EIPs were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some eligible individuals didn’t receive the full amount—or any payment at all. If you’re one of them, the IRS is offering one last window to claim what you’re owed.

What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?

The Recovery Rebate Credit was introduced to help individuals who didn’t receive their full stimulus payments during the pandemic. It applies to the third round of Economic Impact Payments, which were issued in 2021.

If you didn’t receive a stimulus payment—or got less than you were eligible for—you can still claim the credit by filing a 2021 federal tax return. The credit will either reduce the tax you owe or increase your refund.

Who’s Eligible?

The IRS identified around one million taxpayers who qualify for this credit but haven’t filed their 2021 return. Even if you had little or no income in 2021, you may still qualify.

To be eligible:

You must not have received the full third stimulus payment.
You must not have filed a 2021 tax return yet.
You must file that return by April 15, 2025.
You must claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on that return.

This opportunity applies even if you weren’t required to file taxes normally—such as if your income was below the minimum filing threshold.

How Much Can You Get?

The maximum Recovery Rebate Credit amount is $1,400 per eligible individual. Here’s a breakdown of how the payment amount is determined:

Category	Payment Amount
Individual filer	Up to $1,400
Married couple (joint return)	Up to $2,800
Each qualifying dependent	Up to $1,400

So, a family of four could potentially receive up to $5,600.

However, payment amounts phase out at higher income levels:

$75,000 for single filers
$112,500 for heads of household
$150,000 for married couples filing jointly

If your income exceeds these thresholds, your credit may be reduced or eliminated.

How to File and Claim the Credit

To receive the payment:

File a 2021 federal tax return, even if you aren’t normally required to file.
Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on that return.

Filing can be done online, through a tax professional, or using free IRS tools. You’ll need basic personal information and records of any stimulus payments you already received. If you’re unsure whether you got the third stimulus payment, you can check using your IRS Online Account.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you don’t file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, you forfeit the chance to claim this money. There are no extensions available—the IRS deadline is firm. That means eligible taxpayers who delay could be walking away from hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Why You Might Have Missed the Payment

There are several reasons eligible taxpayers didn’t receive the third stimulus payment:

IRS records were outdated or incorrect.
You didn’t file a 2021 tax return.
You had a new child or dependent in 2021.
You were recently naturalized or had immigration status changes.

Whatever the reason, the IRS is now giving you a final opportunity to get paid.

The clock is ticking for taxpayers who still haven’t filed their 2021 return. The IRS is clear: if you’re eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit and haven’t claimed it yet, you must file by April 15, 2025. Don’t leave money on the table—$1,400 or more could be yours.