According to a warning from the Internal Revenue Service, over 1 million Americans may miss out on a $1,400 stimulus payment unless they submit a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. This unclaimed payment is associated with the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, a component of the third round of COVID-19 economic impact payments approved under the American Rescue Plan.
Why These Stimulus Checks Are Still Accessible
While many eligible Americans received the $1,400 stimulus payment automatically in 2021, a number of individuals were overlooked due to errors in filing or confusion surrounding eligibility. Some low-income individuals and retirees may not have submitted a tax return that year, thinking they didn’t qualify.
The IRS has identified more than 1 million taxpayers who:
- Either left the RRC field blank or entered it incorrectly
- Did not file a 2021 tax return
In total, approximately $2.4 billion remains unclaimed.
Who Is Qualified for the $1,400 Stimulus?
You may still be eligible if you satisfy the following criteria:
- You had a valid Social Security number in 2021
- You were not claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
- You did not receive the full $1,400 stimulus amount in 2021
- You did not file a tax return for 2021
Individuals with minimal or no income in 2021 can still file to claim the credit, including those relying on Social Security, SSI, or veterans’ benefits.
Steps to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check
- File a tax return for 2021 by April 15, 2025
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) if you did not receive the full amount previously
- Confirm that you are not listed as a dependent and have a valid Social Security number
The IRS offers free filing options for eligible taxpayers through its Free File program. You can file either online or via mail.
If you are uncertain about your eligibility, the IRS provides assistance through its nationwide Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
Reasons Some Individuals Did Not Receive the Check
The IRS states that many taxpayers missed the payment for straightforward reasons:
- They did not file a return because they earned too little
- They made mistakes on the 2021 form, leaving the RRC section incomplete
- They thought they had already received all eligible payments
To address this, the IRS is now issuing automatic payments to those who underclaimed the credit but have filed a return. If you are among these taxpayers, you will receive a letter detailing your payment. If you did not file, you must take action before April 15.
Additional Benefits You Could Be Eligible For
Filing a 2021 return now may also qualify you for:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- The Child Tax Credit (CTC)
These credits could significantly increase your refund beyond the $1,400 stimulus amount.
Expert Opinions on the $1,400 Stimulus Initiative
Lisa Perkins, director of the UConn Law Tax Clinic, remarked, “An additional $1,400 can greatly impact families already grappling with food insecurity and rising costs.”
Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group, noted, “For many, this money has either been spent or is being used to reduce debts. The personal financial effects are tangible, even if they do not significantly affect the economy overall.”
Final Reminder
The deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim the $1,400 stimulus payment is April 15, 2025. After this date, the chance to receive it will be lost permanently.
If you believe you might be eligible, visit IRS.gov today to begin the process.
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