STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Approximately 1 million taxpayers in the United States have the opportunity to receive up to $1,400 through a federal program, but the deadline is approaching.
These funds, referred to as the Recovery Rebate Credit, are intended for those who did not receive COVID-19 stimulus payments and also did not claim them on their tax returns.
The amount of payments may differ, but the Internal Revenue Service has allocated approximately $2.4 billion for distribution, with individual payments reaching as much as $1,400.
Most taxpayers received their payments when the government distributed them in 2021. Others who submitted their 2021 tax returns but did not claim the credit were automatically sent their checks in late January 2025, either via direct deposit or by mail. According to the IRS, this usually applies to individuals who qualified for the credit but either left the designated field blank or entered $0 when filing.
The current deadline applies to individuals who did not submit their 2021 tax returns. They may still be eligible but must file by April 15 to access their funds.
It is essential for them to file a tax return to claim the stimulus money—even if their income does not typically necessitate filing.
Moreover, there are unclaimed refunds for around 1.1 million individuals from the 2021 tax year. The IRS estimates that the median refund amount owed is $781, totaling over $1 billion in refunds.
Under federal law, taxpayers have three years to file for and claim their tax refunds. If they fail to submit a return, the funds will become property of the U.S. Treasury.
For more information, visit IRS.gov/newsroom.
