Two days ago, you might have forfeited over $1,000 in undeposited stimulus payments, that is, the $1,400 IRS stimulus checks.
The filing deadline for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credits was way back on April 15, 2025, and if you were late, you might already be out of luck. Moreover, the IRS has particularly gone on record as saying that this was taxpayers’ final shot at claiming the money if they didn’t receive the payment.
If you were eligible for the $1,400 stimulus and did not file your 2021 tax return, you are part of those who suffered this loss.
Why so many missed the $1,400 IRS stimulus checks deadline
While the majority of Americans received their $1,400 checks automatically, many did not. The IRS said nearly one million eligible individuals had yet to claim their 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.
A variety of explanations exist as to why this took place:
- Individuals did not realize they would need to file a 2021 tax return to receive it.
- The vast majority thought that they were ineligible for it.
- Some believed they had already received all stimulus checks.
This especially hit low-income communities, students, elderly people, and those who generally don’t file taxes. It’s a good reminder of how critical it is to stay on top of IRS notices, especially when there are deadlines involved for refundable credits.
Who was eligible for the $1,400 IRS stimulus payments?
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To be eligible for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, the formal name for the third stimulus check, you need to have:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
- Not be listed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- Have a valid Social Security number.
- Have an income within specific limits.
Even if you had zero income, you may qualify, but only if you reported a 2021 tax return. That’s why so many didn’t get in on it, they had no idea they were supposed to file.
The $1,400 IRS stimulus checks were still available in April 2025
In early April, the IRS began issuing special reminders on local media and online platforms. They reminded us that over $1 billion was still available and urged people to check whether they qualified.
Unfortunately, those who failed to act by April 15, 2025, have now lost that entitlement.
This is an enormous wake-up call, especially to those who never pay taxes consistently. Tracking for creditworthiness would mean tens of thousands in your pocket.
How to check whether you were affected by the delayed deadline
If you don’t know if you received the third stimulus check, start by checking your 2021 tax return. If you didn’t file for that year and believe you were due one, you missed out.
Here’s how you can check:
- Log in to your IRS account on irs.gov.
- Check IRS Letter 6475, which confirms third stimulus payments.
- Browse bank statements or the IRS’s Get My Payment tool (if still active).
Even though the deadline has now passed, you can still learn more from the IRS policy on $1,400 checks, which describes what was required and who qualified. Understanding the eligibility rules will save you from losing out on future credits and refunds later.
Timelines matter when relief is administered by the government. When tax rebates, credits, or relief programs, for instance, are being offered, being on the ball may be the difference between missing out and collecting your fair share. Missing out on the $1,400 IRS stimulus checks is a costly reminder that being proactive about tax deadlines is important. Double-check your eligibility each time relief programs are announced, it could mean hundreds or thousands in your pocket. In the future, don’t just hope you’ll receive government assistance; make sure you do the right thing to receive it.
