If you’ve been meaning to claim your missing $1,400 stimulus check, the clock has officially run out. As of April 15, 2025, the IRS has closed the window for taxpayers to file a 2021 return and claim the third round of COVID-19 relief payments — unless you already filed in time, you may have just missed your chance.
This deadline affects millions of Americans who were eligible but never received their full payment during the original rollout back in 2021. The money came in the form of a Recovery Rebate Credit, which had to be claimed on your 2021 tax return. After three years, that door is now shut.
What Was the $1,400 Stimulus Payment All About?
Back in 2021, the federal government sent out the third round of stimulus checks — officially known as Economic Impact Payments — to help people get through the financial shock of the pandemic. Most people received those payments automatically. But if you didn’t get the full amount (or didn’t get it at all), the IRS allowed you to claim the difference through a credit on your 2021 taxes.
The credit was worth up to $1,400 per adult and $1,400 per qualifying dependent. In other words, a family of four could get as much as $5,600.
Who Was Eligible?
To qualify for the full payment, your income had to be under a certain threshold:
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Individuals earning up to $75,000
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Heads of household earning up to $112,500
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Married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000
If you made a bit more than that, you might’ve still gotten a reduced amount. But once your income exceeded certain limits, the credit phased out entirely.
Could You Still Get the Money?
Only if you already filed your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. The IRS gives taxpayers up to three years from the original filing deadline to claim certain refunds and credits — and this one was no exception.
If you didn’t file in time, unfortunately, the money is no longer available. The IRS will consider those funds unclaimed, and they’ll go back into the U.S. Treasury.
How to Check If You Got the Payment
If you filed on time but still aren’t sure whether you received your full $1,400 stimulus check, there’s an easy way to find out.
The best way to check your status is by logging into your personal IRS account at IRS.gov. There, you can review your tax records, look for a notice about the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, and see if a refund was issued.
Just a heads-up: the old “Get My Payment” tool the IRS used during the pandemic is no longer available. So you’ll need to check through your online IRS account or speak with a tax professional if you have questions.
What If You Missed It?
If you didn’t file a 2021 tax return by the deadline, you’re out of luck when it comes to the $1,400 check. There’s no appeal process and no exceptions, even if you were eligible.
That said, if you did file, keep an eye on your mail or bank account. Some refunds may still be processing, and it’s possible you could see a deposit or receive a check in the coming weeks.
Other Tax Credits Still Available
The $1,400 stimulus check might be off the table now, but other benefits could still be in play. If you filed your 2021 or later returns, you might still qualify for expanded tax credits like the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit, both of which were increased during the pandemic.
These programs are especially helpful for lower- to middle-income families and could still boost your refund — even if you missed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Final Thoughts
This deadline marks the end of an era in COVID relief efforts. While the stimulus checks were a lifeline for many during the pandemic, this moment serves as a reminder to stay on top of deadlines and file taxes — even if you think you don’t owe anything.
If you’re unsure about your status, the best step you can take right now is to log into your IRS account or speak with a trusted tax expert. That one check-in could make a big difference next time something like this comes around.
