If you haven’t claimed your $1,400 stimulus check yet, the clock is ticking. The IRS has set April 15, 2025, as the absolute last day to file your 2021 tax return and get the money you might still be owed. After that? It’s gone for good.
This payment was part of the third round of stimulus checks from the American Rescue Plan back in 2021, but surprisingly, over a million people still haven’t claimed it. Maybe you didn’t know you qualified, or you never filed a 2021 tax return. Either way, it’s not too late — but it will be soon.
Do You Qualify for the $1,400?
You might be eligible if you didn’t get the third stimulus payment when it was sent out in 2021. This includes a lot of people who don’t usually file taxes — maybe because they didn’t earn much, were on fixed income, or just didn’t realize they needed to.
Here’s a quick look at the income limits for full payments:
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Single filers: Up to $75,000
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Married couples filing jointly: Up to $150,000
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Head of household: Up to $112,500
Above those limits, the payment amount drops — and eventually disappears. But even if you’re not sure, it’s worth checking.
Also, if you had dependents back then — kids or even adult family members — you could be entitled to even more money.
How to Claim It (It’s Easier Than You Think)
All you need to do is file a 2021 federal tax return, even if you didn’t earn enough to normally need to file. This is how the IRS figures out if you’re eligible for what they call the “Recovery Rebate Credit.”
You can do this online through the IRS website or with a tax professional. Just make sure it’s submitted by midnight on April 15, 2025. No do-overs, no extensions. Miss that date, and the $1,400 vanishes.
Wait, There Might Be More Money on the Table
Here’s another reason to get that return filed: you could also qualify for other tax credits, like:
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The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — worth up to $6,728 depending on your income and family size.
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The Child Tax Credit — up to $3,600 per child under 6, and $3,000 per child ages 6–17.
If you haven’t filed yet, these could really add up and make a big difference in your refund.
How Will You Get Paid?
Once you file your 2021 return, the IRS will process it and send out your payment:
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If you enter bank account info, you’ll get a direct deposit.
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If not, they’ll mail you a check to the address on your return.
Keep in mind: some people who filed in 2021 but forgot to claim the stimulus might have already started receiving automatic payments since late 2024. But if you haven’t filed at all? The only way to get it is to file now.
Why Are So Many People Missing Out?
It’s honestly a mix of things. Some people thought they weren’t eligible, or didn’t realize they needed to file to claim it. Others didn’t know there was still time. And for folks who aren’t regular tax filers, this process can seem confusing or just not worth the trouble.
But with $1,400 (or more) on the line, it’s definitely worth it.
What You Should Do Right Now
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Head over to IRS.gov and get started. You can find free filing tools there if your income is below a certain threshold.
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If you need help, local tax clinics or volunteers with the VITA program may be able to assist you at no cost.
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Keep a copy of everything you file — and double-check your info to avoid delays.
April 15 will be here before you know it. Don’t leave money sitting on the table — especially when it was meant to help during tough times.
If you’ve been putting this off, consider this your friendly nudge. It’s your money. Go get it.
