Final Call: Claim Your $1,400 Final Call: Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check by April 15

Final Call: Claim Your $1,400 Millions Still Haven’t Claimed Their $1,400 Stimulus Payment

The IRS has issued a final warning: more than 1.1 million Americans may still be eligible for $1,400 stimulus checks issued in 2021—but the window to claim them is closing fast. If you didn’t file a federal tax return for that year, you could be leaving money on the table.

The deadline to file and claim the payment is April 15, 2025. After that, any unclaimed funds will revert to the U.S. Treasury. This is your last chance.

Who Qualifies for the 2021 Stimulus Payment?

Eligibility for the third round of Economic Impact Payments is based on your income and filing status from 2021:

Single filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less received the full $1,400.
Married couples filing jointly were eligible if their combined AGI was $150,000 or less.
Heads of household qualified with an AGI up to $112,500.

If your income exceeded these limits, your payment may have been reduced or phased out entirely. However, many people who didn’t realize they qualified—or didn’t file at all—can still claim what’s owed to them through the IRS’s Recovery Rebate Credit.

How to Claim Your Check Before the Deadline

Claiming your payment is straightforward, even if you haven’t filed taxes recently. Here’s what to do:

File a 2021 tax return: This is required even if you had no income or weren’t typically required to file.
Use the Recovery Rebate Credit: This is how you officially request your missing stimulus payment.
Submit by April 15, 2025: Your return must be filed electronically or postmarked by this date.

After filing, you’ll receive the money through a refund, typically within a few weeks.

Extra Bonus: Check for the Earned Income Tax Credit

While you’re at it, you might also be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), especially if you had low to moderate income in 2021. This credit can be worth up to $6,728, depending on your family size and earnings.

Even if you’re not owed a stimulus payment, filing could still put money in your pocket through other credits.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

After April 15, 2025, the IRS will no longer issue payments for this round of stimulus checks. That means any unclaimed funds go back to the government, and you lose your right to claim them.

If you’re unsure whether you received the payment or qualified for it, filing a 2021 tax return is the safest way to find out and ensure you don’t miss out.

Need Help Filing?

The IRS offers free filing services for those with limited income through programs like Free File, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly). Local libraries and community centers often host free tax prep clinics as the deadline approaches.

Don’t wait until the last minute—these resources can get busy fast.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table

With over a billion dollars still unclaimed, millions of Americans could benefit from a last-minute tax return. Whether you missed the original filing or didn’t know you were eligible, the April 15, 2025 deadline is your final opportunity to claim your $1,400 stimulus check from 2021.

Take 30 minutes to file. It could be the most profitable half-hour of your year.