Over 1.1 million Americans are missing out on a combined $1 billion in unclaimed IRS stimulus checks and 2021 tax refunds. This includes the $1,400 third-round stimulus check distributed as part of pandemic relief efforts. The deadline to claim these funds is approaching fast—April 15, 2025.
If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, now is the time to act. This article explains how to claim your $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit and other valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).
What Is the $1 Billion in Unclaimed IRS Stimulus Checks?
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government passed several emergency stimulus packages to help Americans stay financially stable. The third round of stimulus payments, authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act, offered $1,400 per person, including children and adult dependents.
While many people received these payments automatically, others did not. Reasons for missing out include:
Individuals with income too low to trigger a tax filing requirement.
People who changed addresses or bank account details and didn’t update the IRS.
People who didn’t know they were eligible or feared filing with the IRS.
The IRS has now alerted those who missed their payments that they have until April 15, 2025, to file their 2021 tax return. If you don’t file by that date, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury, and you can no longer claim it.
Are You Eligible for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit?
To claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. You may qualify if:
- You didn’t receive the third stimulus payment in 2021 (or received less than you were eligible for).
- You did not file a 2021 federal tax return.
- You had a valid Social Security number (SSN) in 2021.
- You were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.
- Your income fell within the following limits in 2021:
- Single: Up to $75,000
- Married Filing Jointly: Up to $150,000
- Head of Household: Up to $112,500
The amount of the Recovery Rebate Credit phases out above these income thresholds:
Single: Eliminated at $80,000
Married Filing Jointly: Eliminated at $160,000
Head of Household: Eliminated at $120,000
Even if you received some of the stimulus check, you can still claim the difference if you were owed more.
How to Claim Your Missing IRS Stimulus Check
If you believe you’re eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need to gather several important documents to file your 2021 return, including:
Identification documents and your Social Security number (or ITIN).
W-2 or 1099 forms for 2021 (if applicable).
Bank account information for direct deposit (if you want your refund faster).
Step 2: File Your 2021 Tax Return
You can file your 2021 tax return using tax preparation software or by submitting a paper return using Form 1040. Make sure to:
Select the correct filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household).
Enter any dependent information if applicable.
Double-check your Social Security number to avoid mistakes.
Step 3: Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
In your tax return, you’ll need to complete the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet. This will calculate how much of the third stimulus check you are owed. The IRS will then verify your eligibility and issue your refund accordingly.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
The absolute deadline to file your 2021 return is April 15, 2025. If you miss this date, you will lose the opportunity to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and other refunds you are entitled to.
Additional Tax Credits You Could Receive
By filing your 2021 return, you may also be eligible for other tax credits that can significantly boost your refund. These include:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Worth up to $6,728 for 2021, for low-to-moderate-income workers.
Child Tax Credit (CTC): Up to $3,600 per child under age 6 and up to $3,000 per child ages 6–17.
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC): For those who don’t qualify for the full CTC due to low income.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): Worth up to $2,500 per student for qualified education expenses.
Even if you had no income, you could still qualify for these credits and receive a refund.
Why Haven’t Many People Filed?
Many taxpayers who qualify for these refunds haven’t filed due to common reasons, including:
Unaware of eligibility: Some assumed they didn’t qualify due to low income or part-time work.
No tax filing requirement: Individuals who earn below the minimum threshold often skip filing altogether.
Homelessness or housing instability: Makes it difficult to receive IRS mail.
Immigrant or mixed-status households: Some did not realize certain family members could qualify.
Fear of penalties: Some are afraid of owing money or facing audits, but filing for a refund does not trigger penalties.
Real-Life Example: How Anna Claimed Her Payment
Anna, a single mom in Ohio, didn’t earn any income in 2021 and assumed she wasn’t eligible for stimulus or other tax benefits. After hearing a local news report about unclaimed payments, she visited the IRS Free File website and submitted her 2021 return.
To her surprise, Anna qualified for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate and an additional $3,600 in Child Tax Credits. She received nearly $5,000 within six weeks, money that helped her pay off bills and support her son.
Where to Get Free Help Filing
If you need help filing your 2021 tax return, there are several free resources available:
IRS Free File: Available for anyone with income under $73,000. This option includes partner software that walks you through the return process.
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Offers free in-person help for low-income individuals, those with disabilities, or limited English proficiency.
TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly): Offers free help to seniors aged 60 and older.
Nonprofit Assistance: Groups like United Way, AARP, and local community centers often host free tax clinics.
Use the IRS locator tool to find the nearest free filing location or assistance center.
There is over $1 billion in unclaimed stimulus checks and tax refunds waiting to be claimed, and many Americans are missing out. By filing your 2021 tax return before the April 15, 2025, deadline, you can claim your $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit and potentially thousands of dollars in other tax credits.
Don’t let confusion or fear prevent you from claiming what’s rightfully yours. File now, and make sure you don’t miss out on these valuable refunds.
