A Final Chance for Cash
Millions of Americans could still claim a $1,400 stimulus check from the IRS, but time is running out. This payment, part of the 2021 Economic Impact Payments to help people during the Covid-19 pandemic, was meant to ease money worries. Many didn’t get it because they didn’t file a 2021 tax return. The IRS says you can still claim this money, called the Recovery Rebate Credit, by filing your 2021 taxes before a new deadline in June 2025. With bills piling up, this cash could be a big help. Here’s how to check if you qualify and what to do next.
Why Some Missed the Payment
During 2021, the U.S. government sent out three rounds of stimulus checks. The third round gave up to $1,400 per person, $2,800 for married couples, and up to $5,600 for a family of four. You needed to file a 2021 tax return to get it, but some people didn’t because their income was too low or they weren’t required to file. Others left the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or put $0 on their return. The IRS tried to fix this by mailing $2.4 billion in special payments to one million people in January 2025, but many are still missing out. If you didn’t get your check, you’ve got until June to claim it.
Who Can Get the $1,400?
To qualify for the full $1,400, your 2021 adjusted gross income must be $75,000 or less if you’re single, or $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly. The amount drops if your income is higher, and you get nothing if you earn over $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (couples). Here’s what else matters:
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You didn’t file a 2021 tax return but were eligible for the stimulus.
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You filed in 2021 but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
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You’re a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a Social Security number.
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Dependents, like children, may qualify for $1,400 each if claimed on a return.
Even if you had no income in 2021, you could still get the credit. Check your IRS online account to see if you received the payment already.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | Up to $1,400 per person |
| Income Limit (Full) | $75,000 (single), $150,000 (couples) |
| Deadline | June 17, 2025 |
| How to Claim | File 2021 tax return |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or mailed check |
How to Claim Your Money
To get the $1,400, you need to file a 2021 tax return, even if you didn’t owe taxes or had no income. You can do this online through IRS Free File, which is open until June 17, 2025, or use tax software like TurboTax. Include the Recovery Rebate Credit on your return check Line 30 of Form 1040. If you don’t have your 2021 income details, get a free IRS transcript online or by mail. Set up an IRS online account to track your payment status. Once filed, the IRS will send the money by direct deposit (using your 2024 return’s bank details) or mail a check. Act fast—after June 17, unclaimed money goes back to the U.S. Treasury.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
If you don’t file by June 17, 2025, you’ll lose your chance to claim the $1,400. The IRS gives three years to claim refunds or credits, and this deadline was extended from April due to processing delays. If you think you got the payment but never received it (like a lost check), contact the IRS before the deadline to trace it. For other help, try the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for free tax prep if your income is under $60,000. If you’re struggling with bills, check state or local programs for support, like utility bill assistance. Posts on X mention some states offering extra relief, but stick to IRS.gov for trusted info to avoid scams.
Don’t Let This Cash Slip Away
The $1,400 stimulus check could be a lifeline for many, but you need to act now. Whether you missed filing in 2021 or didn’t claim the credit, filing a quick tax return could put money in your pocket. With the June 17 deadline looming, it’s worth checking if you’re owed cash. Create an IRS online account, gather your 2021 info, and file before it’s too late. This payment was meant to help during tough times, and it’s not too late to claim what’s yours. Don’t let $1,400—or more for families—go back to the Treasury. Get started today and see if this cash boost is waiting for you.
