The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set April 15 as the final day for eligible Americans to claim a $1,400 COVID-19 stimulus payment they may have missed. These payments were part of the American Rescue Plan rolled out in March 2021. The IRS estimates that nearly one million people are still owed this money as of the end of 2024. If you didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you could be one of them—and this is your last chance to file and receive the funds.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
The $1,400 stimulus check was the third round of Economic Impact Payments issued by the federal government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Passed under the American Rescue Plan, the payments were sent to help people recover from job losses, reduced income, and other financial hardships caused by the pandemic.
In total, the U.S. government distributed more than $400 billion through this program. Most eligible Americans received their payments automatically. But some people, especially those with low or no income, may have missed out if they didn’t file a tax return.
Who Can Still Claim the Stimulus Check?
The IRS says you may still be eligible for the $1,400 payment if:
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You did not receive the check in 2021.
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You were eligible but did not file a tax return for that year.
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Your income was too low to require a tax return, but you still needed to file to claim the stimulus.
Even if you made zero income in 2021, you can still claim the payment by filing a simple return.“Many people, including those who don’t normally file taxes, may have missed this payment simply because they didn’t submit a return,” the IRS explained in its official statement.
How to Claim the $1,400 Payment
To get the payment, you need to file a 2021 tax return or submit an amended return if you’ve already filed but didn’t claim the stimulus. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step:
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Visit IRS.gov and download Form 1040 for the year 2021.
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Fill out the form, even if your income was zero.
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Include the Recovery Rebate Credit to claim the $1,400.
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Submit the form by April 15, 2025.
Filing can be done by mail or online using a certified tax preparation tool. Some free options are available on the IRS Free File portal for those who qualify.
Why Some People Missed the Payment
Several reasons may explain why people didn’t receive their stimulus checks:
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They didn’t file a 2021 tax return.
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Their address or bank account changed and was not updated with the IRS.
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They were new filers, such as students or first-time workers.
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They didn’t know they were eligible, especially in households with mixed immigration statuses or nontraditional income sources.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you fail to file by April 15, 2025, you will lose your right to claim the $1,400 stimulus payment. The IRS has clearly stated that there will be no extensions or second chances to claim the check after the tax deadline.“We want to give everyone entitled to this money a final opportunity to get it,” the IRS said in a public statement.
Extra Time for Disaster-Affected Areas
If you live in a region covered by a federal disaster declaration, you might have more time to file. For example, residents in areas impacted by severe storms or wildfires may qualify for extended tax deadlines.
Don’t Miss Out: File Before April 15
This stimulus money could help cover food, rent, medical bills, or other urgent needs. If you or someone you know might qualify, now is the time to act. Filing your 2021 tax return is the only way to unlock this one-time payment.
