The IRS $1,400 stimulus check deadline is fast approaching, and more than 1 million eligible Americans still have time to claim their missing payments before April 15, 2025. This payment is tied to the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) and was part of the American Rescue Plan Act designed to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you never received the full $1,400 stimulus check or didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you may still be eligible—but time is running out. Below, we break down who qualifies, how to claim the payment, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
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Why the IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check Deadline Matters
The $1,400 stimulus payment was part of the third round of COVID-19 economic impact payments issued by the IRS in 2021. While most Americans received their checks automatically, millions of eligible people missed out due to:
- Filing errors
- A lack of awareness about the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit
- Not being required to file taxes due to low income
Now, the IRS is urging taxpayers who were eligible but never received their payment to file a 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025, in order to claim the funds.
Who Is Eligible for the IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check?
You may qualify for the IRS $1,400 stimulus check if:
- You had a valid Social Security number in 2021
- You were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- You did not receive the full $1,400 payment in 2021
- You did not file a 2021 tax return but were eligible to do so
The IRS has confirmed that even those with little or no income in 2021 can claim the credit, making it especially important for low-income individuals and retirees who rely on Social Security.
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How to Claim the IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check Before April 15
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
If you did not file a 2021 tax return or received less than the full $1,400 payment, you may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC).
Step 2: File a 2021 Tax Return
To claim the IRS $1,400 stimulus check, you must submit a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. Even if you normally don’t file taxes, you need to file a return to get the payment.
- You can file your return electronically or by mail
- The IRS Free File program allows eligible taxpayers to file at no cost
- IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are available for those who need help filing
Step 3: Receive Your Payment
Once your 2021 tax return is processed, the IRS will issue your missing stimulus payment via direct deposit or mailed check.
Why Some Americans Never Received the $1,400 Stimulus Check
According to the IRS, many eligible Americans missed out on the $1,400 stimulus check due to confusion over filing requirements.
Some common reasons include:
- Not filing taxes in 2021 because of low income or reliance on Social Security benefits
- Filing errors that left the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) field blank
- Thinking they were ineligible due to receiving past stimulus payments
To prevent losing out, the IRS has identified 1 million taxpayers who may still be eligible and is sending letters to notify them of their missing payment.
Other Pandemic-Era Tax Benefits You May Qualify For
By filing a 2021 tax return, you could also qualify for other financial relief programs, including:
- Child Tax Credit (CTC): Up to $3,600 per child for eligible families
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A credit for low-to-moderate-income workers
- Additional Recovery Rebate Credits: If you missed previous stimulus payments, you may still be able to claim them
Filing your 2021 tax return could result in a much larger refund than just the $1,400 stimulus check alone.
Expert Opinions on the IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check Deadline
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel
“The IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and help taxpayers. These payments are an example of our commitment to go the extra mile for taxpayers. Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible.”
Alex Beene, Financial Literacy Instructor
“While many Americans may be scratching their heads over stimulus checks being distributed in 2025, this is actually a very select group of taxpayers who were eligible in 2021 but failed to claim them. This goes back to mistakes in filing to the IRS that left around one million Americans without a $1,400 check four years ago.”
Lisa Perkins, UConn Law Tax Clinic Director
“Now that we are back in a COVID-type period, where tariffs loom and prices for essentials like food and personal care are soaring, an extra $1,400 can make an enormous difference, particularly for individuals and families who are already food insecure.”
What Happens If You Miss the IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check Deadline?
The April 15, 2025, deadline marks the final opportunity to claim the $1,400 stimulus check under the Recovery Rebate Credit.
If you fail to file your 2021 tax return before this date, you will forfeit the payment.
After April 15, the IRS will no longer issue these stimulus payments, meaning you could permanently lose out on your $1,400 credit.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the IRS $1,400 Stimulus Check Deadline
With over $2.4 billion in unclaimed stimulus payments, the IRS is strongly encouraging taxpayers to file their 2021 tax returns before April 15, 2025, to claim their missing $1,400 stimulus check.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS $1,400 stimulus check deadline is April 15, 2025
- More than 1 million eligible Americans still haven’t claimed their payment
- Even if you had little or no income in 2021, you can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
- Filing a 2021 tax return may also qualify you for other tax credits
- If you miss the April 15 deadline, you forfeit your $1,400 payment
If you think you’re eligible, act now to file your 2021 tax return before it’s too late. Visit the IRS website or a Taxpayer Assistance Center to get started today.