The IRS is urging Americans to act quickly as the clock is ticking to claim unclaimed stimulus payments from the COVID-19 relief programs.
With over $1 billion in Economic Impact Payments—better known as stimulus checks—still unclaimed, now is the time to take action.
Who Still Qualifies for Stimulus Checks?
Despite the widespread distribution of stimulus checks during the pandemic, millions of eligible Americans have still not received their payments. The IRS has confirmed that many individuals missed out on these payments due to a few common reasons:
- Not filing a tax return during the pandemic.
- Changes in address or bank account that the IRS wasn’t aware of.
- Believing they were ineligible for the payments.
If you earned less than the standard filing threshold in 2020 or 2021, you may still be entitled to receive a payment. The amount of the payment could range from $1,200 600 to $1,400, depending on your eligibility and prior receipt.
Filing Deadline to Claim Missing Payments
To receive any unclaimed stimulus checks, you must file a 2021 tax return by May 17, 2025. This is the final deadline under IRS guidelines for individuals to claim any missed payments from previous years.
The IRS emphasizes that you must file a 2021 tax return to claim any unreceived payments. It is not possible to receive the payments unless you submit a return, either online or by mail.
How to File if You Haven’t Yet?
If you have not yet filed your 2021 tax return, here’s what you need to do:
- Use IRS Free File: Visit irs.gov to access IRS Free File, which provides an easy way to file your 2021 tax return online without incurring fees.
- Select “Recovery Rebate Credit”: When prompted during the filing process, make sure you select “Recovery Rebate Credit.” This will allow you to claim the unclaimed stimulus checks.
- Submit Your Return Electronically: Make sure to file your tax return before the May 17, 2025, deadline. This can be done online through the IRS Free File system.
How to Check if You’ve Already Received Your Payment?
If you’re unsure whether you received all the stimulus payments you were eligible for, there are a couple of ways to check:
- IRS Online Account: Log in to your IRS Online Account to view your payment history and confirm whether you received any stimulus checks.
- IRS Notice Letters: The IRS also sent notices to individuals confirming the amounts of their payments. Look for IRS Notice 1444, 1444-B, or 1444-C, which should list the stimulus payments that were issued to you.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
The IRS has reported that the average unclaimed amount is over $900 per person. For some households, that could amount to more than $3,000 when filing as a family.
This money is available to help support your financial well-being, and it’s important to take advantage of it before the deadline passes.
Additional Benefits You Might Qualify For
Filing your 2021 tax return not only allows you to claim any unreceived stimulus payments, but it could also unlock additional benefits:
- Child Tax Credit (CTC): If you have children, you may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child under the Child Tax Credit for 2021. This credit can be claimed for children under the age of 18 and could provide significant relief for families.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): This credit can also help lower-income working families get money back from the IRS. The EITC could add hundreds to your refund, depending on your earnings and family situation.
- Missed Tax Refunds for 2021: If you filed your taxes in 2021 but didn’t receive the full refund you were entitled to, filing the Recovery Rebate Credit form can help correct that.
Final Reminder: Act Now
The clock is ticking. The final deadline to claim any unreceived stimulus payments is May 17, 2025. After this date, the IRS will not reissue any payments. If you fail to file by this deadline, you will lose the chance to access this money permanently.
Filing your return is your only chance to claim the funds you may be missing. Don’t wait until it’s too late. The IRS is not likely to extend the deadline, so make sure you act before May 17, 2025.
Take Action Now
If you’re eligible for missing stimulus checks, make sure to file your 2021 tax return today to claim the funds you deserve.
You can file online quickly and easily using IRS Free File, and the process is simple. Don’t let this opportunity slip away—ensure you get all the financial relief you are entitled to.