If you missed out on your 2021 stimulus payment or other tax credits, time is almost up. The IRS has made it clear: April 15, 2025 is the final deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim any remaining money from the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP 3), along with other valuable tax credits. After this date, any unclaimed funds will revert to the U.S. Treasury — and there’s no getting it back.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure you don’t miss out.
Why April 15, 2025 Matters
The IRS allows a three-year window to file past-year returns and claim refunds. For the 2021 tax year, that three-year clock runs out on April 15, 2025.
What you could lose if you don’t act:
- The $1,400 stimulus check per eligible individual
- Refunds from overpaid 2021 taxes
- Valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Important: Once the deadline passes, any unclaimed refund becomes the property of the U.S. government.
What’s at Stake?
| Credit/Refund Type | Maximum Value | Claim Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Third Stimulus (EIP 3) | $1,400 per person | April 15, 2025 |
| Recovery Rebate Credit | Based on eligibility | April 15, 2025 |
| Earned Income Tax Credit | Up to $6,728 | April 15, 2025 |
| Child Tax Credit | Up to $3,600 per child | April 15, 2025 |
If you missed the third stimulus check—or only received a partial payment—you must file a 2021 return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit to get the full amount.
Who Is Most at Risk of Missing Out?
- Low-income individuals who weren’t required to file taxes in 2021
- Those who didn’t realize they qualified for stimulus payments
- People who moved and didn’t update their IRS information
- Partial stimulus recipients who never filed to claim the difference
Many Americans may not even realize they’re eligible. Filing now is the only way to claim what’s owed.
How to File and Claim Your Money
Filing a 2021 tax return, even if you had no income, can put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back in your pocket.
Steps to File:
- Gather Necessary Documents:
- W-2s, 1099s, or other income records
- Documentation of previous stimulus payments, if available
- Choose a Filing Method:
- Online: Use the IRS Free File program if eligible.
- Download Forms: Get Form 1040 for 2021 from IRS.gov.
- Phone Request: Call 800-TAX-FORM for paper forms.
- In-person Help: Visit your local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site if you qualify.
- Submit Before April 15, 2025.
Tip:
Ask your former employer or bank for any missing W-2s or 1099s if needed.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
- You permanently lose any refund, stimulus money, or credits owed.
- No appeals, no extensions — the IRS is not obligated to send you the money after the deadline.
- The funds revert to the U.S. Treasury permanently.
FAQs
Q1: What is the final day to claim 2021 refunds?
A: April 15, 2025.
Q2: Can I still get my third stimulus payment?
A: Yes, but only by filing your 2021 tax return before the April 15, 2025 deadline.
Q3: What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
A: A tax credit for those who missed part or all of the third stimulus check.
Q4: Who is most at risk of missing out?
A: Low-income earners, non-filers, and people unaware they were eligible for the stimulus.
Q5: What happens if I miss the deadline?
A: You forfeit any refund or credit money owed for 2021 — it cannot be reclaimed later.
