Did you know over 1.1 million Americans are owed a slice of more than $1 billion in unclaimed stimulus checks and tax refunds? The IRS recently issued a reminder that if you didn’t file a 2021 federal tax return, you could be missing out on the $1,400 third-round stimulus check—and time is running out.
The deadline to claim these funds is May 1, 2025. After that, the money goes back to the U.S. Treasury, and it’s gone for good. If you’re a part-time worker, student, retiree, or low-income earner who didn’t think you needed to file, this guide explains how to claim your check and what other credits may be waiting for you.
Contents
Overview
Here’s a quick breakdown of the unclaimed stimulus situation:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount Unclaimed | Over $1 billion |
| Affected Individuals | 1.1 million+ taxpayers |
| Key Payment | $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit (third stimulus) |
| Deadline to File | May 01, 2025 |
| Income Limits | $75K (single), $150K (married), $112.5K (head of household) |
| Claiming Method | File a 2021 tax return |
| Free Filing Options | IRS Free File (under $73,000 income) |
| Other Available Credits | EITC, CTC, ACTC, AOTC |
Why the Money Is Still Unclaimed
Back in 2021, the third stimulus payment—$1,400 per person—was rolled out as part of the American Rescue Plan. While most people received it automatically, many did not, especially:
- Individuals with little to no income
- Students and part-time workers
- Seniors on fixed incomes
- People with unstable housing or banking info
In many cases, these individuals didn’t file taxes and had no idea they qualified. The IRS wants those people to know—it’s not too late, but it soon will be.
Who Can Still Get the $1,400 Check?
To qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit (the official name of the third stimulus), you must:
- Not have received the full $1,400 in 2021
- Not have filed a 2021 federal tax return
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
- Earn less than the following in 2021:
| Filing Status | Full Payment Income Limit | Phase-Out Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | $80,000 |
| Married Filing Joint | $150,000 | $160,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | $120,000 |
If you got some but not all of the $1,400 in 2021, you can still claim the rest.
How to Claim Your Stimulus Check
You’ll need:
- SSN or ITIN
- Any income forms (W-2, 1099)
- Bank account info for direct deposit
Even if you had no income, you can still file.
File a 2021 Tax Return
Use IRS Free File if your income was under $73,000. Select the correct filing status, add any dependents, and be sure to:
- Locate the Recovery Rebate Credit section
- Use the worksheet to calculate your eligible amount
- Double-check everything before submitting
File Before May 1, 2025
This is a hard deadline. After that, you lose your right to claim the payment.
Other Credits You Could Get
When you file a 2021 return, you may also qualify for these refundable credits—even if you didn’t work:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Up to $6,728
- For low- to moderate-income workers
- Based on earned income and number of dependents
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Up to $3,600 per child under 6
- Up to $3,000 per child ages 6–17
- Refundable for non-filers
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
- For those who don’t get the full CTC due to income
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
- Up to $2,500 per eligible student for education costs
These credits can add up fast—some people could receive thousands in refunds.
Why So Many Haven’t Filed
Some common reasons people miss out:
- Didn’t know they were eligible
- Didn’t have to file taxes
- Moved or lacked a permanent address
- Feared back taxes or penalties
- Didn’t trust the system or process
But if you’re owed a refund, there’s no penalty and no reason to be afraid. The IRS doesn’t charge or fine people for claiming money they’re entitled to.
Real-Life Example
Anna, a young single mom from Ohio, didn’t work in 2021 and thought she didn’t qualify. She learned about the deadline from a news report and filed her 2021 tax return for free.
She ended up getting a $1,400 stimulus check, plus $3,600 in Child Tax Credits—a total of $5,000. That money helped her catch up on rent and buy school supplies for her son.
Need Help Filing?
Here are free ways to get help:
- IRS Free File: IRS.gov/freefile
- VITA Program: Free in-person tax prep for eligible people
- TCE Program: Help for seniors 60+
- Community Programs: United Way, AARP, and local nonprofits offer clinics
Use the IRS locator tool to find help near you.
FAQs
When is the deadline to claim the $1,400 stimulus?
You must file your 2021 tax return by May 1, 2025.
Can I get the stimulus if I had no income?
Yes, even if you had zero income, you can file and claim it.
How much can I get with other tax credits?
You could receive thousands more from EITC, CTC, and AOTC.
Where can I file for free?
Use IRS Free File or get help at a VITA/TCE site near you.
What if I already got part of the $1,400?
You can claim the difference by filing your 2021 tax return.
