Did you miss out on a stimulus payment during the pandemic? You’re not alone. More than 1 million Americans have yet to claim their Recovery Rebate Credit, which could mean up to $1,400 per person. The IRS has been issuing payments since late last year, but time is running out to claim what you’re owed. If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return, you may still be eligible—but you must act before the April 15 deadline.
Stimulus
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable credit for individuals who did not receive one or more of the Economic Impact Payments (EIP), also known as stimulus checks, during the pandemic. If you were eligible but never received the full amount, you can claim the credit when filing your 2021 tax return.
The IRS has been automatically sending payments to eligible taxpayers who did not previously claim the credit. These payments are either deposited directly into bank accounts or sent as paper checks. Taxpayers also receive a separate letter from the IRS confirming the payment.
Amount
The amount you could receive varies based on income, filing status, and other factors. However, the maximum payment is:
| Category | Maximum Payment |
|---|---|
| Individual | $1,400 |
| Married couple (filing jointly) | $2,800 |
| Each qualifying dependent | $1,400 |
The IRS estimates that the total payments being issued amount to approximately $2.4 billion.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit, you must meet the following criteria:
- You did not receive the full stimulus payment in 2021.
- You were a U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2021.
- You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You meet the income eligibility requirements.
Even if you had little or no income in 2021, you can still file a tax return and claim the credit.
Deadline
If you haven’t received your payment, you still have time—but the deadline is April 15, 2025. The IRS generally allows taxpayers up to three years to claim a refund or credit, which means that after this date, you won’t be able to recover any unpaid stimulus funds.
How to Claim
If you have not filed your 2021 tax return, here’s what you need to do:
- File your 2021 tax return – Even if you had no income, you must file to claim the credit.
- Use IRS Free File – If your income was below $73,000, you can file electronically for free using IRS Free File.
- Check your IRS account – Log in to your IRS account to see if you already received the stimulus payment.
- Submit your return before April 15 – Ensure your return is filed before the deadline to receive your credit.
If you’ve already filed and believe you were eligible but didn’t receive the payment, you may need to amend your return.
Many Americans are still missing out on this financial relief simply because they haven’t filed their 2021 tax return. If you or someone you know could be eligible, now is the time to act. Don’t leave money on the table—file your return and claim your Recovery Rebate Credit before it’s too late.
FAQs
What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
It’s a tax credit for those who didn’t receive full stimulus payments.
How much money can I get?
The maximum payment is $1,400 per person, including dependents.
What is the deadline to claim my stimulus payment?
The final deadline is April 15, 2025.
How do I claim my missing stimulus check?
You must file a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Can I file for the credit if I had no income?
Yes, even those with no income can file and claim the credit.
