Many Americans may not know that they can still get their $1,400 stimulus check from the COVID-19 pandemic. If you didn’t get this money, there’s still time to claim it—but you must act fast. The IRS has set a deadline of April 15, 2025 to file your 2021 tax return and receive the payment. This article will explain who can still get the $1,400 check, how to qualify, and what steps you need to take before the deadline.
Who Can Still Get the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
If you missed the third and final stimulus payment in 2021, you might still be able to get it. This money comes from the Recovery Rebate Credit under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
To qualify:
- You must not have filed a 2021 tax return, or
- You filed, but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
- You were a U.S. resident in 2021
- You had a valid Social Security number
- You were not listed as a dependent on someone else’s 2021 tax return
Even if you had very little or no income in 2021, you can still file and get this money.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The full payment is $1,400 per person. So if you are single, you can get $1,400. If you are married and file jointly, you and your spouse can get $2,800 together, plus $1,400 for each eligible child.
But you’ll only get the full amount if your income in 2021 was:
- $75,000 or less for single filers
- $150,000 or less for married couples who filed together
If your income was higher than this, the payment gets smaller and may go down to $0.
Why Haven’t Some People Gotten Their Payment?
Most Americans got their stimulus checks in 2020 and 2021 during three rounds of payments. But some people didn’t file their taxes in 2021, and that means the IRS didn’t know they were eligible.
In December, the IRS started sending out $2.4 billion to people who hadn’t yet claimed their Recovery Rebate Credit. But more than one million people still haven’t filed and claimed their money.
How Do You Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check Now?
To claim the check:
- File your 2021 tax return as soon as possible
- Make sure to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
- File before the April 15, 2025 deadline
If you qualify, the IRS will either send you a check in the mail or make a direct deposit into your bank account. If you used direct deposit in your 2023 tax return, that info may be used again.
You can file your taxes yourself using free tools on the IRS website, or get help from a tax preparer.
What If I Don’t File by the Deadline?
The IRS gives you three years to claim a refund from a tax return. That means April 15, 2025 is the final date to file your 2021 taxes and still get your stimulus money.
If you miss the deadline, you won’t get the payment. The IRS says there will be no extensions and no automatic checks sent out.
So if you think you qualify, now is the time to act!
What to Do If You’re Not Sure You Got the $1,400 Payment
Not sure if you received the third stimulus check? You can:
- Check your IRS online account
- Look at IRS Letter 6475 (if you got one in early 2022)
- Review your bank statements or past tax records
This can help you figure out if you already received the money or need to claim it now.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out on Money You Deserve
If you didn’t file your 2021 tax return or missed the $1,400 stimulus payment, you still have a chance to get it. Just file your return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit before April 15, 2025. It’s your money, and it’s not too late—but you must act quickly. Even if you had low or no income in 2021, you may still be eligible. Visit the IRS website for help or file online for free. Don’t leave money sitting on the table—file your taxes and claim what’s yours today!
FAQ’s
Can I still get the $1,400 stimulus if I didn’t work in 2021?
Yes! Even if you had no income in 2021, you can still qualify. You just need to file a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
What if I was claimed as a dependent in 2021?
If someone else claimed you as a dependent in 2021, you can’t get your own stimulus check. But if you’re no longer a dependent now, that doesn’t change your 2021 status.
Will I get the money right away after I file?
It depends. Once your return is processed, the IRS will send your payment by mail or direct deposit. It can take a few weeks.
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