The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a reminder that eligible taxpayers can still apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit before the tax deadline on April 15, 2025. This credit is available for individuals who did not file their 2021 tax return and may qualify for a special refund of up to $1,400.
If you missed out on your Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) or received less than you were entitled to, there’s still time to claim it. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for this credit, you must:
- Have been eligible for an Economic Impact Payment in 2021 but did not receive it.
- Have not filed a 2021 tax return yet.
- File your 2021 federal tax return by April 15, 2025, to claim the credit.
- Have a valid Social Security number and meet IRS income requirements.
Even if you had low or no income in 2021, you can still qualify for the credit. The IRS advises taxpayers to check their online accounts to see if they are eligible.
Automatic Refund
The IRS identified nearly one million taxpayers who had not claimed this credit on their 2021 tax returns. To simplify the process, the IRS activated an automatic payment system for those who qualified, eliminating the need to file additional paperwork.
Here’s how these payments were processed:
- Taxpayers with a bank account on their 2023 tax return received their refund via direct deposit.
- Others received a paper check sent to the address on file with the IRS.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel confirmed in December 2024: “We are making sure these payments get automatically to those who need them, without them having to file an amended return.”
If you’re unsure whether you received your payment, you can check your IRS online account for more details.
How to Claim
If you did not receive a stimulus check or got less than you were entitled to, you may still be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 or 2021 federal tax return.
Steps
- Determine which tax year applies
- The first and second stimulus checks (2020 payments) require filing a 2020 tax return.
- The third stimulus check (2021 payment) requires filing a 2021 tax return.
- Access your IRS account online and check the “Economic Impact Payment Information” section under Tax Records.
- Review IRS notices sent to you about your stimulus payments
- Notice 1444: First stimulus check (2020 tax year).
- Notice 1444-B: Second stimulus check (2020 tax year).
- Notice 1444-C: Third stimulus check (2021 tax year).
- File your tax return before April 15, 2025, and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if you are eligible.
By following these steps, you can ensure you receive any missing stimulus funds before the deadline.
FAQs
Who can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit?
Taxpayers who missed their 2021 stimulus check or received less than expected.
What is the deadline to apply for the credit?
April 15, 2025, is the last day to file a 2021 tax return and claim the credit.
How much is the Recovery Rebate Credit worth?
Eligible taxpayers can receive up to $1,400, depending on their circumstances.
How do I check if I received my stimulus payment?
Log into your IRS online account and check the Economic Impact Payment section.
Do I need to file an amended return to claim the credit?
No, if you qualify for an automatic refund, the IRS will process it without an amended return.
