If you missed out on your $1,400 stimulus check from 2021, there’s still a way to get it—but the clock is ticking. The IRS is giving a final push to remind over one million Americans that they may still qualify for this payment through the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC). The catch? You’ve got to file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025.
Here’s everything you need to know to claim what’s rightfully yours.
Table of Contents
Background
The $1,400 stimulus check was part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments, issued under the American Rescue Plan during the pandemic in 2021. Most people got the money automatically. But thousands missed out—some didn’t file taxes, others made errors, and many simply didn’t know they were eligible.
The IRS is now offering a second chance to those who never received the payment or received less than they were owed. If this sounds like you, don’t wait. This opportunity ends soon.
Reason
So why did some people miss the payment? The IRS found common issues like:
- Failing to file a 2021 tax return
- Believing they weren’t eligible
- Income based solely on non-taxable sources like Social Security
- Incorrectly entering $0 in the Recovery Rebate Credit section
Basically, if you relied on benefits like SSI, SSDI, or VA compensation and thought you didn’t need to file taxes—you may have left money on the table.
Eligibility
To claim the $1,400 stimulus through the Recovery Rebate Credit, you must meet these criteria:
- You didn’t receive the full third stimulus payment in 2021
- You haven’t filed a 2021 tax return or filed one without claiming the RRC
- You had a valid Social Security number in 2021
- You were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
Even if you had little or no income that year, you can still qualify. The IRS allows low-income or no-income individuals to claim the credit, as long as they meet the basic eligibility rules.
Deadline
The magic date to remember here is April 15, 2025. That’s the last day to file your 2021 tax return and still claim the $1,400 through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
This is a hard deadline, so there are no extensions. If you don’t file by then, the money disappears for good.
How
You’ve got a few simple ways to file:
- IRS Free File: Available for those earning less than $73,000 annually
- Download and mail Form 1040: If you prefer the traditional route
- Use tax prep software or a professional: Quick and convenient
Once filed, the IRS will process your return and issue the payment—usually through direct deposit if you provide your banking info, or by mail otherwise.
Here’s a quick table for reference:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Check eligibility | Must meet IRS criteria for 2021 RRC |
| File your 2021 return | Do this before April 15, 2025 |
| Use IRS Free File | If income under $73,000 |
| Track your refund | Use IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool |
This could be one of the easiest $1,400 you ever receive—if you act in time.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $1,400 payment?
Anyone who didn’t get the full 2021 stimulus and meets IRS criteria.
Do I need income to qualify?
No, you can have little or no income and still qualify.
When is the deadline to file?
You must file your 2021 return by April 15, 2025.
Can I file my 2021 taxes for free?
Yes, use IRS Free File if your income was under $73,000.
How will I get the payment?
Through direct deposit or mail after your return is processed.
