Millions of Americans received financial support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government distributed three rounds of economic impact payments to help individuals and families cope with financial challenges. The third and final round provided up to $1,400 per individual under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. While most eligible Americans received this payment, over 1 million eligible individuals have not—and the final deadline to claim it is almost here.
If you haven’t received your third stimulus check, April 15, 2025, is the last day to claim it by filing a 2021 tax return. After this date, the funds will be forfeited and returned to the U.S. Treasury.
Why Are the $1,400 Stimulus Checks Still Available in 2025?
Although the third stimulus payment was issued in 2021, many individuals didn’t file a tax return or made errors in their filings. As a result, the IRS could not automatically issue payments to them.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Stimulus Check Amount | $1,400 per eligible individual |
| Last Date to Claim | April 15, 2025 |
| How to Claim | File a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (Line 30) |
| Eligibility | Income ≤ $75K (single), $150K (couples), $112.5K (head of household) |
| Reason for Missing Payment | Didn’t file or didn’t claim the credit properly |
| IRS Automatic Payments | Issued in late 2024 for prior filers who missed the credit |
| Non-Filers | Must file a 2021 return before April 15, 2025 |
According to recent IRS data, over 1.1 million Americans still qualify for the check. More than $1 billion in stimulus payments remains unclaimed.
Who Was Eligible for the Third Stimulus Check?
The third stimulus payment came with income limits that were stricter than previous rounds:
| Filing Status | Full $1,400 Payment | Phases Out Completely At |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to $75,000 | $80,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Up to $150,000 | $160,000 |
| Head of Household | Up to $112,500 | $120,000 |
Additional Eligibility Guidelines:
- Dependents, including adult dependents and college students, were included.
- Eligibility was based on 2021 tax return data.
- Non-filers must file to qualify.
Why Some Americans Missed the 2021 Stimulus Payment
Common reasons for missing the payment include:
- Not filing a 2021 tax return: Some believed they didn’t need to file due to low income, but filing was required to receive the stimulus.
- Not claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit: If Line 30 of Form 1040 was left blank, the credit wasn’t issued.
- Incorrect personal information: Errors like wrong Social Security Numbers or missing income details caused delays or rejection.
How the IRS Issued Automatic Payments in 2024
In December 2024, the IRS reviewed past tax filings and identified around 1 million individuals who had filed but forgot to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. For these people:
- Automatic payments of up to $1,400 were issued via direct deposit or mailed checks.
- Most payments were completed by January 2025.
- Notification letters were sent to explain the payment.
However, this only applied to people who filed a 2021 return. Non-filers must still act.
How to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Before April 15, 2025
If you believe you qualify and haven’t received the payment, here’s what to do:
- Download IRS Form 1040 (2021) from irs.gov
- Fill out the form and include the Recovery Rebate Credit on Line 30
- Mail your completed return to the appropriate IRS address
- Use certified mail with tracking if submitting by post
- Date and send your return no later than April 15, 2025
✅ Even if you had no income in 2021, you can still file and receive the credit.
Why the April 15, 2025 Deadline Matters for Stimulus Eligibility
The IRS allows a 3-year window from the original tax due date to claim a refund. After this period:
- You forfeit your $1,400 stimulus
- You also lose any potential tax refund
- You may miss out on other credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Your $1,400 Stimulus Check
The $1,400 stimulus payment was a vital support during the pandemic. If you missed out, April 15, 2025, is your final chance to file and claim it. With over $1 billion unclaimed, make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
| Homepage | sleepauthorities.com |
📌 File today and claim your share before it’s too late.
FAQs: $1,400 Stimulus Payment Claims in 2025
You are still eligible. Filing a 2021 return is required to claim the credit.
The IRS will issue a direct deposit or a paper check based on the bank information you provide.
Yes. U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad can still claim the stimulus by filing a 2021 return before the deadline.
