Millions of Americans still feel the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2025. In a recent public notice, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urged eligible Americans to claim unreceived stimulus checks distributed during the pandemic. If you missed one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) from 2020 or 2021, you may be able to recover up to $1,400 per person through the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC).
Important: April 15, 2025, is the final deadline to submit your 2021 tax return and claim any missed stimulus money.
What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable tax credit for those who did not receive some or all of the stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The payments—authorized in 2020 and 2021—were intended to provide relief during economic uncertainty.
| Topic | Key Information |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) |
| Purpose | To claim missed stimulus checks |
| Maximum Payment | $1,400 per eligible person |
| Deadline to File | April 15, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Individuals who didn’t receive checks or didn’t file in 2021 |
| Filing Requirement | Must file a 2021 tax return |
| Payment Methods | Direct deposit or mailed check |
You may be eligible if:
- You didn’t file a 2021 tax return
- You left the RRC section of your return blank or entered $0 unknowingly
- Your income or dependency status changed, making you newly eligible
Each eligible individual could receive up to $1,400.
April 15, 2025: The Final Deadline to Claim Your Stimulus
The IRS has made it clear that April 15, 2025, is the absolute last date to file a 2021 tax return for claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you do not file by this date, you permanently lose the right to collect the missed payment.
Those who received IRS letters or notices should take action quickly. Once processed, payments will be issued via direct deposit (if banking info is on file) or paper check.
After April 15, the IRS will not accept any additional 2021 tax filings for the RRC.
Who Is Still Eligible for the Stimulus?
The IRS estimates that over 1 million Americans are still eligible for unclaimed stimulus money, especially among:
- Low-income workers not required to file taxes in 2021
- College students who were no longer dependents in 2021
- Recently unhoused individuals
If any of these apply to you, review your 2021 tax status and act fast.
Ohio: Nearly 40,000 Taxpayers Could Get a Refund
In Ohio, approximately 40,000 residents are potentially eligible for unclaimed 2021 refunds. While not all may relate directly to stimulus funds, some may qualify under the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- The average refund is estimated at $762
- Check your IRS account or mailed notices to determine your status
- Filing may also unlock other unclaimed tax benefits
Alaska: Don’t Miss the $1,702 PFD Payment
In Alaska, residents have another major payment to look forward to: the 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) of $1,702, an increase from $1,312 last year.
- Not a federal stimulus, but an annual payout from the state’s oil and gas earnings
- Application window: January 1 to March 31, 2025
- If you missed the deadline, you must wait until 2026
- On-time applicants should receive their PFD later in the year
Visit pfd.alaska.gov for application and payment status.
How Will You Receive Your Stimulus or Refund Payment?
If eligible and you file your 2021 return by April 15, 2025, the IRS will issue your payment:
- 💳 Via direct deposit, if banking details are on file
- 📨 By paper check, mailed to your last known address
To avoid delays:
- Update your mailing and banking info with the IRS
- Log into your IRS account to track progress
- Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool for status updates
Tip: E-filing is the fastest and safest way to get your refund.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table
While pandemic-era stimulus checks may seem like a thing of the past, many Americans still have money waiting to be claimed in 2025. Whether you’re in Ohio, Alaska, or elsewhere, this is your last chance to collect missed payments.
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✅ Act now by filing your 2021 tax return before the April 15 deadline and secure any stimulus funds still available to you.
FAQs
Yes. You can receive up to $1,400 per person by filing a 2021 tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit by April 15, 2025.
You must file a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to be eligible for unclaimed stimulus payments.
Log into your IRS account, review IRS letters, or use tax filing software to check for Recovery Rebate Credit eligibility for 2021.
