Up to $1,400 in Stimulus Funds Remain Unclaimed as IRS Filing Window Closes Soon!

The IRS has announced that many Americans may still be able to claim a $1,400 stimulus check, but the deadline to apply is approaching fast. This money is from the third round of Economic Impact Payments under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

If you didn’t get this payment earlier or think you received less than you were eligible for, now is the time to take action. This article explains everything in simple terms—who is eligible, how to apply, and what to do before the IRS deadline.

What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check About

Back in 2021, the U.S. government issued a third stimulus payment of up to $1,400 per eligible individual to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most people received their payments automatically, some missed out due to various reasons—such as not filing taxes, not updating personal information with the IRS, or having lower income in 2021.

If you didn’t get this payment, you may still be eligible to receive it through the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a tax return.

What Is the Deadline to Claim the Stimulus Check

The final date to file your 2021 tax return and claim this payment is July 15, 2025.

This deadline is important because the IRS allows taxpayers up to three years from the original filing due date to submit a return and still receive any refund or credit owed. If you miss this deadline, you lose the money permanently.

Who Is Eligible to Receive the $1,400 Payment

You may qualify for the stimulus check if:

• You did not file a 2021 tax return
• You did not receive the third stimulus check in 2021
• Your 2021 income was:
  • $75,000 or less for individuals
  • $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
  • $112,500 or less for heads of household
• You had a new child in 2021 who was not listed on previous tax filings

Even people with no income or low income who normally don’t file taxes can apply—but they must submit a return to claim the credit.

How to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check

If you believe you are eligible, here are the steps to follow:

1. File a 2021 tax return if you haven’t already.
2. Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on the return to request the stimulus amount.
3. Make sure to include correct bank account details for direct deposit.
4. If you already filed but did not receive the payment, you can file a Form 1040-X (amended return).

You can do this using free tax filing websites, a local tax expert, or by contacting IRS assistance centers.

What If You Got Less Than $1,400 Earlier

Some people received partial payments depending on their income in earlier years. If your income was higher in 2020 but dropped in 2021, you might now be eligible for the full amount. Similarly, if you had a baby in 2021, you could claim an additional $1,400 for the child.

This is why filing a 2021 return with updated details can make a difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to file. After July 15, 2025, the IRS won’t accept late claims.
• Believing that the payment will come automatically. It won’t—you must file a return and claim it.
• Falling for scams. The IRS does not call or text asking for payment details or personal information.
• Using the wrong tax year. You must file for the year 2021, not 2023 or 2024.

Where to File or Get Help

Here are some free and reliable resources:

• IRS Free File Program at irs.gov/freefile (for income under $73,000)
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for in-person help
• Certified tax professionals or local tax help centers

Also, you can check your payment status using your IRS online account or the letter 6475, which was sent in 2022 confirming how much you received.

Final Takeaway

If you or someone in your family missed out on the third stimulus check in 2021, there is still time to fix it. But the clock is ticking. File your 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit before July 15, 2025, to receive up to $1,400 per eligible person.