Americans Running Out of Time To Claim IRS Stimulus Check: What To Know
April 13, 2025
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Taxpayers have just a few days to make sure they get a 2021 payment potentially worth thousands of dollars from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Economic Impact Payments were sent out to American taxpayers during the coronavirus pandemic. For those who didn’t receive payments, they can get their money through the Recovery Rebate Credit—but not for long.
Newsweek has broken down everything you need to do to make sure you don’t miss out.
Who Can Get The Refund?
The credit is available for those who qualify and did not file a 2021 income tax return.
The Recovery Rebate Credit is available for those who, at the time, had an adjusted gross income of up to $75,000 for singles and married persons filing a separate return, up to $112,500 for heads of household, and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns and surviving spouses. Payment amounts are reduced for eligible individuals with adjusted gross income above those levels.
Earlier this year, the IRS sent out payments to qualified taxpayers who filed a 2021 return, but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0, despite being eligible for the credit.
The step was taken following an internal review of IRS data that showed many eligible taxpayers filed a return but did not claim the credit. The IRS has said these payments were issued in late January 2025.
Stock image of IRS income tax return forms and U.S. dollars. Stock image of IRS income tax return forms and U.S. dollars. GETTY
How Much Can You Get?
The 2021 stimulus payments were worth up to $1,400 per individual, or $2,800 per married couple. A family of four could receive up to $5,600 with two eligible dependents.
How Much Time You Have to Claim a 2021 Refund
The IRS allows taxpayers three years to file a return and claim any refunds, including refundable tax credits and stimulus payments. Because the third round of stimulus checks was linked to 2021 tax returns, the deadline to claim is April 15, 2025—meaning that swift action is required if you don’t want to miss out.
After that date, you’ll lose the chance to receive the stimulus payment or any other refund you’re owed for that year, including refundable tax credits.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Once the April 15, 2025 deadline has passed, the IRS will not issue any more refunds for the 2021 tax year, and there are no extensions or grace periods for this specific deadline. However, limited exceptions exist, including:
Military personnel serving in combat zones may get extra time.
People with IRS processing errors or disputes might still have options.
In rare cases, legislative changes could extend the window.
If not claimed, the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.
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