If you haven’t claimed or received your $1,400 stimulus check until now, there’s still time to claim it, and the ticking clock is fast running out. The IRS is giving people Recovery Rebate Credit when they could have claimed their stimulus payment but didn’t, in their tax return for 2021. With less than 30 days left for the taxpayers to file, it is time to act for the eligible taxpayers and receive their right funds before its deadline on April 15.
Why Are Stimulus Checks Still Available?
The federal government issued Recovery Rebate Credit payments in December 2024. Because of these benefits, about $2.4 billion worth of stimulus checks were allocated for taxpayers who were not able to file a return. Most of them were processed automatically and received by the end of January, but many individuals still qualify to receive their checks if they file their 2021 tax return before the deadline.
For everyone who did not realize at that time that they had a stimulus payment that really belonged to them, the program offers one last month in which to receive that assistance. However, it is a short time because the IRS has verified that there are no extensions beyond April 15.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
Criteria determining eligibility for a $1,400 stimulus check are based on income level and filing status for taxes. Eligible individuals must have:
- Individuals with an annual income of up to $75,000 qualify for the full payment.
- Married filing jointly with an income of up to $150,000 also qualify for the full amount.
- Individuals with incomes above these amounts may not have received any payment or are failing to qualify for one, as they have already exceeded their thresholds.
The IRS has stated that many of the people still able to claim that credit would flag senior citizens, low-income earners, and self-employed individuals who were not required to file tax returns for 2021. If you belong to this category and your document is not yet filed, do that without delay.
How to Claim Your Stimulus Check
If you think you qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit but have not had a payment, you need to file your 2021 tax return before April 15. The IRS will determine your eligibility and construct your payment accordingly after your return is processed. It won’t involve separate applications or special requests.
Steps that have to be followed to file your taxes include:
- Gather Necessary Documents: Ensure you have your Social Security number, tax identification number, and any income-related documents (such as W-2s or 1099s).
- File Electronically: The fastest and most secure way to file is through electronic submission. This minimizes errors and speeds up processing times.
- Use IRS Free File (if eligible): The IRS offers Free File options for individuals with an income below $73,000.
- Check Your Status: Once filed, you can track your return and stimulus payment status using the IRS’s online tools.
Act Quickly – No Extensions Available
The IRS has since made it clear that there will be no extensions for closing dates when it comes to claiming these stimulus checks. If the 2021 tax return is not submitted on or before April 15, there would be no Recovery Rebate Credit, thus losing the opportunity for the $1.400 payment forever.
Additionally, filing way too close to deadlines may result in processing delays, so the best time is to file as soon as possible.
Why You Should File Even If You’re Not Required
Many low-income people and seniors do not file taxes because they have no tax liability. However, not only is the required document for stimulus payment the 2021 tax return, which hasn’t been filed, but it is the only way to obtain the $1,400 payment. IRS will not just give checks automatically to those people who do not file by the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The $1,400 stimulus check could open up quite a lot of things for people who are eligible to receive it, but the chance to claim that money is dwindling into a very small window. If you haven’t filed your 2021 taxes yet, do so now, and make sure to get your payment. Filing electronically should help speed things up and reduce the chances of delay.
With no extension in all cases in the event of missing the deadline of April 15, the application for these funds would be lost. So do not wait any longer: file today, and stake your rightful claim at receiving this payment.
FAQs
Q. 1. Who is eligible for the $1,400 stimulus check?
A. Individuals who did not receive the third-round Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) in 2021 may still be eligible through the Recovery Rebate Credit. Eligibility is based on income, tax filing status, and whether you have already received the payment.
Q. 2. What is the deadline to claim the $1,400 stimulus check?
A. The final deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim the stimulus check is April 15, 2025. However, it is recommended to file as soon as possible to avoid processing delays.
Q. 3. How do I claim the $1,400 stimulus check?
A. To claim the payment, you need to file a 2021 tax return and apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit on Form 1040 or 1040-SR.