Claim Your Pandemic Stimulus Checks: US taxpayers can still claim refunds and pandemic-era relief funds for the 2021 tax year, but they have only a few weeks left to do so.
According to the IRS, about 1.1 million people have not been able to claim their 2021 tax refunds, leaving about $1 billion in unclaimed funds. If these taxpayers do not file their tax returns by April 15, 2025, this amount will become the property of the US government.
Why are stimulus checks still unreceived?
The IRS has made it clear that most eligible taxpayers have already received stimulus checks. But there are some people who did not get this help, especially those who did not file tax returns in 2021.
If you did not file taxes in 2021, then this is an important opportunity for you. Such people can still get help through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
What stimulus checks were available?
The government provided $814 billion in economic aid in three rounds between March 2020 and March 2021.
- March 2020 (CARES Act) – $1,200 per filer and $500 per child
- December 2020 (Consolidated Appropriations Act) – $600 per filer and child
- March 2021 (American Rescue Plan Act) – $1,400 per filer and child
Why did the IRS warn 1 million people?
In December 2024, the IRS found that about 1 million people had not claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit. Some of these taxpayers accidentally left this field blank, while some entered incorrect information.
The IRS has announced it will send up to $1,400 to eligible taxpayers to correct this mistake. These payments will be deposited directly into a bank account or sent as a check to their 2023 address.
Who can claim it?
If you didn’t file taxes in 2021 but were eligible, you still have a chance to file until April 15, 2025.
- ✅ Even if your income was very low or zero, you may still be eligible for this credit.
- ✅ You can check to see if you received a stimulus check in the past by visiting the IRS online account.
- ✅ Add the Recovery Rebate Credit to your 2021 tax return to confirm your eligibility.
Hurry, time is running out!
The IRS has urged taxpayers to start gathering their 2021 tax information now.
- ✔ Create an IRS online account and view the necessary tax records.
- ✔ Get the necessary documents from your employer, bank or the IRS.
- ✔ If necessary, obtain a transcript of your wages and income by filling out Form 4506-T (note that this may take several weeks).
The IRS may deal a blow to taxpayers
If you have not filed your 2022 and 2023 tax returns, the IRS may withhold your 2021 tax refund. Also, if you owe any unpaid taxes, student loans, or child support, your 2021 refund amount may be adjusted against it.
Will tax season be difficult?
According to the IRS, taxpayers may find it difficult to get solutions to their problems this time due to federal budget cuts and layoffs of more than 6,000 employees. However, additional funding was given to the IRS under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, but Congress later cut it.
Therefore, the IRS has advised first checking the information on their official website for any questions, as it may be difficult to get help over the phone.
Conclusion
If you have not yet claimed the 2021 Stimulus Checks, you still have time till April 15, 2025.
The US government provided financial assistance to crores of citizens during the pandemic, but there are still millions of people who have not been able to claim their 2021 stimulus check. If you did not file taxes in 2021, you still have time till April 15, 2025.
The IRS has made it clear that if not claimed within this time limit, this money will become part of the US Treasury and you will not be able to get it again.
So, if you are eligible, immediately gather the required documents, file your tax returns and claim your money. This financial aid can provide significant relief to you and your family. Act on time so that you don’t miss out on this opportunity.
⏳ Don’t delay! File your tax returns quickly and get your eligible amount.
FAQs
Q. Who is eligible for the 2021 stimulus check?
A. Individuals who didn’t file taxes for 2021 but qualified for the Recovery Rebate Credit may still be eligible.
Q. What is the deadline to claim the 2021 stimulus check?
A. The deadline to file and claim the refund is April 15, 2025.
Q. How can I check if I received my stimulus payment?
A. You can check your IRS online account under the “Tax Records” section.
Q. What happens if I don’t claim my stimulus check by the deadline?
A. If not claimed by April 15, 2025, the refund will be forfeited to the U.S. Treasury.
Q. How can I file my 2021 tax return to claim the stimulus check?
A. You can file electronically through the IRS website or use a tax preparer to assist you.