TIME is nearly up for more than a million Americans who may still be eligible for a $1,400 stimulus payment, but you’ll have to act before the April 15 tax deadline.
The IRS is urging people who didn’t file a 2021 tax return to do so, as it’s the only way to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
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The refundable credit was designed to ensure that those who missed out on the third round of stimulus checks during the pandemic get the money they’re entitled to.
If you didn’t file your taxes in 2021, this is your last shot at claiming what could be a sizable sum.
The credit can either reduce the taxes you owe for that year or increase your refund by up to a maximum of $1,400 per person.
WHO QUALIFIES?
To qualify, you must submit your 2021 tax return by the April 15 filing deadline, even if you’re also filing your 2024 return.
The IRS will review your eligibility based on the income data provided in that return.
Eligibility is tied to your adjusted gross income (AGI) for 2021.
Individuals earning $75,000 or less are eligible for the full $1,400, while married couples filing jointly could receive up to $2,800 if their combined AGI was $150,000 or less.
Payments phase out at higher income levels and are unavailable to those earning more than $80,000 individually or $160,000 jointly.
MORE METHODS
Aside from the Recovery Rebate Credit, taxpayers who haven’t yet filed their 2021 return should also check whether they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
This credit, aimed at low- to moderate-income working families, could be worth up to $6,728.
This will, of course, depend on your income and number of children.
The first two rounds of Recovery Rebate Credit payments were already distributed.
One payment was made available in December, and another came in January.
The April 15 deadline is your final opportunity to receive what may be a significant financial boost.
The maximum amount of $1,400 to claim will either be deducted from the amount of taxes owed for 2021 or be issued as part of the overall refund.
To file, you can use IRS Free File tools online. Alternatively, you can visit a trusted tax preparer.
2025 Tax Season
Tax season started on January 27 and folks must have theirs completed filed on April 15.
Those who fail to file by that time may face penalties.
However, taxpayers who need more time may file for an extension – this gives them until October 15.
The way to do this is by filling out Form 4868, the Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
This can be done by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner, or through a tax professional.
While there’s no set schedule, the IRS revealed that taxpayers may receive refunds within 21 days of filing.
Just be sure to avoid making mistakes on any forms as that could tack on extra time.
Those filing through mail will likely get their returns within a month or could even face delays as the IRS processes millions.
As of January 31, the average refund amount totaled $1,928, per the IRS.
This is compared to the $1,395 for the same period in 2024.
The average direct deposit refund for 2025 was even higher, the IRS said, at $2,069.
To check the status of your refund, The IRS has an online tool called Where’s My Refund?
This works within 24 hours of e-filing and generally within four weeks of filing a paper return.