Missed 1st, 2nd, 3rd Stimulus Checks – Is it Possible to Still Claim Past Stimulus Payments?

Stimulus Checks: If you have not received the first, second or third stimulus check yet, then this may be your last chance. The IRS, i.e., Internal Revenue Service, has recently reminded us that eligible US citizens can claim an amount of up to $1400 by filing their 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025. If you do not submit the form by this date, then this money may be lost forever.

Why is April 15, 2025, such an important date?

Every year April 15 is called Tax Day in the US, but Tax Day 2025 is even more special for millions of Americans who were deprived of the third and last stimulus check given during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, all those who were eligible at that time but could not get the payment for some reason can now get this amount under the ‘Recovery Rebate Credit.’

Who can still claim?

If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, but you’re eligible, you still have time. The IRS has reported that even today there are about 1.1 million Americans who are entitled to get up to $1400.

Eligibility is determined based on your 2021 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI):

• Single Filer: If your AGI is $75,000 or less, you’re fully eligible for $1400. This amount decreases on income up to $80,000.
• Married Filing Jointly: If AGI is $150,000 or less, you can get up to $2800. If it’s above $160,000, you won’t get benefits.

How will you get the payment?

The IRS will send this amount directly to the bank using the bank account details provided by you in your 2023 tax return. But for this, it is necessary that you have filed your 2021 tax return on time and claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you left this section blank or did not fill out the form at that time, then it is very important to make this correction before April 15, 2025.

Can the first and second stimulus checks still be claimed?

Yes, the IRS has clarified that if you have not received the first and second Economic Impact Payments, then you can also claim them through the Recovery Rebate Credit in your 2020 or 2021 tax return. This tax credit will be added to your refund.

Note: The last date to get this credit is April 15, 2025. After this date, this amount will be handed over to the US Treasury and then it will be impossible to get it back.

IRS alert – this is the last chance

The IRS has clearly stated that no deadline extension will be given and no automatic payments will be issued without a tax return. Many people are sitting thinking that the IRS will send the payment itself, but this is not going to happen.

The IRS has also warned that processing may be delayed due to heavy filing on April 15, so fill out the form as soon as possible.

What if you miss the deadline?

If you do not file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, not only can your Recovery Rebate Credit be confiscated, but this amount will now belong to the government. There is also a three-year limit for claiming tax refunds and other eligible credits.

Conclusion: If you do not do it now, you will never be able to do it

This is the last chance to get the financial assistance that was given during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $1400 amount can be a relief for many families, but you have to act now. Repeated reminders are being given by the IRS so that no eligible person is left out of this benefit.

So if you or someone you know has not yet filed their 2021 tax return, prepare today. This money is yours—you just have to claim it at the right time.

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