Are you one of the millions of Americans who might have missed out on claiming your $1,400 stimulus check from the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, you’re in luck—but time is running out fast. The IRS is currently sending payments to eligible individuals who didn’t claim their third stimulus payment, with a strict deadline of April 15, 2025, to file. After that date, any unclaimed funds will permanently become property of the U.S. Treasury. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this final opportunity to claim your stimulus money.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The $1,400 payment was the third and final round of stimulus checks distributed under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. While most eligible Americans received their payments shortly after the legislation passed, the IRS has identified approximately one million taxpayers who qualified but never claimed this money. According to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, these overlooked claims amount to an estimated $1 billion in unclaimed refunds.
“We realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” Werfel stated in December. To address this issue, the IRS began automatically sending payments to eligible individuals who filed their 2021 tax returns but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or incorrectly entered $0 despite being eligible.
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Payment?
The eligibility requirements for the third stimulus payment are specific and based on your 2021 income. Here’s who qualifies:
Income Requirements
- Individual filers: You qualify for the full $1,400 if your adjusted gross income (AGI) was $75,000 or less in 2021. The payment gradually phases out and completely disappears for those with an AGI of $80,000 or more.
- Married couples filing jointly: You can receive up to $2,800 (two $1,400 payments) if your combined AGI was $150,000 or less, with payments phasing out completely at $160,000.
- Heads of household: You qualify for the full amount with an AGI under $112,500, with payments phasing out at $120,000.
Dependents
Unlike previous stimulus payments, dependents of all ages were eligible for the $1,400 payment. This means college students, adult dependents, and children of any age could qualify their guardians for an additional $1,400 per dependent.
The following table shows exactly how much you might receive based on your filing status and income:
| Filing Status | Full Payment AGI | Partial Payment AGI | No Payment AGI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Under $75,000 | $75,000-$79,999 | $80,000+ |
| Married Joint | Under $150,000 | $150,000-$159,999 | $160,000+ |
| Head of Household | Under $112,500 | $112,500-$119,999 | $120,000+ |
How to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check
There are two main scenarios for claiming your payment, depending on your situation:
If You Filed a 2021 Tax Return
If you already filed your 2021 tax return but didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when you were eligible, good news! The IRS is automatically sending these payments—no action required on your part. Some eligible recipients have already reported seeing deposits appear in their accounts, and the IRS has stated that all automatic payments should be received by late January 2025.
If You Haven’t Filed a 2021 Tax Return
If you haven’t yet filed a tax return for 2021 and believe you’re eligible for the payment, you must file your 2021 return by April 15, 2025. This is a strict deadline with no extensions available. After this date, any unclaimed stimulus funds will permanently become property of the U.S. Treasury.
To claim the payment, you’ll need to:
- Complete and file Form 1040 for the 2021 tax year
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on the form
- Submit before the April 15, 2025 deadline
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
The IRS has made it abundantly clear: there will be no extensions and no exceptions to the April 15, 2025 deadline. This is based on the three-year rule for claiming tax refunds. If you miss this cutoff date, you permanently forfeit your right to the $1,400 payment.
How to Check Your Eligibility and Payment Status
Wondering if you’ve already received your third stimulus payment or if you’re eligible? Here are ways to check:
Review Your Bank Records
First, check your bank statements from spring 2021, when most third stimulus payments were distributed. The payment would have appeared as a direct deposit from the IRS or U.S. Treasury.
Use the IRS “Get My Payment” Tool
While this tool was most useful during the initial distribution period, it may still provide information about your third stimulus payment. To use it:
- Visit the “Get My Payment” page on the IRS website
- Enter your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Provide your date of birth
- Enter your street address and ZIP code
If you encounter a “Payment Status Not Available” message, it could mean:
- The IRS hasn’t finished processing your payment
- The IRS doesn’t have enough information
- You may not be eligible for a payment
Check Your IRS Online Account
For the most up-to-date information, log into your IRS online account. This will show records of all three stimulus payments if you received them.
Review IRS Notice 1444-C
After the third stimulus payment was sent, the IRS mailed Notice 1444-C to recipients. Check your records for this document, which confirms the amount you received.
Why This Matters Now
With inflation continuing to impact household budgets and economic uncertainty lingering, an unexpected $1,400 payment could provide significant relief for many families. This is especially true for those who may have been financially impacted by the pandemic but overlooked claiming this credit on their 2021 tax returns.
The IRS’s decision to automatically send these payments shows their commitment to ensuring eligible taxpayers receive the benefits they’re entitled to. However, for those who haven’t filed a 2021 return, the clock is ticking—and with less than a year until the deadline, taking action sooner rather than later is crucial.
Conclusion
If you believe you might be eligible for the $1,400 third stimulus payment but haven’t received it, now is the time to act. For those who filed 2021 tax returns but didn’t claim the credit, payments should arrive automatically by January 2025. If you haven’t filed a 2021 return, you must do so before April 15, 2025, or permanently lose your eligibility for this payment.
With an estimated $1 billion in unclaimed funds, it’s worth taking the time to check your eligibility and ensure you don’t miss out on money that’s rightfully yours. Remember, this isn’t just free money—it’s a tax credit you’re entitled to if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I still claim the first or second stimulus payments from 2020? A: Unfortunately, no. The deadlines for claiming the first ($1,200) and second ($600) stimulus payments have already passed. The April 15, 2025 deadline only applies to the third $1,400 payment.
Q2: Will receiving this stimulus payment affect my other benefits? A: Generally, stimulus payments are not counted as income for federal benefit programs and shouldn’t affect your eligibility for other benefits.
Q3: What if I’ve moved or changed bank accounts since 2021? A: If the IRS is sending you an automatic payment but has outdated information, the payment may be returned to them. In this case, you may need to file a 2021 return with your current information to claim the payment.
Q4: Do I need to pay taxes on the $1,400 stimulus payment? A: No, stimulus payments are not considered taxable income and don’t need to be reported on your tax returns.
Q5: What if I’m not sure whether I received the third stimulus payment? A: The best way to confirm is to check your IRS online account, review bank statements from spring 2021, or locate the IRS Notice 1444-C that would have been mailed to you after the payment was issued.