Millions of Americans received three rounds of stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic, but over 1.1 million eligible individuals never got the third stimulus payment worth $1,400. The IRS has set April 15, 2025 (Tax Day) as the final deadline to claim these funds. After that, the money will be forfeited to the U.S. Treasury. Here’s everything you need to know about the third stimulus payment, eligibility, and how to claim your forgotten check before it’s too late.
What Was the Third Stimulus Check?
The third stimulus check was issued under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, offering:
- $1,400 per eligible adult
- $1,400 per dependent, including adult dependents and college students
Unlike the previous two payments, this one had stricter income limits, and eligibility was based on your 2021 tax return.
Eligibility Criteria for Full $1,400 Payment
| Filing Status | Full Payment if Income ≤ | Phases Out Completely at |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | $80,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 | $160,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | $120,000 |
To qualify, you must have filed a 2021 return, and the IRS must have your information on file.
Why Did People Miss the Third Stimulus Payment?
Even though the IRS made broad outreach efforts, many missed out due to: • Not filing a 2021 return, often due to low or no income
• Failing to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2021 tax return
• Errors or missing info (e.g., incorrect SSNs or income figures)
What the IRS Did to Help
In December 2024, the IRS took a proactive step by: • Reviewing 2021 filings
• Identifying ~1 million eligible individuals who didn’t claim the credit
• Sending automatic payments (direct deposit or paper check) in January 2025
• Mailing notification letters to recipients
However, this applied only to those who had filed a 2021 tax return. Those who never filed must act now.
How to Claim the $1,400 If You Didn’t File in 2021
Even if you earned no income in 2021, you must file a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, to claim the payment.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Download Form 1040 for 2021 from IRS.gov
- Fill in the Recovery Rebate Credit section
- Mail it using certified or trackable mail for proof
- Ensure it is postmarked by April 15, 2025
- Check your IRS account to confirm filing and payment status
What If You Miss the Deadline?
If you fail to file by April 15, 2025, you:
- Lose the right to claim the $1,400 stimulus
- Forfeit any refund from 2021
- Miss out on other benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The IRS does not allow extensions for these refunds after the 3-year window.
How to Check Your Status with the IRS
If you’re unsure whether you received the check or filed in 2021;
- Go to IRS.gov
- Log in to your IRS account
- Go to “Tax Records”
- Look for:
- 2021 tax filing status
- Recovery Rebate Credit issuance
Final Reminder
This is the last opportunity to claim your third stimulus payment. Whether you missed it due to confusion, error, or didn’t file a return, you must act before April 15, 2025. After that, the IRS cannot issue your payment.
Need help? Contact a local tax preparer or use free IRS filing resources to ensure your 2021 return is submitted on time.
