April 15 isn’t just Tax Day in 2024—it’s also the final opportunity for over a million Americans to claim up to $1,400 in unclaimed stimulus payments from 2021. If you missed out on these pandemic-era relief checks, this is your last shot to file a 2021 tax return and get what’s rightfully yours.
Background
Back in 2021, the federal government issued a third round of stimulus checks worth $1,400 per person. But not everyone received theirs. Whether it was due to confusion, oversight, or missed paperwork, the IRS estimates that over 1 million eligible taxpayers never filed a tax return to claim their money.
Fast forward to now: that window is closing fast. April 15, 2024, is the absolute deadline to file your 2021 tax return and request the Recovery Rebate Credit, which acts as a last chance to grab that missed payment.
Amount
So how much are we talking about? The payment amount depends on your adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2021. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Filing Status | Full $1,400 Amount Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Single filer | AGI up to $75,000 |
| Married filing jointly | AGI up to $150,000 |
| Head of household | AGI up to $112,500 |
If you earned more than those thresholds, your stimulus amount was reduced and eventually phased out.
These checks were part of the Recovery Rebate Credit—a refundable tax credit for anyone who didn’t get the third stimulus during the initial rounds.
Eligibility
Wondering if you qualify? Here’s the basic checklist:
- You didn’t receive the full $1,400 third stimulus in 2021.
- You didn’t file your 2021 taxes.
- You’re a U.S. taxpayer with income under the qualifying limits.
- You have a valid Social Security number.
- You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
Even if your income was low and you weren’t required to file taxes in 2021, you’ll still need to submit a return to claim this money.
Deadline
April 15, 2024, isn’t just another Tax Day—it’s the three-year deadline from the original 2021 tax due date. After this day, unclaimed refunds from that tax year—including the stimulus—will legally become the property of the U.S. Treasury. No extensions. No second chances.
However, some states with natural disaster extensions may have a slightly later deadline, so check your state’s specific guidelines if that might apply.
How to Claim
If you never filed a 2021 tax return, here’s what to do:
- Download or request a 2021 tax return form (Form 1040) from IRS.gov.
- Fill out the form and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Mail the completed return to the appropriate IRS address listed on the form instructions.
- If you already filed and qualified, no action is needed—just wait for the payment.
If you’ve been filing your taxes regularly and already included the Recovery Rebate Credit in 2021, then you’re all set. The IRS will send you the payment automatically via check or direct deposit.
There’s no cost to file, and if you earned under the income limits, you might even qualify for free tax filing services through the IRS Free File program.
This is a one-time opportunity to recover a piece of the $2.4 billion still sitting in government coffers. Don’t leave money on the table—file now and claim your check.
FAQs
What’s the stimulus deadline?
April 15, 2024 is the last day to file for 2021 credit.
Who qualifies for the $1,400?
Single earners under $75K or joint filers under $150K.
Do I need to repay the credit?
No, it’s a refundable credit—you keep the money.
Can I file online for 2021?
No, 2021 returns must be printed and mailed to the IRS.
What if I already filed 2021 taxes?
If eligible, the IRS will send the money automatically.
