Many Americans don’t realize they could still be entitled to $1,400 from the government’s third round of stimulus payments back in 2021. If you never got the full payment—or didn’t get it at all—there’s still time to claim it. The IRS has a special tax credit designed just for situations like this, and you don’t want to miss the deadline.
Rebate
The Recovery Rebate Credit was created to catch people who were skipped during the third stimulus rollout. It’s part of the American Rescue Plan Act and acts as a kind of financial safety net. This credit lets you claim up to $1,400 per eligible person in your household—including kids and other dependents.
Even though the IRS automatically sent out payments to most Americans, many people never saw the money. Whether due to changes in income, filing status, or simply falling off the radar, about a million Americans may still qualify. That’s hundreds of millions of dollars just sitting there, unclaimed.
Eligibility
So, who can still claim this money? If your income in 2021 was low enough, you might be eligible. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Filing Status | Full Payment If Income Under | Phase Out Ends At |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | $80,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | $120,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 | $160,000 |
In addition to meeting the income limits, you must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a valid Social Security number. You can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. And here’s the big one—you must file a 2021 federal tax return to get this credit, even if you made no income that year.
Oversights
Why did so many people miss out the first time? A few common reasons:
- Non-filers who usually don’t submit tax returns were invisible to the system.
- Young adults who turned 18 in 2021 weren’t included in earlier payments.
- People who moved or changed bank accounts had checks or deposits sent to the wrong place.
- Major life changes like marriage, divorce, or having kids weren’t reflected in earlier records.
In short, if you weren’t on the IRS’s radar, your money never found you.
Filing
The good news? You can still fix it. All you have to do is file a 2021 federal tax return. You can do this electronically using IRS Free File or other tax software, or you can go to a local tax pro if you prefer personal help.
Look for the Recovery Rebate Credit section on Form 1040. You’ll report any stimulus money you did receive, and the system will calculate what you’re still owed. It’s not complicated, but be accurate—mistakes could delay your payment.
Deadline
Time is running out. The deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim this credit is April 15, 2025. That’s a hard cutoff. After that, the money is gone for good.
Once you file, your payment should arrive in 4 to 6 weeks. Electronic filers get their money faster, especially if you provide direct deposit info. Otherwise, you’ll get a check in the mail.
Don’t wait until the last minute. This is your final shot to claim money that was supposed to help you during a tough time. If you qualify, take action now and get what’s rightfully yours.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Recovery Rebate Credit?
Anyone who was eligible for the third stimulus but didn’t get it or got less.
What’s the deadline to claim the credit?
You must file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025.
Can I get the payment without income?
Yes, even those with no income in 2021 can claim the credit.
How do I file for the rebate credit?
File a 2021 Form 1040 and complete the Recovery Rebate Credit section.
How much can I still receive?
You can claim up to $1,400 per eligible household member.
Do I get one