There’s over $1 billion in unclaimed IRS stimulus checks and tax refunds sitting untouched—and more than 1.1 million Americans could lose their chance to claim it. The money includes the $1,400 third-round stimulus check issued during the pandemic, which many people missed simply because they didn’t file a 2021 federal tax return.
The deadline to file is July 15, 2025. After that, the unclaimed money becomes government property, and your opportunity to receive it disappears forever. Whether you’re a student, retiree, part-time worker, or someone who had little or no income in 2021, you could still be eligible. Don’t wait—take action now.
Overview
Here’s a summary of what’s at stake:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount Unclaimed | Over $1 billion |
| People Affected | More than 1.1 million |
| Key Payment | $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit (Third Stimulus) |
| Filing Deadline | July 15, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Didn’t file in 2021, valid SSN, not claimed as a dependent |
| Free Filing Options | IRS Free File (for incomes under $73,000) |
| Other Credits Available | EITC, CTC, ACTC, AOTC |
| IRS Resource | www.irs.gov |
Unclaimed $1 Billion
In 2021, the U.S. government issued a third round of economic stimulus payments under the American Rescue Plan. The payments provided up to $1,400 per eligible person—including adult dependents and children.
Most eligible people received this payment automatically. But others were left out due to various reasons like having no tax filing requirement, changed addresses or bank accounts, or simply being unaware of their eligibility. These individuals still have a chance to receive the payment by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit if:
- You did not receive the third stimulus check in 2021 or received less than you were owed.
- You did not file a federal tax return for 2021.
- You had a valid Social Security number.
- You were not claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.
- Your income was within the following limits:
- Single: up to $75,000
- Married Filing Jointly: up to $150,000
- Head of Household: up to $112,500
The payment phases out above these limits and is completely gone by:
- $80,000 for single filers
- $160,000 for joint filers
- $120,000 for heads of household
Even if you received a partial stimulus in 2021, you might still qualify for the remainder through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
How to Claim It
You’ll need your 2021 income details, Social Security number, and banking info for direct deposit. Even if you had no income, a return must still be filed to claim the credit.
File a 2021 Tax Return
Use IRS Free File if your income was under $73,000 or file a paper return using Form 1040. Double-check all entries, including:
- Filing status
- Dependent info
- Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet
Submit Before the Deadline
You must file by July 15, 2025. This is a hard cutoff. After that, you forfeit any money owed.
Other Tax Credits
Filing your 2021 return could unlock thousands in additional refunds:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Up to $6,728 for low-income workers
- Child Tax Credit (CTC): Up to $3,600 per child under 6; $3,000 for ages 6–17
- Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC): Refundable for those with low or no income
- American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): Up to $2,500 per student for college expenses
These credits are refundable and can be claimed even if you owed no taxes.
Why So Many Haven’t Filed
Several common issues have kept people from claiming their money:
- Didn’t know they were eligible due to low income or unemployment
- Didn’t meet the tax filing requirement and assumed filing wasn’t necessary
- Experienced housing instability or homelessness, making mail delivery difficult
- Immigrant families didn’t realize members with valid SSNs could qualify
- Feared penalties or IRS involvement, even though refunds do not trigger penalties
If any of this sounds like you, rest assured that filing a return only helps you claim what you’re owed. You will not owe any tax or face fines for filing to get a refund.
Real-Life Example
Anna, a single mom from Ohio, assumed she didn’t qualify since she had no income in 2021. But after hearing about unclaimed stimulus checks, she used IRS Free File and submitted her 2021 return. Not only did she receive the $1,400 stimulus, but she also qualified for $3,600 in Child Tax Credit. Within six weeks, she had nearly $5,000—money that helped her pay rent, buy groceries, and cover school expenses.
Her story is a reminder that even if you think you don’t qualify, it’s worth checking.
FAQs
Who can still claim the $1,400 stimulus?
Anyone who didn’t get it in 2021 and meets income and filing rules.
When is the final deadline to claim it?
You must file your 2021 tax return by July 15, 2025.
Can I file if I had no income?
Yes, even with no income, file a return to claim the credit.
Is IRS Free File still available for 2021?
Yes, for those earning under $73,000 in 2021.
What if I’m missing my 2021 tax info?
You can request transcripts or contact the IRS for help.
