Did you miss your $1,400 stimulus check from the IRS back in 2021? You’re not alone. Over 1 million people in the U.S. may still be owed this money. The good news? You can still claim it—but time is running out fast. The IRS has given a final deadline to file and get the money, and that date is May 17, 2025.
This article will explain who can still get the money, how to claim it, and what steps you need to take before the deadline.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The $1,400 check was part of the third stimulus payment released under the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021. Most Americans received it automatically. But if you didn’t file your taxes or your information was outdated, you might have missed out.
If you didn’t get this payment—or didn’t get the full amount—you can still claim it using something called the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.
Who Can Still Claim the Payment?
You may be eligible if:
- You didn’t receive the full $1,400 check in 2021.
- You didn’t file a tax return for 2021.
- Your income dropped in 2021, making you eligible.
- You had a new child in 2021.
- You didn’t receive any previous stimulus payments due to outdated IRS info.
Even if you don’t usually file taxes (for example, because you had little or no income), you must file a 2021 tax return to claim this money.
Important Deadline: May 17, 2025
The IRS usually gives taxpayers three years to file a return and claim a refund. Since the third stimulus payment was connected to 2021 taxes, the final day to file is May 17, 2025.
If you don’t file by that date, you lose the money forever. No extensions, no second chances.
How to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check
Here’s what you need to do:
- File a 2021 Tax Return
Use Form 1040 or 1040-SR, even if you had no income. - Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
This credit is how you request the missing $1,400. There will be a section on the tax form for it. - Use Direct Deposit
Enter your bank account details to get the money faster. - Use Free Filing Services
If your income was low in 2021, you can file for free using IRS-approved tools.
What If You Already Filed but Didn’t Receive It?
If you filed your 2021 taxes and didn’t get the $1,400:
- Double-check your return to see if you claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- If not, you may need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X.
- You can also check your IRS online account to track any payments or credits.
Why It Matters
$1,400 can help pay for rent, groceries, bills, or savings. For many families, that money is life-changing. But the IRS won’t remind you personally. You must take action before the May 17 deadline.
If you think you missed your $1,400 stimulus payment from 2021, don’t wait. You have until May 17, 2025, to file your 2021 tax return and claim the money using the Recovery Rebate Credit. The process is simple, especially if you use free tools or tax help centers. Once the deadline passes, the IRS will no longer issue the payment. Take a few minutes now to check and file—you might have money waiting for you!
