Many Americans don’t know that they might still be able to get money back from the government in the form of a stimulus refund. A recent report shows that only 1 out of 3 eligible people have claimed their refund. This means millions could be missing out on money that’s rightfully theirs. If you didn’t get the full amount from earlier stimulus checks or missed a payment, you could still qualify. This article explains who is eligible, how to claim your refund, and why it’s important to act now.
Who Is Still Eligible for the Stimulus Refund?
You may still be able to get your refund if:
- You did not receive all or part of your stimulus payments in 2020 or 2021
- You did not file a tax return during those years
- You had very low or no income during the pandemic
- You were a college student, part-time worker, or dependent at the time
- You were unaware of the payment deadlines
Many people think they don’t qualify because they don’t usually file taxes, but the IRS allows non-filers to claim refunds too.
How Much Could You Still Get?
If you missed a stimulus check, you could get back:
- Up to $1,200 from the first round (2020)
- Up to $600 from the second round
- Up to $1,400 from the third round (2021)
That’s a possible total of $3,200. Even if you got some of it, you might still be owed the rest.
How to Claim Your Stimulus Refund
Follow these simple steps to claim your money:
- File a federal tax return for the year you missed (2020 or 2021)
- Use IRS Free File (available for low-income earners)
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on the tax return
- Submit your return online or by mail
- Wait for the IRS to process and issue your refund
You can also get help from community tax centers or IRS VITA programs if you need assistance.
When Is the Deadline?
The deadline to file your 2020 taxes and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is May 17, 2024. For 2021, you have until April 15, 2025. But don’t wait! The earlier you file, the sooner you can get your money.
Don’t Let Your Refund Go Unclaimed
There’s still time to get your stimulus refund—but it’s running out fast. With only 1 in 3 eligible Americans having claimed theirs, that means millions are still missing out. If you didn’t receive all your stimulus payments or didn’t file taxes during the pandemic, it’s time to act. These funds were meant to help you during tough times, and the process to claim them is simple. Don’t lose your chance to receive up to $3,200. File now and get the money you deserve.
