Did you miss out on a $1,400 stimulus check during the pandemic? Good news: It’s not too late to claim it! The IRS is giving you one last shot to get that money through the 2025 $1400 stimulus checks program — but the deadline is almost here. Let’s break it down in simple terms so you don’t miss your chance.
What’s This $1,400 Check All About?
Back in 2021, the federal government sent out a third round of Economic Impact Payments (also called stimulus checks) to help people get through the COVID-19 pandemic. This round was worth up to $1,400 per person.
Most people got their checks automatically. But many others missed it — either because they didn’t file their taxes, didn’t know they were eligible, or something went wrong in the system. The IRS is now trying to fix that with what some are calling the 2025 $1400 stimulus checks for those who qualify and file their 2021 tax return before the deadline.
They’re calling it the Recovery Rebate Credit, and it’s basically a second chance to get the money you were supposed to receive in 2021 — now available again through the 2025 $1400 stimulus checks program.
Who Can Still Get the Money?
If you didn’t receive the full $1,400 stimulus check in 2021, you could still be eligible IF:
- You were a U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2021
- You didn’t get the full third stimulus check (or got nothing)
- Your income was within the limit for the payment
- You file a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025
Yes, you read that right. You can still file a 2021 return even though it’s 2025 — but only until April 15.
After that, the money goes back to the U.S. Treasury. In other words: you lose it forever. 😬
How Much Can You Get?
The amount you’re eligible for depends on a few things — mostly your income and how many people are in your household. Here’s the breakdown:
| Filing Status | Income Limit for Full $1,400 |
|---|---|
| Single | Up to $75,000 |
| Head of Household | Up to $112,500 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Up to $150,000 |
If you made less than those amounts in 2021 and didn’t get your check, you’re probably in luck. You might also get money for dependents — including kids or adults you supported.
How Do I Get the Check?
You must file a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS is NOT just sending out random checks. You have to file, even if you don’t usually do taxes.
Here’s what to do:
- Go to IRS Free File if your income is under $73,000 — you can file your 2021 taxes for free.
- Choose a provider that still supports 2021 tax filing (some do!).
- File your return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Wait for your check or direct deposit.
Pro Tip: You can also go to a local tax preparer or use companies like TurboTax or H&R Block — just make sure they offer 2021 returns.
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What’s the Deadline?
April 15, 2025.
That’s the last day to file your 2021 return and claim the money. After that, it’s gone. No appeals. No extensions. No second chances.
The IRS says this deadline is hard and final.
How Many People Are Missing Out?
A lot of people.
The IRS estimates that 1.1 million Americans haven’t filed their 2021 taxes yet. That’s about $1 billion in unclaimed refunds — and a chunk of that is from missed stimulus checks.
Here’s an example:
- In Mississippi, about 9,600 people haven’t filed their 2021 taxes.
- They’re owed a total of $8.3 million — which comes out to around $701 per person on average.
That’s free money just waiting to be claimed!
Didn’t File Taxes in 2021? Here’s What to Do
You might be thinking, “I didn’t have a job in 2021” or “I didn’t make enough to file.”
That’s okay! You can and should still file — even if you had no income.
Why? Because the IRS uses your tax return to calculate and send your stimulus check.
So even if you were unemployed, a student, or just taking time off — you might still qualify.
How Will You Get Paid?
Once you file your 2021 return and the IRS processes it, your payment will come one of two ways:
- Direct Deposit – if you gave your bank info with your return.
- Paper Check – if not, they’ll mail it to the address you used.
You’ll also get a letter letting you know the payment is coming.
What About Past Refunds Too?
This isn’t just about stimulus checks.
If you didn’t file taxes in 2021, you could also be missing:
- Your income tax refund – The IRS owes many people tax refunds, but you won’t get yours unless you file.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – A credit for low- to moderate-income workers and families. You might qualify even if you didn’t owe taxes.
- Child Tax Credit (CTC) – If you had children in 2021, you could be eligible for thousands of dollars in credits — even if you didn’t work.
All of that adds up. Even a part-time job could’ve qualified you for a few hundred bucks in refund money.
So if you’re behind on taxes, now’s the time to catch up.
Quick FAQs
Can I still get the money if I didn’t work in 2021?
Yes, as long as you were eligible based on citizenship/residency and didn’t get the check already.
Is there any penalty for filing late?
Nope! If you’re due a refund (or stimulus check), there’s no penalty for filing late. But if you wait past April 15, 2025, the money’s gone.
What if I already filed but didn’t claim the credit?
You might need to file an amended return. Talk to a tax pro or use a tax software that lets you do that.
IRS Is Trying to Help
The IRS knows lots of people are confused or overwhelmed. That’s why they started sending out $2.4 billion in unclaimed payments back in December.
They also launched outreach efforts to help people claim their Recovery Rebate Credit.
You can contact the IRS or a community tax prep group for help.
This Is Happening Nationwide
This isn’t just for Mississippi or any one state. Across the country, millions of dollars are waiting to be claimed.
Here are a few more examples:
| State | People Who Haven’t Filed | Total Unclaimed Refunds |
|---|---|---|
| California | 88,000 | $94.3 million |
| Texas | 89,300 | $93.4 million |
| Florida | 53,200 | $53.7 million |
| New York | 51,400 | $55.2 million |
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out!
We get it — taxes can be stressful and annoying. But this is free money we’re talking about.
If you or someone you know missed their stimulus check, now’s the time to act.
- Check if you got the third stimulus payment
- File your 2021 tax return
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
- Do it all by April 15, 2025
Tell your friends, family, neighbors — anyone who might not have filed. Because once the deadline passes, there’s no turning back.
