A crucial tax deadline is fast approaching for Americans who may have missed out on their third round of pandemic-era stimulus payments. The Internal Revenue Service is urging individuals who didn’t file a 2021 tax return to act by April 15 if they hope to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, potentially worth up to a $1,400 stimulus per person.
While the vast majority of eligible taxpayers received their payments automatically in 2021, the IRS estimates that more than 1 million people across the country may still be owed money. This includes not only the third economic impact payment but also other significant pandemic-era tax benefits.
“Your 2021 recovery rebate credit will reduce any tax you owe for 2021 or be included in your tax refund,” the IRS said in a statement on its website.
Who’s Eligible for the final $1,400 Stimulus Payment?
The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit was the final $1,400 stimulus payment issued under the American Rescue Plan. The maximum benefit was:
- $1,400 for single filers
- $2,800 for married couples filing jointly
- $1,400 for each qualifying dependent, including college students and older relatives—not just children under 17.
This credit phases out for higher-income earners. Full payments were available to individuals with adjusted gross income up to:
- $75,000 for single filers
- $112,500 for heads of household
- $150,000 for joint filers
Beyond these thresholds, the credit amount decreases quickly, phasing out entirely at:
- $80,000 for single filers
- $120,000 for heads of household
- $160,000 for joint filers
To claim the credit, taxpayers must file Form 1040 for the 2021 tax year and enter the amount on Line 30.
Final Stimulus Check: Why Some Missed Out
Many taxpayers received their stimulus payments automatically in 2021 based on their most recent tax returns. But some were missed due to changes in income, dependent status, or mailing and banking information. Parents of children born in 2021 are a common example—they may have qualified for an extra $1,400 but didn’t receive it because the IRS lacked updated records.
Others may have had low or no income and weren’t required to file a tax return, which is why they missed the payment altogether.
“It’s real money for people who didn’t get it already,” said Matt Hetherwick, chief program officer at the nonprofit Accounting Aid Society in Detroit. “We’ve filed over 100 tax year 2021 returns already this year for people trying to meet the April 15 deadline.”
Hetherwick noted that while the number of late filers isn’t overwhelming, it’s notable. “Given the economic challenges during the pandemic, I’m not surprised some people are still catching up,” he said.
IRS Took Action on Missed Stimulus Payments
In an unusual move, the IRS announced late last year that it was sending out automatic payments to around 1 million taxpayers who had filed 2021 returns but failed to claim the recovery rebate credit—either by accident or due to confusion.
These payments, sent by direct deposit or paper check in December and January, followed an internal IRS review that flagged eligible individuals.
“No action is needed for these taxpayers,” the IRS said. “We are issuing the payments based on previously filed returns.”
More Than Stimulus: Other Pandemic-Era Credits Still Available
The Recovery Rebate Credit isn’t the only pandemic-related benefit at stake. Taxpayers who didn’t file a 2021 return could also be eligible for:
- Expanded Child Tax Credit
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Credit for Child and Dependent Care Expenses
These expanded credits were part of the government’s pandemic response and could significantly increase refund amounts for lower- and middle-income families.
According to the IRS, taxpayers are collectively owed $1.025 billion in 2021 federal income tax refunds. For example, in Michigan, an estimated 40,300 individuals have not yet filed and are owed roughly $37.3 million in refunds. The median unclaimed refund amount in the state is $854.
Don’t Double-Dip on Stimulus Payments
The IRS warns filers to check whether they already received the third stimulus payment before claiming the credit. Filers can review Notice 1444-C or IRS Letter 6475, both issued in early 2022, to confirm the amount received.
Improper claims can delay refunds and potentially lead to IRS scrutiny. The agency also advises vigilance against tax-related scams, including fraudsters posing as IRS agents offering to “unlock” phantom stimulus refunds.
Free Financial Help Available
For those who still need to file their 2021 return, the IRS offers free filing assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. These are available to most individuals earning $67,000 or less.
Last Chance for $1,400 Stimulus: Don’t Wait
The IRS sets a three-year window for claiming refunds, and the clock runs out on April 15, 2025, for 2021 returns. However, if you want to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit or other 2021-related benefits and haven’t yet filed, you must act by April 15, 2025.
“Don’t assume you’re not eligible,” Hetherwick said. “Even if your income was low or non-existent, you could still qualify.”
To avoid missing out on hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars, taxpayers are urged to file promptly.
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