If you haven’t received your $1,400 Economic Impact Payment from the IRS, there’s still a window of opportunity to claim it—but time is running out. This stimulus payment was part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, aimed at helping Americans navigate the financial burdens brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While most eligible individuals received it automatically, a significant number did not—often due to not filing taxes, an error, or changes in circumstances. The final deadline to claim this payment is June 15, 2025, and if you miss it, you lose the chance permanently.
Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of who can still get the payment, how to apply, and why it’s important to act before the deadline arrives.
Details
Here are the key facts you need to know about the stimulus payment and how to secure yours if you haven’t already:
Topic | Details |
---|---|
Deadline to Claim | June 15, 2025 |
Maximum Amount | $1,400 per eligible individual, plus $1,400 per qualifying dependent |
Eligibility | Based on your 2021 income and tax filing status |
How to Claim | File a 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit |
Applies To | Individuals who didn’t receive or received less than the full third payment |
Official Source | Visit www.irs.gov for full details |
What Is It?
The $1,400 stimulus payment refers to the third round of Economic Impact Payments distributed in 2021. While tens of millions of Americans automatically received the funds through direct deposit, checks, or debit cards, over a million people were left out—mostly because they didn’t file a tax return for 2021.
The good news? This payment is technically a refundable tax credit, not taxable income. That means you can still claim it even if you didn’t work or earn income that year—as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and file your 2021 return.
Who Qualifies?
Whether you qualify depends primarily on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from 2021 and your tax filing status. Here are the income thresholds for full payments and the phase-out limits:
Filing Status | Full Payment If AGI Is | Payment Phases Out At |
---|---|---|
Single | $75,000 or less | Ends at $80,000 |
Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 or less | Ends at $160,000 |
Head of Household | $112,500 or less | Ends at $120,000 |
In addition to receiving the payment for yourself, you can also claim $1,400 for each qualifying dependent, regardless of their age. This includes children, college students, elderly parents, and adult dependents with disabilities.
Example:
If a single parent earned $68,000 in 2021 and has two children, they would qualify for:
- $1,400 (for themselves)
- $1,400 (for each child)
Total: $4,200
Why People Missed It
A surprising number of Americans missed this payment. Here are the common reasons:
- Didn’t file a 2021 return: The IRS couldn’t verify eligibility without it.
- Filed after the automatic payment period: Filing late meant you weren’t sent the payment directly.
- Changed income: You may have become eligible in 2021 even if you weren’t for earlier rounds.
- Moved or updated bank info: If your contact or banking information changed, the IRS may have failed to deliver it.
- Non-filers: Low-income earners, seniors, and people with disabilities often don’t file, which left them out of the automatic payment process.
How to Claim
You’ll need to determine whether you’ve already received the payment and, if not, gather the necessary documents to file your 2021 tax return.
- Check Your IRS Account
Log into your IRS online account or review IRS Notice 1444-C and Letter 6475 for the year 2021. These will confirm if the $1,400 payment was issued to you. - Collect 2021 Tax Information
Prepare:- Income documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
- Social Security numbers for yourself and any dependents
- Direct deposit information (optional but helps speed up delivery)
- File a 2021 Tax Return
If you didn’t file in 2021, here’s how to do it:- Use IRS Free File if your income was under $73,000
- Try online tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct
- Visit a VITA site or Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic if you need in-person, no-cost help
Be sure to complete Line 30 on Form 1040 to claim your Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Track Your Refund
Once you submit your return, use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website to monitor the status. If you choose direct deposit, most refunds arrive within 2 to 4 weeks.
Miss the Deadline?
Unfortunately, June 15, 2025, is the absolute cutoff. If you miss this date, you won’t be able to claim the credit afterward—there are no exceptions, no extensions, and no appeals. This is a firm deadline established by federal law.
Smart Ways to Use It
If you do receive your $1,400, consider using it wisely. Here are a few popular and practical options:
- Pay off high-interest debt like credit card balances
- Catch up on rent, bills, or groceries
- Start or grow an emergency savings fund
- Invest in job training, certification, or education
Expert Advice
For professionals such as CPAs or financial advisors, it’s essential to inform clients about retroactive stimulus claims. Help them:
- File for prior-year returns if necessary
- Check eligibility for themselves and their dependents
- Stay safe from scams by using official IRS channels
For Everyone Else:
- Open and read all IRS correspondence
- Double-check your 2021 AGI and eligibility status
- Don’t assume you’re not eligible—file anyway and find out
This stimulus was intended to help Americans recover from tough times. If you were left out, this is your last shot to benefit from it. Filing your 2021 return before the deadline could get $1,400—or more—back into your bank account.
FAQs
What’s the deadline to claim the $1,400 check?
You need to file your 2021 tax return by June 15, 2025.
Can I still get the payment if I had no income?
Yes. As long as you file a 2021 return and meet the eligibility rules, income isn’t required.
Do I need to file even if I don’t owe any taxes?
Absolutely. Filing is the only way to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
How much can I get for dependents?
You can receive $1,400 per qualifying dependent, no matter their age.
Is the stimulus payment considered taxable income?
No. It is a refundable tax credit and does not count as taxable income.
Last Thought
Time is running out, and the chance to claim your $1,400 stimulus check will disappear after June 15, 2025. Whether you’re a senior, a low-income earner, or someone who simply missed the previous deadlines, this may be the easiest way to recover financial support that was meant for you. File your 2021 tax return today and ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
Susan is a seasoned finance writer with a knack for breaking down complex money topics into clear, actionable advice. With years of experience in personal finance, investing, and market trends, she empowers readers to make smarter financial decisions. Her work has been featured in leading finance blogs and publications, where she combines sharp analysis with relatable storytelling. Whether it’s budgeting, wealth-building, or decoding the latest economic shifts, Susan’s mission is to help people take control of their financial future with confidence.