The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a critical reminder for over 1.1 million Americans who have yet to claim their $1400 stimulus checks from 2021. These payments, part of the Recovery Rebate Credit, remain unclaimed due to unfiled tax returns, missed deadlines, or incomplete paperwork. The agency emphasizes that April 15, 2025, is the last day to file for 2021 tax refunds or credits, including stimulus funds.
🔔 Key Takeaways:
The third round of stimulus checks, authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provided up to $1400 per eligible individual, including dependents of any age. However, income thresholds determine eligibility:
| Filing Status | Full Payment Threshold (AGI) | Phase-Out Complete (AGI) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 or less | $80,000 |
| Married (Jointly) | $150,000 or less | $160,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 or less | $120,000 |
| Dependents (Any Age) | Eligible if guardian meets thresholds | Same as above |
💡 Important Notes:
The IRS estimates $1.025 billion in unclaimed refunds from 2021, excluding stimulus checks. Below is a snapshot of states with the highest unclaimed amounts:
| State | Residents Eligible | Median Refund | Total Unclaimed Refunds |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 116,300 | $600 | $92.3 million |
| Texas | 102,200 | $810 | $94.8 million |
| New York | 73,000 | $995 | $72.5 million |
| Florida | 69,800 | $732 | $61.1 million |
| Pennsylvania | 53,100 | $993 | $52.1 million |
📊 Full Data Available: For a complete list of all 50 states and territories, visit the IRS Unclaimed Refunds Page.
Many non-filers may also qualify for the EITC, a refundable tax credit for low-income workers. For tax year 2021, the credit’s value and thresholds were significantly expanded:
| Qualifying Children | Individual Income Limit | Married (Jointly) Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 0 Children | $21,430 | $27,380 |
| 1 Child | $42,158 | $48,108 |
| 2 Children | $47,915 | $53,865 |
| 3+ Children | $51,464 | $57,414 |
⚠️ Critical Reminder: Even if you earned too little to file taxes in 2021, you must submit a return to claim the EITC or stimulus check.
The IRS attributes the issue to:
With less than a month until the deadline, the IRS urges taxpayers to:
💬 Quote from the IRS: “This is the last opportunity to claim these funds. We encourage everyone to review their eligibility and file immediately.”
Act Now: Visit IRS.gov or consult a tax professional to secure your $1400 stimulus check and refunds before April 15, 2025.
Stay informed with IRS updates via social media or newsletter subscriptions.
→ Unclaimed funds will expire permanently. The IRS rarely makes exceptions for late filings.
→ Use the IRS Get My Payment Tool or review bank statements from March–December 2021.
→ You are ineligible for the credit. The phase-out reduces payments incrementally above the thresholds.
→ Yes! File an amended return using Form 1040-X.