If you never received your $1,400 stimulus check from the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) in 2021, there’s good news—you might still be able to claim it. The IRS has confirmed that eligible individuals can apply for the missing payment by filing a 2021 tax return before April 15, 2025.
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
To be eligible for the full $1,400 payment, you must meet the following criteria:
Income Limits:
- Single filers earning $75,000 or less
- Married couples earning $150,000 or less (joint filers)
- Payments phase out for individuals earning over $80,000 and joint filers earning over $160,000
Dependents Count Too!
If you had qualifying dependents in 2021, you could receive an extra $1,400 per dependent. This includes children and, in some cases, adult dependents.
You Didn’t Already Receive the Payment
Most people got their checks automatically in 2021. But if you never received it (or got less than you were owed), you may claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.
How to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check Now
Even if you don’t normally file taxes, you must file a 2021 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Here’s what to do:
Check Your IRS Records – Log in to your IRS online account to see if you already received the payment.
File a 2021 Tax Return – If you never received the payment, you need to file a 2021 tax return (even if it's late).
Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit – On your tax return, enter the amount of stimulus you did receive (if any). The IRS will calculate any missing funds.
Get Your Money – If you qualify, the IRS will send your payment as a refund or apply it to any owed taxes.
Watch Out for Scams
The IRS will NOT text, email, or call you about stimulus payments. Any unexpected messages about a "$1,400 stimulus check" are scams. Only trust IRS.gov for official information.
Final Deadline: April 15, 2025
The IRS has set a hard deadline—April 15, 2025—to file your 2021 tax return and claim your missing stimulus check. If you miss this window, you won’t be able to recover the money.
For more details, visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments page at IRS.