The clock is ticking, and for some Americans, it could mean losing out on over a thousand dollars. The IRS is giving taxpayers a final shot to claim missed COVID-19 stimulus money through the Recovery Rebate Credit—but the deadline to file your 2021 tax return is April 15, 2025.
After that? The money’s gone for good. No appeals, no late checks, no exceptions.
What’s at Stake
The Recovery Rebate Credit is tied to the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP3) distributed in 2021. If you didn’t get the full payment—or missed it altogether—you can claim the difference now.
The maximum amounts are:
| Eligible Person | Maximum Credit (EIP3) |
|---|---|
| Individual (no dependents) | $1,400 |
| Married Couple (filing jointly) | $2,800 |
| Each Dependent | $1,400 |
For 2025, the IRS confirms that taxpayers may claim up to $1,390 per person (rounded for specific eligibility calculations).
This money is refundable—meaning even if you owe no taxes, you can still get it back as a check or direct deposit.
Who Qualifies?
You may qualify if you:
- Did not receive the third stimulus check in 2021.
- Received less than you were entitled to based on your 2021 income or dependents.
- Had a child or added dependents in 2021.
- Earned less in 2021 compared to 2020, making you eligible for more.
- Never filed a 2021 tax return at all.
Remember: Zero income does not disqualify you. You still need to file a 2021 return to claim the credit.
How to Check What You Already Got
The IRS sent out Letter 6475 in early 2022, confirming how much you received from the third stimulus. If you lost it, you can log in to your account at IRS.gov and check your payment history.
Compare that with what you should have received using this quick reference:
| Filing Status | Income Phase-Out Begins | Credit Reduced Above |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | Fully phased out at $80,000 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | Fully phased out at $120,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 | Fully phased out at $160,000 |
If your income was under these thresholds and you missed out, you’re likely owed money.
How to Claim Before the Deadline
- File your 2021 tax return (even if you normally don’t file).
- Use tax software or IRS Free File to ensure the Recovery Rebate Credit is calculated automatically.
- Enter your banking info for faster direct deposit.
- Double-check your dependents are listed correctly.
Once you file, the IRS processes the credit as part of your refund.
Why the Deadline Matters
Federal law limits refunds to a three-year window. Since the third stimulus was tied to 2021, the final chance to claim it is April 15, 2025. After that, the Treasury is barred from issuing payments—even if you were entitled to them.
That means potentially leaving $1,390 or more on the table if you don’t act.
Fact Check
Some viral posts have suggested Congress may extend or reopen stimulus claims after 2025. That’s false. According to the IRS official guidance, once the filing deadline passes, unclaimed payments are permanently forfeited.
FAQs
How much can I still claim from missed stimulus checks?
Up to $1,390 per eligible person, depending on your 2021 income and dependents.
What happens if I miss the April 15, 2025 deadline?
You permanently lose the right to claim the credit. The IRS will not issue payments later.