You may still be eligible to receive a stimulus check from the government – but time is running out with less than 30 days left to claim the credit.
The IRS is issuing a Recovery Rebate Credit to taxpayers who did not claim stimulus payments on their 2021 tax returns.
Starting in December 2024, the federal government said it automatically sent about $2.4 billion worth of these checks to taxpayers who did not claim the stimulus check on their 2021 tax returns. Eligible individuals should have received their checks by the end of January.
The IRS is issuing a Recovery Rebate Credit to taxpayers who did not claim stimulus payments on their 2021 tax returns. Susan Tompor / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesWho is eligible for stimulus checks?
But individuals who have yet to file their 2021 tax returns could still be eligible to receive the stimulus checks – up to $1,400 – as long as they file by the April 15 deadline.
However, the sooner the better, since filing too close to the deadline could risk delays or processing issues, the IRS said.
For eligible individuals, no other action is needed besides filing the 2021 tax return.
This group likely includes many senior citizens, and low-income and self-employed individuals, since they were not required to file tax returns in 2021.
Individuals earning up to $75,000 annually, or $150,000 for married couples who file jointly, were eligible to receive the initial 2021 stimulus payments.
Filing electronically is the quickest way to ensure your tax return is submitted in time to secure your check. Christopher SadowskiIf your income was above those maximum limits, you may have received a reduced payment, or no payment at all.
Can stimulus checks still be claimed?
However, many people who did not initially receive a stimulus payment still qualify for this rebate credit, according to the IRS.
Filing electronically is the quickest way to ensure your tax return is submitted in time to secure your check.
There will be no extensions, and checks will not be sent out automatically to individuals who miss the April 15 deadline, the IRS said.
Explore Tax Solutions
100% money-back guarantee if your tax situation does not improve*
Best for individuals with over $10,000 in tax liabilities
100% free (no-obligation) eligibility analysis on IRS tax reduction programs
Assistance with federal and state-owed taxes
10+ years of tax resolution experience
Rated A+ by the BBB
Money-Back Guarantee: 100% Guaranteed
Min. Tax Debt: $10,000
Tax solutions for consumers with over $10,000 in owed taxes
12+ years of tax resolution experience
Free consultation with a tax resolution professional
BBB Torch Award for Ethics (two-time winner)
Money-Back Guarantee: 15 Days
Min. Tax Debt: $10,000
Best for individuals with over $10,000 in tax debt
Awarded BBB Torch Award for Ethics (2023)
50+ years of combined tax resolution experience
Rated A+ by the BBB
Recognized by Investopedia for top customer service
Money-Back Guarantee: 30 Days
Min. Tax Debt: $10,000
