If you haven’t received your $1,400 stimulus check yet, don’t worry — you may still have a chance to get it. But you need to act fast because the deadline to claim this money from the IRS is approaching.
This payment was part of the American Rescue Plan, which was signed into law in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to help people cover daily expenses like rent, food, bills, and other financial needs. Even though most eligible people have already received the payment, many still haven’t claimed theirs. The IRS has now reminded the public that there’s still time, but not much.
To get this $1,400 stimulus check, you need to file a 2021 tax return with the IRS. You don’t need to have paid taxes that year to file a return. Even if your income was too low to require filing, you can still file the return to claim the money.
The final date to file your 2021 tax return and receive the $1,400 stimulus check is May 17, 2025. After that, you won’t be able to claim the money, even if you were eligible.
So, Who Exactly Can Get This $1,400 Stimulus Check?
You’re eligible if you were a U.S. citizen or a resident alien in 2021 and had a valid Social Security number. Your income also had to fall within certain limits:
- If you were single and earned less than $75,000, you could get the full $1,400.
- If you filed as head of household, you could get the full amount if you earned less than $112,500.
- If you were married and filed jointly, your combined income must be under $150,000 to qualify for the full amount.
If your income was higher, you might still get some money, but less than $1,400. The payment was gradually reduced and completely phased out at:
- $80,000 for single filers
- $120,000 for heads of household
- $160,000 for married couples filing jointly
You could also receive an additional $1,400 for each eligible dependent, including children and some adults. For example, a family of four could receive up to $5,600 in total.
Why Didn’t Some People Get Their Checks Back in 2021?
There are a few reasons. Some people didn’t file their 2021 taxes because their income was too low. Others may have moved or had outdated bank or mailing information. And some didn’t realize they were eligible. That’s why the IRS is reminding everyone to double-check.
The $1,400 payment is officially known as the Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2021 tax return. If you didn’t get the stimulus check earlier, you can now claim it by filing your 2021 tax return and entering this credit. The IRS will either increase your tax refund or reduce the amount you owe by that $1,400, or both.
Even if you didn’t earn any income in 2021, you should still file a return if you’re eligible for the payment. The IRS has a Free File tool for people who made $73,000 or less in 2021. It lets you file your federal return online for free. There are also VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites across the country that help people file taxes without any cost.
I’m Not Sure if You Have Already Received the $1,400 Payment.
You can check your IRS online account to see whether you received it. The IRS also sent out Notice 1444-C to those who got the third stimulus check. If you have that letter, it means you have already received the payment.
But if you didn’t get the notice and can’t find the payment in your bank account or on your tax documents, then it’s likely you missed out — and you should claim it now.
This is especially important for people who don’t normally file taxes, like students, low-income workers, retirees, or even homeless individuals who had a valid Social Security number in 2021. Many in these groups may still qualify and don’t know it.
Keep in mind, this is a one-time opportunity. Once the May 17, 2025, deadline passes, the IRS will no longer accept any claims for this $1,400 stimulus check. If you don’t claim it by then, the money is gone forever.
Also, stay alert for scams. The IRS will never call, email, or message you asking for your personal or banking information. Only trust information directly from the official IRS.gov website. Scammers are always active during tax season and often target people looking to claim refunds or stimulus payments.
Even if you live outside the U.S. now but were eligible in 2021, you may still be able to get the payment. As long as you have a valid Social Security number and have met the income and residency rules during that year, you can still file the 2021 tax return and claim the payment.
To sum it up, if you didn’t receive your $1,400 stimulus payment back in 2021, you still have a chance to claim it by filing your 2021 tax return before May 17, 2025. It’s your money — don’t leave it behind. Take a few minutes to check your records, and if you’re eligible, file your return as soon as possible.
This payment can help you with groceries, rent, bills, or savings. It’s worth the effort to see if you qualify. And best of all, it’s not a loan — you don’t have to pay it back, and it won’t affect your future taxes or government benefits.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
