As of April 15, 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has closed the window for Americans to claim the $1,400 stimulus payments from 2021. Despite hopes for leniency, the IRS has confirmed that no extensions or grace periods will be granted for those who missed the deadline.
What Was the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The $1,400 payment was part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These payments were intended to provide financial relief to individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those who did not receive the full amount in 2021 had the opportunity to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing their 2021 federal tax return. More information on EIPs is available on the IRS website.
Automatic Payments Were Sent to Some
In December 2024, the IRS identified approximately one million eligible taxpayers who had not claimed the 2021 credit. In a one-time action, the agency issued automatic payments totaling $2.4 billion to these individuals.
The payments were delivered either via direct deposit or mailed checks by late January 2025. For many, this unexpected refund came as a surprise. More details can be found in the IRS announcement.
Final Deadline: April 15, 2025
For those who never filed a 2021 tax return, April 15, 2025, was the final deadline to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Under federal law, taxpayers have three years from the original due date of the return to claim a refund. After that period, the unclaimed funds are forfeited and go back to the U.S. Treasury.
This is in line with existing tax rules that prevent the IRS from issuing refunds for tax years beyond the three-year filing window. CBS News also covered the implications of missing this crucial deadline.
No Extensions or Exceptions
Despite common misconceptions, the IRS has not offered any extensions for claiming the 2021 stimulus check. Even taxpayers who filed for a 2024 tax extension were not eligible to use that extension to file a 2021 return.
The IRS clarified that the Recovery Rebate Credit for 2021 must have been claimed by April 15, 2025 no exceptions. According to Newsweek, this has affected thousands who hoped for more time.
How to Check Your Payment Status
Taxpayers can check their stimulus payment history and amounts using the IRS Online Account. This tool allows individuals to:
- View total EIP amounts received
- Verify any Recovery Rebate Credits
- Access their tax transcript and balance
It’s essential for anyone unsure about their payment status or filing history to use this tool to confirm their records.
Are More Stimulus Payments Coming?
As of now, there are no plans for a fourth federal stimulus payment. However, some states have initiated their own relief programs or tax rebate initiatives, which vary in eligibility, timing, and amounts.
Citizens are encouraged to visit their state’s Department of Revenue website or check out summaries like this one to stay informed about possible local benefits.
Conclusion
The IRS has now closed the chapter on the $1,400 stimulus checks from 2021. If you didn’t file your 2021 return or claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by April 15, 2025, you’ve missed your opportunity no extensions will be granted.
Moving forward, taxpayers are advised to file on time and monitor both federal and state channels for updates on tax credits or relief programs.