During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of US residents received stimulus checks from the federal government to provide financial relief. However, some individuals missed out on claiming their stimulus payments due to a lack of information or because they didn’t file tax returns.
Fortunately, it’s still possible to claim your missed stimulus checks. This article will explore the steps, deadlines, and everything you need to know about claiming the stimulus checks you didn’t receive.
What Are Stimulus Checks and How Do They Work?
Stimulus checks were part of the government’s economic relief package aimed at individuals and families impacted by the pandemic. The three rounds of stimulus checks were automatically sent to eligible recipients based on their income.
However, some people, particularly those with low incomes who weren’t required to file tax returns, didn’t receive their payments. You can still claim any missed payments by filing for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
How the Recovery Rebate Credit Works
The Recovery Rebate Credit allows individuals who didn’t receive their full stimulus payments to claim the money on their tax returns. While the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit deadline has passed, the IRS has extended the deadline for the 2021 credit. You have until April 15, 2025, to file your claim and receive any missed stimulus payments.
This provision particularly benefits those who typically don’t file tax returns due to low income. By filing a simple return, you can still claim the stimulus money owed to you.
New Deadline to Claim Your Stimulus Checks
The IRS has set April 15, 2025, as the deadline to claim missed stimulus payments for the 2021 fiscal year. You still have time if you didn’t claim your stimulus checks previously. To receive the funds, you must file a tax return for the relevant years, even if you typically don’t file taxes.
How to Claim Missed Stimulus Payments
To claim your missed payments:
- File Your 2020 and 2021 Tax Returns: This is essential for receiving the stimulus payments you didn’t receive. If you don’t usually file taxes, use free services like the IRS Free File program to complete your return.
- Check Your Eligibility: Verify if you’ve received any stimulus payments or are entitled to additional funds. Refer to Letter 6475, which the IRS sent out in 2022, or check your online IRS account for payment details.
- Use Form 1040: Complete the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet to determine the money you’re owed.
If you missed your stimulus check, it’s not too late to claim the money you’re entitled to. Filing for the Recovery Rebate Credit by April 15, 2025, is your chance to receive unpaid stimulus payments. Make sure to check your eligibility, file your tax return, and use the correct forms to claim your payment.
FAQs
You can check your eligibility by referring to IRS Letter 6475 or by reviewing your online IRS account for past payments.
You have until April 15, 2025, to claim your missed stimulus payments for 2021.
Even if you don’t usually file taxes, you can still claim your stimulus payments by filing a 2020 or 2021 tax return.
You’ll need to file Form 1040 and complete the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet.
Unfortunately, the deadline for claiming stimulus payments for 2020 has passed. However, you can still claim payments for 2021 until 2025.
