During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous families and individuals across the United States received stimulus checks issued by the federal government. These payments provided crucial financial relief to help alleviate the rising cost of living and income loss due to the health crisis. However, not everyone was able to claim their checks, either because they lacked the necessary information or didn’t file the required tax returns. If you missed out on claiming your stimulus check, there’s still a chance to do so.
During the pandemic, the IRS distributed three rounds of stimulus checks nationwide. These payments aimed to help people weather the economic storm caused by COVID-19, offering some relief to those facing financial hardship. Even if you didn’t claim your stimulus check back then, you still have an opportunity to receive it.
What is the stimulus check and how it worked
The stimulus checks were part of a broader economic relief package rolled out by the Trump and Biden administrations, targeted at individuals who met certain income criteria. While most citizens automatically received their payments, some didn’t—especially those with low incomes who aren’t usually required to file tax returns. If you never claimed your check or received less than you were entitled to, you can still claim it via the Recovery Rebate Credit.
How the Recovery Rebate Credit works
The Recovery Rebate Credit is a special tax provision allowing individuals who missed out on their stimulus check to claim it retroactively. While the deadline for claiming the credit for 2020 has passed, the IRS has set a new deadline for those who missed the 2021 credit. If you’re in this category, you have until April 15, 2025, to file your claim.
This credit is especially important for individuals who don’t typically file tax returns, as they may still be eligible to receive the payment even if they hadn’t previously requested it. Therefore, even if you’re not required to file taxes due to low income, it’s essential to do so to receive the funds you’re entitled to.
New deadline to claim your stimulus checks
The IRS has extended a new opportunity for people who didn’t receive their 2021 stimulus check. The deadline to submit your request is April 15, 2025. This means that even if you missed out on claiming these payments in previous years, you still have time to make your claim. The process is relatively straightforward, requiring you to file a tax return for the relevant fiscal years, even if you’re not usually obligated to do so.
How to claim missed payments
To claim the stimulus checks you didn’t receive, the first step is to file a tax return for the years 2020 and 2021. Be sure to do this before the 2025 deadline to ensure you receive the payment you’re entitled to.
If you’re unfamiliar with filing taxes, don’t worry. The IRS offers free programs, such as Free File, which allows you to prepare and submit your return at no cost. Additionally, there are tax preparation services and professionals available to help you complete the process correctly.
It’s crucial to check your eligibility before filing. Verify whether you’ve already received any stimulus payment or if you’re entitled to additional funds. To do this, you can refer to Letter 6475, which the IRS sent out in early 2022. This letter provides details about the amount you received in the third round of Economic Impact Payments. You can also check your online IRS account to review the payments you’ve received.
Tips for simplifying the claim process
Once you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for the rebate, the next step is to prepare and submit your tax return with the correct documentation. Use Form 1040 along with the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet, which will help you determine how much money you’re owed. It’s important to review all documents carefully before submitting them to avoid errors that could delay the receipt of your payment.
After you’ve submitted your return, all that’s left is to wait for the IRS to process your request and issue the corresponding rebate. This money can be a significant relief, especially if you’re in a difficult financial situation, so don’t miss the chance to claim it.
