Unclaimed $1,400 Tax Credit: Your Last Chance in 2025

The 2025 tax season is here, and the IRS is reminding people that they might still be able to claim up to $1,400 from a stimulus check issued in 2021. This money is part of the third Economic Impact Payment from the COVID-19 pandemic. If you didn’t get the full amount—or any of it—you can still grab it by filing a 2021 tax return. But hurry, the deadline is April 15, 2025!

What Is the Recovery Rebate Credit?

The Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) is a special tax credit that helps people who missed out on the third stimulus payment of $1,400 per person in 2021. This includes money for dependents, like kids or other family members you support. Most people got this payment automatically, but some were skipped because of outdated info or life changes.

Here’s why some missed out:

• The IRS didn’t have their latest details (address, bank account, etc.).
• Their income or family size changed.
• They didn’t file taxes before.

If this sounds like you, you can claim this credit now by filing your 2021 taxes.

Who Can Claim the $1,400 Credit?

You might be able to get this money if:

• You never got the third stimulus check in 2021.
• You got less than $1,400.
• Your income dropped in 2021, making you eligible.
• You added a child or dependent in 2021.
• You didn’t file a 2021 tax return yet.

The full $1,400 is available if your income was below:

• $75,000 (single filers).
• $112,500 (head of household).
• $150,000 (married couples filing together).

Even if your income was a bit higher, you might still get some of the credit.

How to Get Your Recovery Rebate Credit

Here’s a simple guide to claim your money:

Step 1: Check Your IRS Account

Go to IRS.gov and log into your account. Look at your payment history to see if you got the third stimulus check and how much it was.

Step 2: File Your 2021 Taxes

If you didn’t file a tax return for 2021, do it now. You can file even if you had little or no income that year.

Step 3: Fix Your 2021 Return (If Needed)

If you filed in 2021 but didn’t claim the credit, use Form 1040-X to update your return.

Step 4: Don’t Miss the Deadline

You must file by April 15, 2025. After that, the money is gone for good.

How Much Money Can You Get?

You could receive:

• $1,400 for yourself.
• $1,400 for each dependent (like kids or college students).

For example, a family of four could get up to $5,600 if they never got the payment.

Why Are People Missing Out?

The IRS says millions haven’t claimed this credit yet. Many of them:

• Don’t usually file taxes.
• Have low or fixed incomes.
• Didn’t know they could claim it.
• Thought they already got the full amount.

If you’re unsure, check your IRS account to be safe.

What Happens If You Don’t Act?

If you don’t file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, you’ll lose this money forever. This credit is “refundable,” meaning you can get it even if you don’t owe taxes.

Conclusion: Claim Your Money Now!

The Recovery Rebate Credit was meant to help people during the pandemic, but many still haven’t gotten their share. With the April 15, 2025 deadline nearing, don’t wait! Check if you’re eligible, file your 2021 taxes, and claim your $1,400—or more. It’s your last shot at this cash, so act fast and get what you deserve!