During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans received stimulus checks as part of federal economic relief packages.
However, some individuals didn’t claim their checks due to missing tax filings or other complications.
If you missed out on your stimulus payment, you still have the opportunity to claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
What Were the Stimulus Checks?
The stimulus checks were part of economic relief efforts introduced by the Trump and Biden administrations to help offset financial hardships caused by the pandemic.
Three rounds of stimulus payments were distributed, targeting individuals based on their income levels.
While most citizens automatically received their payments, some, particularly those with low income or those not required to file tax returns, missed out.
How the Recovery Rebate Credit Works
The Recovery Rebate Credit allows individuals who didn’t receive their stimulus checks to claim them retroactively by filing a tax return for the relevant year.
Although the deadline for claiming the 2020 payment has passed, the IRS has extended the deadline for the 2021 payments until April 15, 2025.
This provides an opportunity for individuals who didn’t receive their full payment, or any payment at all, to still claim what they’re owed.
New Deadline to Claim Your Stimulus Checks
The IRS has given a new deadline of April 15, 2025, to claim missed 2021 stimulus payments.
If you didn’t receive a check, or believe you were entitled to more than you received, you can file a tax return for the year 2021 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
This is essential for individuals who don’t normally file taxes, as filing a return is the only way to claim the missed payments.
How to Claim Missed Stimulus Payments
To claim your missed stimulus payments:
- File a Tax Return: You’ll need to file tax returns for 2020 and 2021, even if you weren’t normally required to file taxes. The IRS offers free services, such as Free File, to help you submit your return at no cost.
- Verify Eligibility: Use Letter 6475, which the IRS sent out in early 2022, to check if you received your third round of Economic Impact Payments. You can also log into your IRS online account to review your payment history.
- Use the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet: When filing your tax return, complete the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet along with Form 1040 to calculate how much you’re owed.
- Submit Your Return Before April 15, 2025: It’s crucial to file your return before the deadline to ensure you receive the payment.
Tips for Simplifying the Claim Process
- Check for Past Payments: Before filing, make sure you haven’t already received your full stimulus payment. You can verify this by reviewing your IRS Letter 6475 or logging into your IRS online account.
- Get Help If Needed: If you’re unfamiliar with filing taxes, consider using the IRS Free File program or consulting a tax professional to ensure your return is submitted correctly.
- Double-Check Your Documents: To avoid delays in processing your rebate, ensure that all forms and supporting documents are completed accurately.
If you didn’t receive your stimulus check during the COVID-19 pandemic, you still have time to claim it by filing a tax return before April 15, 2025.
By filing for the Recovery Rebate Credit, you can receive any payments you missed and potentially ease financial burdens. Take advantage of this opportunity to ensure you receive the funds you’re entitled to.
FAQs
What is the deadline to claim missed stimulus checks?
The deadline to claim missed 2021 stimulus checks is April 15, 2025.
How do I claim a stimulus check I didn’t receive?
File a tax return for 2020 and 2021, and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your return.
Do I need to file a tax return if I didn’t earn enough income?
Yes, even if you’re not required to file taxes, you need to file a return to claim your missed stimulus check.
What is Letter 6475?
Letter 6475 was sent by the IRS in early 2022 and shows the amount you received in the third round of Economic Impact Payments.
Can I still get my stimulus check if I missed the 2020 deadline?
The deadline for claiming 2020 stimulus payments has passed, but you can still claim the 2021 payments until April 2025.
