Tax Extension from IRS: Even though many Americans can still file for a tax extension in 2025, a lot of them could miss out on getting a $1,400 stimulus check if they wait too long. This check is part of the Recovery Rebate Credit that the government created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people deal with tough economic times.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has said that over one million people in the U.S. may still qualify for the payment but haven’t claimed it yet because they didn’t file their 2021 taxes.
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If you missed the April 15 tax deadline, you can avoid accruing penalties and interest by filing now and paying as much of the taxes you owe as soon as you can. https://t.co/D6gSHvlDwX pic.twitter.com/BqZhHLrX18
— IRSnews (@IRSnews) April 17, 2025
Back in 2021, the government sent out stimulus payments to support people during the pandemic. But millions didn’t get that money simply because they didn’t file a tax return for that year. Now, there’s still a chance to receive it but not for much longer.
A spokesperson for the IRS told Newsweek that, “April 15 is the deadline for all Americans to apply for their 2021 stimulus payment.” After that date, the money will be sent back to the U.S. Treasury, and people will lose the chance to claim it. That’s because April 15 marks the federal three-year limit to get any unpaid tax refunds.
Tax Extension from IRS: Eligibility
To be eligible for the full $1,400 credit:
- You must not have received the third stimulus payment in 2021
- You must file a 2021 tax return, even if you weren’t otherwise required to
- Your adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2021 must have been:
- $75,000 or less for individuals
- $112,500 or less for heads of household
- $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
IRS Tax Refund Schedule 2025: When to Expect Your Deposit Between April 21 and 27
How to claim the $1,400 stimulus payment?
Still haven’t filed your 2021 return? Here’s what to do:
- Download the 2021 tax return forms from the IRS website
- Fill out the 1040 form and include the Recovery Rebate Credit
- Mail it to the IRS or use certified e-filing software that allows past-year returns
- Make sure your banking information is up to date if you want a direct deposit
- File before April 15, 2025—no exceptions
The IRS expects that more than 1.1 million people could still receive payments, which could add up to over $1 billion in total. The $1,400 stimulus is meant for people whose adjusted gross income in 2021 was $75,000 or less.
People who file before the deadline will get their money either through a paper check or directly in their bank account, using the same banking details they gave when filing their 2024 tax returns. However, anyone who already got this refund in earlier years won’t be able to get it again.
