It’s not too late for eligible Americans to claim the third round of Economic Impact Payments—commonly referred to as stimulus checks—worth up to $1,400 per person. Despite being part of a pandemic relief effort rolled out by the federal government in 2021, many individuals and families who qualified have yet to receive their payments. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging those who missed out to take action before time runs out.
What Was the Third Stimulus Check?
The third stimulus check, part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, provided a one-time payment of $1,400 for each eligible adult and dependent. This payment was designed to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike previous stimulus rounds, dependents of all ages—including college students and older adult dependents—were also eligible for the full amount.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility was based on income thresholds. Individuals earning up to $75,000 per year and married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000 qualified for the full amount. Payments phased out for those with higher incomes, completely tapering off for individuals earning above $80,000 and joint filers earning more than $160,000.
Even if you didn’t file taxes in 2020 or 2021, you may still be eligible. The IRS used tax return data to determine eligibility, so non-filers may have slipped through the cracks. This is especially true for people with little or no income, older adults, those experiencing homelessness, or individuals in underserved communities.
How to Claim Your Payment
The IRS is encouraging those who may have missed out on the third stimulus payment to file a federal tax return for 2021—even if they don’t usually file taxes. By doing so, individuals can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, which effectively serves as a backdoor method for receiving the missed stimulus money.
To claim the credit, you need to submit a 2021 tax return, clearly indicating your eligibility for the third Economic Impact Payment. The IRS has provided tools and assistance to help taxpayers file for free, especially for those with low to moderate incomes.
Also Read: Astral Resources Reports Outstanding Gold Recoveries at Theia Deposit
Deadline Is Approaching
While there is no official IRS cutoff yet announced specifically for claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, the general recommendation is to act as soon as possible. IRS officials suggest filing your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, since refunds typically have a three-year claim window from the filing deadline. That means the window to receive your $1,400 check could close in less than two years.
What If You Received Less Than Expected?
Some taxpayers may have received partial payments or none at all due to outdated tax return information, changes in dependent status, or changes in income. If you believe you qualified for a higher amount than what you received, you can also claim the difference through the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.
In some cases, payments were intercepted for debt collection, garnishment, or other reasons. These situations may also be reviewed or appealed with proper documentation.
Resources to Help
To assist taxpayers, the IRS offers several support tools:
- IRS Free File: A service that allows people with incomes below a certain threshold to file taxes at no cost.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): A program offering in-person help for those who need assistance preparing returns.
- org: A nonprofit-supported tool that helps low-income families claim Child Tax Credits and Recovery Rebate Credits.
Additionally, tax professionals and community centers may offer local support for individuals who need help navigating the process.
Don’t Leave Money on the Table
The pandemic disrupted lives in countless ways, and stimulus payments were intended to help people weather that economic storm. Yet, the IRS estimates that millions of Americans still haven’t claimed their full share. Whether it’s due to a lack of awareness, difficulties with filing, or confusion around eligibility, the bottom line is clear: if you believe you’re entitled to the $1,400 stimulus check, it’s well worth taking the steps to claim it.
Even though the payment is tied to 2021, it’s real money that can make a difference today—especially for those still feeling the financial aftershocks of the pandemic.
Final Thought
If you or someone you know may have missed out on the third stimulus check, now is the time to act. Filing a 2021 tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit could unlock vital funds. With the IRS offering free resources and tools, there’s no reason to let this opportunity slip away.
Every dollar counts, and for many, that $1,400 check could help cover rent, food, bills, or savings. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action today to secure what’s rightfully yours.
