The IRS has announced that Americans have until April 15, 2025, to claim unclaimed tax refunds from 2021, including some pandemic-era stimulus payments. If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, you might still be eligible for a refund or stimulus check. Here’s everything you need to know about claiming your money before the deadline.
Who Is Eligible for the 2021 Stimulus Payment?
The U.S. government issued three rounds of stimulus checks between March 2020 and March 2021 to help people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While most eligible taxpayers received their payments, some may have missed out.Eligible individuals received:
$1,200 per filer and $500 per child in March 2020 (CARES Act)$600 per filer and $600 per child in December 2020 (Consolidated Appropriations Act)$1,400 per filer and $1,400 per child in March 2021 (American Rescue Plan Act)
If you did not receive these payments, you may still qualify for a Recovery Rebate Credit by filing your 2021 tax return.
How to Claim Your 2021 Tax Refund or Stimulus Payment
If you believe you’re eligible for a refund or stimulus payment, follow these steps to file your 2021 tax return before April 15:
Check Your IRS Account: Log in to your IRS online account and review your tax records to see if you received all your stimulus payments.Gather Your Tax Documents: If you didn’t file a 2021 return, you may need to request copies of important tax documents from your employer or bank.File Your 2021 Tax Return: Use tax software, hire a tax professional, or visit IRS Free File to submit your return electronically.Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit: If you didn’t receive your full stimulus payment, enter the amount you are eligible for on your 2021 tax return.
What Happens If You Miss the April 15 Deadline?
If you don’t file by April 15, you will permanently lose any unclaimed refund or stimulus payment from 2021. Under federal law, taxpayers have only three years to claim a refund before the money becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury.Additionally, if you haven’t filed tax returns for 2022 and 2023, your refund may be delayed or withheld until your past returns are completed. Any refund amount may also be used to pay off debts like unpaid taxes, student loans, or child support.
IRS Encourages Taxpayers to Act Now
The IRS is urging taxpayers to act quickly. The fastest way to claim your 2021 refund is to file electronically and opt for direct deposit. If you need copies of tax forms, request them as soon as possible since written requests can take several weeks to process.Taxpayers can check their refund status online using the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool. The IRS also warns that processing times may be longer due to staffing cuts.If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return, you still have time to claim your refund or missing stimulus payment, but you must act before April 15, 2025. By filing your tax return, you can ensure that you receive any money owed to you. Don’t let this opportunity slip away—the deadline is fast approaching!
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