$1400 Stimulus Check 2025: $1400 Stimulus Check 2025 is creating a buzz as the final chance to claim this payment is about to end. Many Americans missed out on the third round of stimulus payments during the COVID relief efforts, and now the IRS is reminding everyone to act fast before it’s too late.
This article provides all the important details about who is still eligible, why some people didn’t get their payment, and exactly how to claim it. With April 15, 2025, being the final deadline, this guide will walk you through the steps so you don’t miss out on money that could be yours
$1400 Stimulus Check 2025
The $1400 Stimulus Check 2025 refers to the third and final economic relief payment issued under the American Rescue Plan in 2021. While this payment was distributed years ago, many eligible Americans never received it. Now, the IRS is offering a last opportunity to claim this money—but only until April 15, 2025.
If you didn’t receive the payment or didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you could still be eligible. Over 1.1 million people are believed to qualify, with more than $1 billion still unclaimed. But if you don’t file in time, this payment will be lost permanently.
Overview Table: $1400 Stimulus Check 2025 at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
| Payment Name | $1400 Stimulus Check (Third Round) |
| Program | American Rescue Plan (2021) |
| Payment Amount | Up to $1,400 per eligible individual |
| Eligibility Based On | 2021 tax return, income level, and dependent status |
| Deadline to Claim | April 15, 2025 (Tax Day) |
| Filing Requirement | Must file 2021 tax return with Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Income Limits for Full Amount | Single: ≤ $75,000Married: ≤ $150,000Head of Household: ≤ $112,500 |
| Phased Out Limits | Single: $80,000Married: $160,000Head of Household: $120,000 |
| Eligible Dependents | Includes adult dependents and college students |
| People Still Eligible | Over 1.1 million individuals, $1 billion unclaimed |
| How to Claim | File 2021 return using Form 1040 and include Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Action if Never Filed | Download form, complete and mail before April 15, 2025 |
| Penalty for Missing Deadline | Permanent loss of payment and related tax refunds |
| Where to Check Status | IRS online account at IRS.gov |
Third Stimulus Check and Its Eligibility Criteria
The third stimulus check had specific rules based on income and tax filing status. Here’s how eligibility worked for the full $1,400 payment:
- Single filers: Full payment if income was $75,000 or less; phased out at $80,000
- Married filing jointly: Full payment if income was $150,000 or less; phased out at $160,000
- Head of household: Full payment if income was $112,500 or less; phased out at $120,000
Dependents also qualified, including adult dependents and college students. Payments were calculated using the details from your 2021 tax return, so it’s essential to have one filed.
Why Some People Missed Their Stimulus Checks?
Even though the IRS tried to reach every eligible person, many still missed their payment. Common reasons include:
- Not filing a 2021 tax return: Some individuals with little or no income didn’t think they needed to file, but the IRS requires a return to issue the payment.
- Forgot to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit: If you filed but left this part blank, the IRS didn’t know you were owed money.
- Filing errors: Mistakes like incorrect income figures or Social Security numbers led to delays or disqualification.
These issues can now be fixed—but only if you file before the upcoming deadline.
What the IRS Did for Certain Filers?
To help people who filed but missed the credit, the IRS took action in December 2024. It reviewed old tax filings and found about 1 million eligible taxpayers who didn’t claim the credit.
The IRS then automatically sent out stimulus payments up to $1,400, using either direct deposit or paper checks, based on the most recent tax return filed (usually from 2023). Most people got their payments by January 2025, along with an official letter explaining it.
However, this only applies to people who had already filed a return. If you never filed your 2021 taxes, you’re still required to do that yourself.
How to Claim the Stimulus Payment If You Never Filed?
If you didn’t file a tax return in 2021, it’s not too late—but time is running out. Here’s how to claim your $1400 Stimulus Check 2025:
- Get Form 1040 for 2021 from the IRS website or a tax service that supports prior-year filings.
- Include the Recovery Rebate Credit on your return.
- File your return by April 15, 2025, the final day to claim your refund.
- Mail it using certified or trackable mail if not filing electronically.
- Check your IRS account online to make sure you haven’t already filed or received the check.
Even if you had no income, filing is still required to get the payment.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the April 15, 2025, deadline, you lose your chance to get the $1400 stimulus check forever. The IRS allows a three-year window from the original filing deadline to claim refunds. After that, the unclaimed money is sent to the U.S. Treasury.
This doesn’t just affect the stimulus check—you may also lose other benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can increase your refund. Once the window closes, there’s no way to recover the money.
How to Check Your Status with the IRS?
Not sure if you already got the payment or filed your 2021 return? You can check by visiting the IRS website:
- Go to IRS.gov
- Log in or create an IRS online account
- Click on “Tax Records”
- Check your 2021 tax return status and look for the Recovery Rebate Credit
This is the most accurate way to know if you still need to take action. If the credit was never issued, you still have a chance—but not for long.
Two Key Steps Before Time Runs Out
- File Your 2021 Tax Return Immediately
Even if you had no income or weren’t required to file, you need to submit the return to get the credit. - Use Certified Mail or IRS-Approved Software
If filing by mail, make sure it’s postmarked by April 15, 2025. This ensures the IRS accepts it as on time.
FAQs
1. Can I still get the $1400 stimulus if I didn’t earn income in 2021?
Yes, you just need to file your 2021 tax return and include the Recovery Rebate Credit.
2. What form do I need to file to get the payment?
You need Form 1040 for the tax year 2021.
3. What if I filed but missed the Recovery Rebate Credit?
You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X and add the credit.
4. Can I file online for 2021 taxes?
Most free filing tools no longer support 2021 returns. You may need to file manually or use paid software.
5. What happens if I miss the April 15, 2025 deadline?
You’ll lose the chance to claim the $1,400 payment and any related refunds permanently.
