If you missed out on your 2021 stimulus check, you may still have a chance to claim it. The IRS allows taxpayers to recover unclaimed stimulus payments, but time is running out. Here’s what you need to know to get the money you’re owed.
Are You Eligible?
If you never received your third stimulus check (Economic Impact Payment), you may still qualify. The IRS issued these payments in 2021 based on tax returns from 2019 or 2020. If your income changed, you didn’t file taxes, or you were claimed as a dependent and later became independent, you may be eligible for a Recovery Rebate Credit.
How to Claim Your Payment
To recover your missing stimulus money, you need to file a 2021 tax return—even if you weren’t required to file at the time. Follow these steps:
- Check IRS Records – Use the IRS’s ‘Get My Payment’ tool to confirm whether you received your stimulus check.
- File a 2021 Tax Return – If you haven’t filed for 2021, you’ll need to do so. You can use one of several free tax filing software tools if you qualify.
- Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit – When filing your return, apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit to get the stimulus money as a refund.
- Submit Before the Deadline – The IRS typically allows three years to claim a refund, which means you have until April 15, 2025, to file for your 2021 stimulus check.
Act Fast Before It’s Too Late
If you don’t claim your stimulus money by the deadline, you won’t be able to recover it later. Even if you didn’t file taxes in 2021, it’s worth filing now to check if you qualify.
Still unsure? Visit the IRS website or consult a tax professional to ensure you don’t leave money on the table!
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