Time is almost up if you’re still waiting to claim your 2021 stimulus payment. The IRS has made it official — April 15, 2025 is your last chance to file a 2021 tax return and claim any remaining funds from the third round of Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus checks. After that date, any unclaimed money will go to the U.S. Treasury, and there’s no getting it back.
Here’s everything you need to know about the deadline, who’s affected, and what happens if you miss it.
Deadline
The IRS provides a three-year window to file past returns and claim any associated refunds or credits. That window closes permanently for the 2021 tax year on April 15, 2025.
Why is this important? Because the third stimulus check — the one for $1,400 per eligible person — was issued in 2021. If you didn’t receive it (or didn’t get the full amount), you can only claim it by filing your 2021 return before that deadline.
This also applies to other 2021 refunds, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC). If you don’t file in time, those go away, too.
Consequences
Let’s be clear: if you miss the deadline, you lose the money — for good. The IRS has no obligation to send you that refund or stimulus payment after April 15, 2025.
That includes:
- The $1,400 stimulus if you never received it
- Any refund you’re owed based on overpaid taxes
- Credits like the Recovery Rebate Credit, EITC, or CTC
Once the three-year mark passes, the refund becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury. That means it stays with the government — not you.
Eligibility
Who’s at risk of missing out?
- People who weren’t required to file taxes in 2021 (often low-income earners)
- Those who didn’t realize they were eligible for the stimulus
- Individuals who got a partial stimulus payment but never filed to claim the rest
Many Americans — especially those with lower or no income — may not even realize they need to file a tax return to claim their money. But the only way to get the third stimulus now is by filing a 2021 return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Credits
Here’s a quick overview of what you might be missing out on:
| Credit/Refund Type | Maximum Value | Claim Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Third Stimulus (EIP 3) | $1,400 per person | April 15, 2025 |
| Recovery Rebate Credit | Based on EIP eligibility | April 15, 2025 |
| Earned Income Tax Credit | Up to $6,728 | April 15, 2025 |
| Child Tax Credit | Up to $3,600 per child | April 15, 2025 |
Help
Need help filing your 2021 return? The IRS offers a few ways to get started:
- IRS Online Account: View your previous tax info and stimulus status
- Get forms online: Download Form 1040 for 2021 from IRS.gov
- Call 800-TAX-FORM to request paper copies of tax forms
- Ask your employer or bank for missing W-2s or 1099s
Don’t let paperwork or confusion stop you from claiming what’s yours. You may be just one form away from a few hundred — or even a few thousand — dollars.
The bottom line? If you haven’t filed your 2021 return and you think you’re owed money — especially from the third stimulus — now is the time to act. April 15, 2025, is the final deadline. After that, your refund or credit disappears into the Treasury forever.
FAQs
What is the final day to claim 2021 refunds?
April 15, 2025 is the last day to file and claim 2021 refunds.
Can I still get my 2021 stimulus check?
Yes, by filing your 2021 return before April 15, 2025.
What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
A tax credit for those who missed part or all of the stimulus.
Who is most likely to miss this refund?
Low-income individuals who didn’t file a 2021 return.
What if I miss the deadline?
You permanently lose any refund or stimulus money owed.
