Over $1 Billion in Unclaimed IRS Stimulus Payments – Claim Yours Before Time Runs Out

If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return yet, you’re running out of time — fast. The IRS has made it crystal clear: April 15, 2025 is the final deadline to claim a refund from 2021. Miss it, and you could be waving goodbye to money that’s rightfully yours. An estimated 1.1 million taxpayers haven’t filed, and if you’re one of them, this might be your last shot.

Let’s break down what’s at stake — and how to get your refund before it’s too late.

Deadline

Here’s the key thing: there’s no penalty for late filing if the IRS owes you money. But there is a hard limit — the law gives you just three years to file and claim that refund. After that, the money goes straight to the U.S. Treasury, and you can’t get it back. Period.

For 2021 returns, that three-year window closes Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Refunds

What kind of money are we talking about? According to the IRS, the average unclaimed refund is in the hundreds, and thousands of people in each state could benefit. But it’s not just about the refund — many taxpayers may also qualify for refundable tax credits.

Two of the big ones?

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Worth up to $6,728 for qualifying families with kids
• Recovery Rebate Credit: For those who missed out on stimulus payments

These credits can significantly boost your refund — but only if you file your 2021 return before the deadline.

Restrictions

Now, here’s where it gets a little tricky. Even if you qualify for a refund, the IRS may hold it back if:

• You haven’t filed your 2022 or 2023 tax returns
• You owe child support, federal debt, or state debts like unpaid student loans

So, if you’re expecting a big refund but haven’t been up-to-date on recent filings, it might be delayed until you clear those obligations.

Help

Not sure where to start? The IRS has a few helpful tools and resources to make the process easier.

What you can do

Resource	What It Helps With
IRS Online Account	View past returns, get AGI, tax transcripts
IRS.gov	Download 2021 tax forms and instructions
800-TAX-FORM	Order paper forms by phone
Request from Employers	Ask for missing W-2s or 1099s

If you don’t have access to key tax documents like W-2s, 1099s, or Form 1095-A, contact your employer or bank right away — they can provide copies.

Forms

For 2021, you’ll need either Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, depending on your age and filing status. Both are available for download at the IRS Forms, Instructions & Publications page, or you can order them over the phone.

Don’t forget to include all relevant documentation and double-check your numbers before filing — especially if you’re claiming credits like the EITC or Recovery Rebate.

The clock is ticking. If you think the IRS owes you money from 2021, now is the time to act. Once the deadline passes, that refund is gone for good — and so are any credits that could have padded your paycheck. Don’t leave money on the table. File today, even if it’s just to claim what’s rightfully yours.

FAQs