The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the last date for the tax returns in 2025, April 15, after which people will not be able to file their tax returns. They will not be eligible to file tax returns legally after this date. You can’t get it properly from now.
What was this $1,400 stimulus check?
During the coronavirus pandemic, the US government issued Economic Impact Payments, i.e., stimulus checks, in three phases to provide financial assistance to citizens. In the third round, every eligible person was given $1,400.
If someone did not get the full amount, then they could claim the remaining amount under the Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2021 tax return.
But now that time is over. The IRS had set the last date for late filing of 2021 tax returns as April 15, 2025. Those who could not file the return by this date will never be able to claim this money now.
Why were so many people left out?
The biggest loss of this scheme has been to the people of the low-income group. Many people did not fall under the legal ambit of filing tax returns, and they did not know that filing tax returns is also necessary to get a stimulus check.
Apart from this, some people thought that they had already received the entire amount, or they never bothered to check. According to the IRS, more than 1 million people could not claim the tax refund of 2021, and now all this money has gone to the US Treasury.
Which benefits have been lost now?
Not only the $1,400 stimulus check, but many other tax benefits have ended with this last date. These include:
- Refundable Tax Credits
- Refund for Withholding from Wages
- Remaining pending payments to the IRS
Now, there is no legal or administrative way left to get this money back.
It is worth noting that in the US, 3 years are given to get a tax refund or credit. After this, that money goes to the government treasury.
Can something still be done?
Even though the money for 2021 may not be refunded now, the IRS has said that people should check their 2022 and 2023 tax returns. There may be some refund or credit claim left in those years as well.
It is very important to keep your tax records updated and file taxes before the deadline every year, as this directly affects the financial condition of the family.
What is the lesson for the future?
This incident is proof of how important it is for every person living in America to be aware of their taxes and government schemes. Especially, people from low-income groups should understand that sometimes it is necessary to file tax returns to avail government benefits, whether their income falls under the tax bracket or not.
The IRS rule is that a refund or credit can be claimed for up to 3 years after the deadline of every tax return. After that, the money is gone forever.
Conclusion
The deadline for filing claims to receive the 2021 $1,400 stimulus check passed and denying any opportunity for U.S. citizens to receive this payment. The pandemic financial help remained unavailable to low-income groups because they never filed their taxes, although it was mandatory. All unclaimed refunds went to the U.S. Treasury Department when the deadline passed, since there was no mechanism to retrieve them.
FAQs
Q1. Can I still claim the 2021 $1,400 stimulus check?
A1. No, the deadline to claim the 2021 stimulus check ended on April 15, 2025, and there is no way to claim it now.
Q2. How can I check if I’m eligible for a refund for other years?
A2. You can check your eligibility for refunds or credits for 2022 or 2023 by reviewing your tax returns or using IRS online tools like the “Get My Payment” and “Tax Transcripts” sections.
Q3. Who was affected by missing the 2021 stimulus check?
A3. Mainly low-income individuals who were not required to file a tax return in 2021 but missed the deadline to claim their stimulus through a tax return.
Q4. How long do I have to claim a tax refund or credit?
A4. You have three years from the deadline of each tax return year to claim a refund or credit. After that, the funds are forfeited.
Q5. Is there any way to appeal if I missed the deadline?
A5. No, once the deadline has passed, there is no administrative or legal way to appeal or recover the missed funds.
