The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminded taxpayers that the deadline to request a $1,400 refund for fiscal year 2021 is April 15, 2025. Those who fail to file their returns on time will lose the right to claim this benefit, according to current federal regulations.
The payment is based on the adjusted gross income reported for 2021. Single people earning less than $75,000 and married couples making less than $150,000 can claim the full $1,400. Those who earned more than that amount may still be eligible for a partial payment, depending on how the IRS calculates it.
How to claim this refund from the IRS
According to official data, over 1.1 million taxpayers have pending refunds totaling more than $1,000 million. The organization warned that after the deadline, these funds would be returned to the US Treasury with no option for further recovery.
Those who did not receive the stimulus package must submit their 2021 tax returns by April 15. This requires Form W-2, proof of income, and any other employment records from that year. Those who have already filed but have overlooked the Recovery Refund Credit can correct their situation with an amendment.
The IRS will process applications and distribute payments via direct deposit or physical check using the banking information provided on the 2024 returns. To avoid delays, the agency recommended that you double-check the data’s accuracy.
Where did this money come from? The IRS explains
The stimulus payments were part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan, which aimed to reduce the economic impact of the pandemic. Unlike previous aid, this credit necessitates active participation: those who did not file taxes in 2021 were automatically excluded, even if they met the financial requirements.
According to experts, vulnerable populations, such as homeless people or older adults with limited income, may be disproportionately affected by not knowing the deadline. Community organizations have increased information campaigns to help with the declaration process.
A spokesperson for the agency stated, “It is critical that taxpayers act immediately. Every year, millions of legitimate credits go unclaimed, disproportionately impacting low-income families.
The IRS reiterated that there will be no extensions after April 15, 2025, so those who have not completed the entire process by that date will be unable to claim again, and the funds will become the property of the United States Treasury.
