If you haven’t filed your 2021 tax return, you could be missing out on a refund of up to $781 on average. The IRS has confirmed that more than 1.1 million taxpayers still haven’t claimed their money from the 2021 tax year, and the deadline to do so is fast approaching — April 15, 2025.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid losing your refund forever.
Over $1 Billion in Refunds Still Unclaimed
According to the IRS, more than $1 billion in tax refunds is still waiting to be claimed by taxpayers who did not file a 2021 return. That’s an average of $781 per person, and some may even qualify for more through credits like the Recovery Rebate Credit.
If you don’t file your tax return by April 15, 2025, you will lose this refund permanently. The money will then be sent to the U.S. Treasury, as required by federal law.
Who Needs to Act?
Anyone who didn’t file a 2021 federal income tax return is at risk of losing their refund. Even if you earned little or no income in 2021, you may still be eligible to claim money back — especially if you missed out on stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You need to complete and submit IRS Form 1040 for the 2021 tax year. This form is easy to find on the IRS website, or you can request a copy by calling 800-TAX-FORM.
Why the Rush?
The IRS allows up to three years from the original tax filing date to claim a refund. For 2021, that period ends on April 15, 2025. There will be no extensions. This is your final chance.
The IRS had already distributed $2.4 billion in automatic payments back in December 2024 for people who had already filed. In January 2025, another 1 million people received payments after the IRS fixed small mistakes on their forms. But if you didn’t file at all, you must do it now to get any money.
How to Claim Your 2021 Refund
Here’s how you can claim your 2021 IRS refund:
- File IRS Form 1040 for 2021 – even if your income was zero.
- Check your online IRS account to verify stimulus payments and credits.
- Request missing documents (W-2s, 1099s) using Form 4506-T or by calling 800-908-9946.
- Use low-income taxpayer clinics or IRS help lines for assistance.
- Visit /forms-instructions on the IRS site to download necessary forms.
The IRS also recommends using their digital platform to track your refund and access your payment history quickly.
Understanding the Recovery Rebate Credit
The Recovery Rebate Credit was created to help people who didn’t receive their full Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) during the pandemic. In 2021, eligible individuals could get:
- $1,400 per adult
- $2,800 for married couples
- $1,400 per child dependent
That’s up to $5,600 for a family of four. These funds are not counted against benefits like SSI or SNAP, making them very useful for low-income households.
Don’t Wait — Time Is Almost Up!
If you wait past April 15, 2025, you will lose your refund forever. There are no second chances or extensions. Don’t let your money become government property — act now and file your 2021 return.
The IRS has provided full support with both online and offline services, including guidance for low-income earners. If you’re unsure what to do, seek help today. You may be entitled to hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars.
