Millions of people in the United States have permanently missed their chance to claim the $1,400 stimulus check from the year 2021. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) set the final deadline for filing the 2021 tax return as April 15, 2025. Anyone who didn’t submit their return by that date has now lost the right to request this payment or any other refund for that tax year.
The $1,400 was part of the third round of stimulus checks, also known as Economic Impact Payments, provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. It helped many families manage basic needs like rent, food, and medical bills. But for those who didn’t claim it in time, the money is now gone for good.
Why Is the 2021 Stimulus Check No Longer Available?
The IRS gives taxpayers three years to file a return and claim any refunds, including stimulus payments. That period for the 2021 tax return ended on April 15, 2025. Anyone who missed that deadline can no longer:
- Claim the $1,400 stimulus check
- Apply for Recovery Rebate Credit
- Get refunds for tax withheld from their wages
- Claim refundable tax credits for that year
All unclaimed money now goes straight to the U.S. Treasury, and there is no option to appeal or file late.
Why Did So Many Miss Out?
The people most affected by this deadline were often low-income individuals. Many of them:
- Did not know they had to file a tax return to receive the payment
- Thought they already received the full amount and didn’t double-check
- Were not legally required to file taxes in 2021, and therefore never did
According to the IRS, over 1 million people still hadn’t filed their 2021 return by the deadline. That means billions of dollars in unclaimed refunds have now been forfeited.
What Can You Do Now?
If you missed the chance to file for 2021, there is nothing more you can do for that year. However, the IRS recommends checking your tax status for recent years such as 2022 or 2023, to make sure:
- You don’t have any refunds still pending
- You claimed all eligible tax credits
- Your information is up to date with the IRS
Remember, the three-year rule applies to every tax year. If you don’t claim your refund or credit within three years, that money will also be lost permanently.
The deadline to claim the 2021 stimulus check has now passed, and millions of Americans have missed out on a payment of up to $1,400. This includes not just the stimulus money but other refunds and tax benefits from that year. The IRS has made it clear—once the three-year period ends, the money is gone forever.
While there is nothing that can be done for 2021 now, it’s still a good idea to review your recent returns for 2022 or 2023. Making sure you’re up to date with the IRS can prevent more losses and protect your financial future.
