Even though the worst of the pandemic appears to be behind us, some of the economic policies implemented during those years remain in effect in the United States. In 2021, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued the third economic stimulus check, a direct payment that assisted millions of American families in overcoming the financial strain caused by the health crisis.
Many Americans received assistance without having to complete any additional paper work. Not everyone was so fortunate. Whether due to a lack of information, issues with their tax return, or simply because they did not qualify at the time, there are still people who can receive that money. What many people don’t realize is that they still have time to claim it.
The key lies in the Recovery Rebate Credit, a benefit that allows you to apply for the third check now, in 2025. However, as with any official procedure, it is necessary to meet certain requirements and stay aware of deadlines. To learn everything there is to know, we will look into what you need to know to take advantage of this opportunity if you did not receive the full payment or received it at all.
Who can claim the IRS stimulus check in 2025?
The third stimulus payment was for up to $1,400 per person, including dependents, regardless of age. This program, which began in March 2021, targeted individuals with specific income levels. Individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of up to
- $75,000 if they were single taxpayers,
- $112,500 if they were heads of household,
- and $150,000 if they filed jointly.
Above these thresholds, the amount gradually decreased until it disappeared entirely at $80,000 (individuals), $120,000 (heads of household), and $160,000 (couples).
If you did not receive the full payment, you can apply for it through the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. The primary requirement is that you submit your tax return for that year by April 15, 2025. Filing a return is necessary for the IRS to process your refund, even if it is not typically required.
How to claim the IRS payment
To begin, determine whether you meet the qualifications. That is, you must prove that your income in 2021 falls within the limits and that you did not receive the entire payment at the time. If you have any questions, you can review the IRS letters sent to those who received the checks or check your payment history on the IRS portal.
Then, file your 2021 tax return. You can do this electronically or on paper, but the digital option is faster and more efficient. On that form, you must include the calculation of your Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS provides online tools and detailed guides to assist you with this step.
Finally, if you qualify for the credit, the IRS will send you the money as part of your tax refund. If you choose direct deposit, your payment may arrive faster. So, basically, there is still time to claim a significant benefit that may have been overlooked for a variety of reasons. If you believe you should have received the IRS’s third stimulus check, don’t pass up the opportunity to claim it. You have until April 15, 2025 to do so.
