
Did you know that you may still be eligible to receive a $1,400 stimulus check from the IRS? If you missed out on the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) issued under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, there’s still a chance to claim it. Many eligible individuals and families either never received the payment or did not realize they were entitled to it. If you are one of them, don’t worry—it’s not too late!
This article will walk you through who qualifies, how to claim your payment, and important deadlines to keep in mind.
Who Is Still Eligible for the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The IRS distributed most of the $1,400 payments automatically to eligible recipients in 2021. However, some individuals may have missed out due to various reasons, such as not filing taxes, changes in dependent status, or incorrect payment details. If you fall into any of the following categories, you may still be eligible to claim your payment:
1. People Who Never Received the Payment
If you met the eligibility requirements but never received the check, you could still claim it through the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.
2. Parents of Children Born in 2021
If you had a baby or added a new dependent in 2021, you may be eligible for an additional $1,400 per dependent. The IRS may not have included this payment automatically, but you can still claim it.
3. Individuals Who Didn’t File a 2021 Tax Return
Many people who are not required to file taxes (such as low-income earners) may not have received their stimulus payment. If you didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you can still submit one and claim your stimulus check.
4. Those Who Experienced a Significant Drop in Income
The stimulus check eligibility was based on income thresholds from previous tax returns. If your income was too high in 2020 but dropped significantly in 2021, you may now qualify for the payment.
How to Claim Your $1,400 Stimulus Check
If you haven’t received your stimulus payment, here’s what you need to do to claim it:
1. File a 2021 Tax Return (Even If You Don’t Normally File Taxes)
To claim the missing payment, you need to file a 2021 tax return and request the Recovery Rebate Credit. Even if you are not typically required to file taxes, submitting a return is the only way to get your stimulus check.
2. Use the Recovery Rebate Credit Section
When filing your return, you must complete the Recovery Rebate Credit section. This allows the IRS to determine whether you qualify for any unpaid stimulus funds.
3. Check Your IRS Online Account
Log in to your IRS account on IRS.gov to check your payment history. If the IRS issued a payment, but you never received it, you may need to request a payment trace.
4. Submit Your Tax Return Electronically
The IRS recommends filing electronically to speed up processing and avoid delays. You can use tax preparation software or work with a tax professional for assistance.
Important Deadlines to Keep in Mind
While the official stimulus payment distribution ended in 2021, the IRS still allows eligible individuals to file a late 2021 tax return to claim missing payments. However, deadlines apply:
- The standard tax deadline for 2021 returns was April 18, 2022.
- If you filed for an extension, you had until October 17, 2022.
- The final deadline to claim stimulus payments may extend further, especially for those who do not normally file taxes. However, the sooner you file, the better your chances of receiving your payment.
Common Reasons Why People Missed Their Stimulus Check
If you didn’t receive your payment, one of the following reasons might be why:
- Bank account information was outdated or incorrect.
- You changed your mailing address, and the check was lost.
- Your income changed, affecting eligibility.
- You were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You didn’t file taxes, and the IRS had no record of you.
If you believe any of these situations apply to you, filing a Recovery Rebate Credit request is your best course of action.
Why This Matters: Don’t Leave Money on the Table
The $1,400 stimulus check was designed to provide financial relief during the pandemic. If you haven’t claimed yours, you could be missing out on money that belongs to you. With the rising cost of living, every dollar counts—so take action now!
Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking your IRS account or speaking with a tax professional to find out.
Final Thoughts
If you missed your $1,400 stimulus payment, don’t panic—you still have time to claim it. By filing a 2021 tax return and requesting the Recovery Rebate Credit, you can ensure you receive the money you’re entitled to.
The key is to act quickly to avoid missing any final deadlines. Whether you’re an individual who didn’t receive a payment, a new parent, or someone whose income changed in 2021, claiming your check is simple and could provide much-needed financial relief.
For more financial updates and news, stay tuned to Focus Global News.