Did you know that over $1.1 billion in IRS stimulus checks are still unclaimed from 2021? If you were eligible for the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) during the pandemic and didn’t file your 2021 taxes, you could still claim up to $1,400 — but only if you act before April 15, 2025.
Time is running out. If you don’t claim this money by the deadline, it will go to the U.S. Federal Reserve, and you’ll lose your chance to receive it forever.
What Are These Unclaimed Stimulus Checks?
These checks are part of the American Rescue Plan passed in March 2021, which was the third round of stimulus payments given during the pandemic.
Here’s a quick reminder of the three rounds of stimulus checks:
- First round (March 2020, CARES Act): $1,200 per adult + $500 per dependent child
- Second round (December 2020): $600 per adult/child
- Third round (March 2021, American Rescue Plan): $1,400 per adult/child
The current unclaimed checks are from the third round. The IRS says over 1 million people either didn’t file their taxes or left the Recovery Rebate Credit section blank on their 2021 tax return.
Who Can Still Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
You can still claim the payment if:
- You were eligible for the third stimulus check in 2021 (based on your income and filing status)
- You did not receive the full $1,400 in 2021
- You either didn’t file a 2021 tax return or filed it without claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit
Even if you were unemployed or didn’t earn enough to file taxes, you may still be eligible. But you must file a 2021 return before April 15, 2025, to receive the payment.
How to Claim Your 2021 IRS Stimulus Check
Here’s what the IRS recommends:
- Log into your IRS account:
Go to the official IRS website and access your personal tax account. - Request missing documents:
If you’re missing income or bank details, request W-2 or 1099 forms from employers or banks. - Get your tax transcript:
If you filed taxes before, you can get a copy of your tax transcript to check what was claimed. - File your 2021 return online or by mail:
Even if you missed filing earlier, you can still submit a late return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Important: 2022 and 2023 Returns Must Be Filed
The IRS has also warned that your 2021 refund could be delayed or withheld if you haven’t filed your 2022 or 2023 tax returns. Also, any refund you are due may be used to pay off federal or state debts, like unpaid taxes or loans.
Refund Tracking Times
If you’ve recently filed your return, here’s when you can expect to track your refund:
- Current e-filed return: Check status in 24 hours
- Previous year e-filed returns: Status updates in 3–4 days
- Paper returns: May take up to 4 weeks
You can check your refund status at Where’s My Refund?
IRS Facing Challenges Due to Budget Cuts
The IRS has fewer staff due to budget cuts and recent layoffs of over 6,000 employees, ordered by President Donald Trump and DOGE Secretary Elon Musk. Although the Inflation Reduction Act had assigned funds to upgrade IRS systems, the recent changes have affected its efficiency.
So, it’s even more important to act early and not wait till the last minute.