The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recalled that April 15, 2025 is the deadline to request the $1,400 refund for fiscal year 2021. Those who do not file their return on time will lose the right to claim this benefit, according to current federal regulations.
The payment amount is based on adjusted gross income reported in 2021. Single people who earned less than $75,000 and married couples with income below $150,000 can claim the full $1,400. Those who exceeded that income could still receive a partial payment, depending on specific calculations made by the IRS.
How to claim this refund from the IRS
More than 1.1 million taxpayers have pending refunds for an accumulated value that exceeds $1,000 million, according to official data. The organization warned that, after the deadline, these funds will be returned to the US Treasury, with no option for subsequent recovery.
Those who did not receive the stimulus must file their 2021 tax return by April 15. This requires documents such as Form W-2, proof of income, and any other employment records for that year. Those who have already filed but omitted the Recovery Refund Credit can correct their situation through an amendment.
The IRS will process applications and distribute payments by direct deposit or physical check, using the banking information provided in the 2024 returns. The agency urged you to verify the accuracy of the data to avoid delays.
Where did this money come from? The IRS explains
The stimulus payments were part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan, designed to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. Unlike previous aid, this credit requires proactive action: those who did not file taxes in 2021 were automatically excluded, even if they met the financial requirements.
Experts point out that vulnerable populations, such as homeless people or older adults with limited income, could be the most affected by not knowing the deadline. Community organizations have intensified information campaigns to assist in the declaration process.
A spokesperson for the agency stated: “It is crucial that taxpayers act now. Every year, millions in legitimate credits expire unclaimed, hitting low-income families especially hard.” The IRS reported once again that there will be no extensions after April 15, 2025, so those who have not completed the complete process by that date will not be able to claim again, and the funds will become the property of the United States Treasury.
