Missed receiving the third COVID-19 pandemic stimulus check? Time to hurry up and do THIS

The deadline to claim the final of the three Covid-19 stimulus checks, which were issued to provide much-needed respite to millions of Americans at the time of the pandemic, is fast approaching. The third stimulus payment provided a maximum of $1,400 for each eligible adult, or $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, plus $1,400 for each qualifying dependent. Most of the beneficiaries received the payment through direct deposit.

Pandemic stimulus check: Who all missed out on the third payment?

As per the IRS, around a million Americans missed out on receiving the third check when it was being routinely disbursed. In early 2024, the IRS started sending out the payments to the eligible beneficiaries who were left out earlier. The process was automatic and did not require any additional paperwork. The disbursals were meant for those who did file their returns but failed to claim the credit.

Deadline to claim recovery rebate credit this month

Those who are yet to receive the payment have until April 15 to file a 2021 tax return, which is necessary to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Missing out on the deadline will cause you to miss out on the stimulus check entirely. This is because taxpayers are only allowed a three-year period from the original filing date to submit their returns for refunds.


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Why did some people not receive payment in 2024?

Of those who did not receive the due payment, even as the IRS began disbursing the payments in 2024, were people who did not file their 2021 tax return. Others were those who did submit it, but did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit due to confusion over the qualifying criteria.

Eligibility criteria for $1,400 Covid-19 stimulus payment

- Individual tax filers must have had an adjusted gross income (AGI) not exceeding $75,000.

- A retrospective AGI of not more than $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return.

- Earnings of up to $112,500 allowed for heads of household.

Note: The filers who had dependants in 2021 could be eligible for an additional $1,400 for each qualifying dependant.

How To Claim

1. The eligible beneficiary must file a 2021 federal return.

2. Recovery Rebate Credit must be entered on Line 30.

3. Ensure that the tax return is filed correctly.

Though you can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, it is pertinent to keep in mind that the purchasing power of the stimulus payment's amount ($1,400) has lost a considerable purchasing power by now due to inflation, since when it was first introduced as part of the American Rescue Plan.

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FAQs

What is the deadline to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The last time to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025.

What happens if I miss out this time as well?
If you miss out on claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit, you will have to forego the amount entirely as the IRS only allows a three-year period from the original filing date to submit a return. You will have to file the 2021 federal tax return in order to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.