The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that April 15, 2025, marks the final deadline to file a claim for unclaimed tax refunds and stimulus payments from 2021.
Millions of eligible Americans risk losing out on valuable refunds, including the $1,400 per person stimulus check issued as part of the pandemic relief efforts.
The IRS has emphasized the urgency of taking action immediately, as any unclaimed money after the deadline will revert to the U.S. Treasury.
Why Is April 15, 2025, the Final Day to Claim?
According to IRS rules, taxpayers have three years from the original tax filing deadline to submit a return and claim any owed refund.
For the 2021 tax year, the original filing deadline was April 18, 2022, which places the three-year mark on April 18, 2025. However, due to calendar adjustments, the IRS has set April 15, 2025, as the absolute cutoff date.
This includes the Recovery Rebate Credit, tied to the third round of stimulus payments in 2021, which many individuals may have missed due to non-filing or underreporting.
Who Is Still Eligible to Claim the 2021 Stimulus Payment?
Over 1.1 million taxpayers are believed to be eligible for over $1 billion in unclaimed refunds and credits. To qualify for the 2021 stimulus payment, individuals must:
- Have been a U.S. citizen or a qualifying resident during 2021.
- Have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of:
- Less than $75,000 for single filers
- Less than $150,000 for married couples filing jointly
- Not have been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
Even those with low or no income who typically don’t file taxes may still be eligible and can use resources like the IRS Non-Filers Tool.
Required Documents and How to File
To claim the unreceived 2021 payment, taxpayers must file a 2021 tax return, preferably electronically, and choose direct deposit for faster refunds. Required documents include:
- W-2 forms
- 1099, 1098, or 5498 forms from banks, employers, or other payers
- IRS Form 1040-X if amending a previous return
According to the IRS, the median refund for unclaimed 2021 tax returns is $781. Processing typically takes up to six weeks, so time is critical.
Taxpayers can use IRS Get Transcript Online or call 800-908-9946 to retrieve past income records. Those who haven’t filed for 2022 or 2023 may experience delays or withheld refunds until they are current on all filings.
Key Details for 2021 IRS Stimulus Payment Deadline
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Deadline to Claim | April 15, 2025 |
| Stimulus Payment Amount | Up to $1,400 per eligible person |
| Median Refund Value (2021) | $781 |
| Eligibility Criteria | U.S. citizen or resident, AGI below thresholds |
| Documents Required | W-2, 1099, 1098, 5498, Form 1040-X |
| Preferred Filing Method | Electronic filing with direct deposit |
| Penalty for Missing Deadline | Refund forfeited to U.S. Treasury |
As the deadline approaches rapidly, millions stand to lose their unclaimed 2021 stimulus and refund money if they do not file by April 15, 2025.
With over $1 billion still unclaimed, this could be the last opportunity to secure funds from the 2021 economic relief package.
Eligible individuals should act swiftly, gather the necessary documents, and file electronically to ensure their refunds are processed before the clock runs out.
FAQs
What happens if the April 15, 2025, deadline is missed?
Unclaimed funds from 2021 will be permanently forfeited and returned to the U.S. Treasury. No further claims will be accepted.
Can a stimulus payment be claimed without filing a 2021 tax return?
No. The only way to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit is by filing a 2021 federal tax return.
What if the required documents are missing?
Missing documents like W-2s or 1099s can be requested from employers or financial institutions. Transcripts can also be obtained via IRS tools.