As the tax filing deadline looms, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is issuing a final reminder to millions of Americans: April 15, 2025, is the last day to claim 2021 stimulus checks and tax refunds that remain unclaimed.
The clock is ticking for more than 1.1 million individuals who have yet to file their 2021 federal income tax returns.
According to the IRS, the median unclaimed refund is about $781. But many could receive more by qualifying for pandemic-related credits such as the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC).
Once the three-year window to file a return closes, all unclaimed refunds legally become the property of the U.S. Treasury.
“People may not realize they’re still owed money,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We urge individuals to act now, before it’s too late.”
Who Is Eligible for Stimulus Payments?
The third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), commonly known as stimulus checks, was distributed in 2021 to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Recovery Rebate Credit allows eligible taxpayers who didn’t receive the full stimulus amount—or didn’t get it at all—to claim the difference by filing a 2021 return.
Eligibility for the full $1,400 per person depends on your adjusted gross income (AGI):
- Individuals: up to $75,000
- Heads of household: up to $112,500
- Married couples filing jointly: up to $150,000
Dependents also qualify, meaning a family of four could receive up to $5,600. If your income exceeded these thresholds, your credit amount may be reduced or phased out entirely.
Additional Refunds Available Through Tax Credits
In addition to stimulus payments, millions may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), designed to help low- to moderate-income workers. For 2021, the EITC could add up to $6,728 to a refund, depending on your earnings and number of qualifying children.
The 2021 tax year also featured a one-year expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), providing up to $3,600 per child under 6 and $3,000 per child aged 6–17. Even individuals with little or no income may be eligible, as the credit was made fully refundable for that year.
Filing a 2021 return is required to receive these benefits, even if you were not required to file a tax return in other years.
How to File a 2021 Tax Return
Filing a late tax return might seem daunting, but the IRS provides tools and resources to make the process manageable. To file your 2021 return:
- Gather Documents: Collect any relevant income forms (such as W-2s or 1099s), proof of dependents, and any IRS letters regarding stimulus payments.
- Use IRS Resources: The IRS provides guidance on the Economic Impact Payments page and tools to help individuals determine their eligibility.
- File Electronically: Use the IRS Free File service or authorized software providers. E-filing typically results in faster processing and refund issuance.
- Monitor Refund Status: After submitting your return, check the Where’s My Refund? tool for updates.
Free assistance is also available through IRS programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
Failing to file your 2021 tax return by the April 15 deadline has serious consequences. You will permanently forfeit any unclaimed refunds, stimulus payments, or tax credits tied to that year.
Additionally, to receive your 2021 refund, you must be current with your 2022 and 2023 tax filings. Refunds may also be reduced if you owe back taxes, unpaid child support, or other government debts.
“This is truly a use-it-or-lose-it moment,” said Werfel. “We don’t want anyone to miss out simply because they didn’t know the clock was running out.”
Why the Money Remains Unclaimed
Experts say many of those who haven’t filed a 2021 return are lower-income individuals who didn’t typically file taxes, such as part-time workers, college students, or those on disability. In some cases, people may have moved, lost documentation, or assumed they weren’t eligible for any payments.
“If you earned any income at all in 2021, it’s worth checking to see if you qualify,” said Mark Steber, chief tax information officer at Jackson Hewitt. “Filing could put hundreds or even thousands of dollars in your pocket.”
Final Push from the IRS
In recent weeks, the IRS has ramped up outreach efforts to raise awareness. Mailers, public service announcements, and local tax assistance events are being used to reach non-filers ahead of the deadline.
The agency emphasizes that no penalties apply for claiming a refund on a late return. “There’s nothing to lose by filing,” Werfel added.
Conclusion
As the April 15 deadline nears, millions of Americans still have time to recover vital pandemic-related funds—but only if they act now. With the possibility of receiving over $1,000 in tax credits and stimulus payments, it’s worth taking a few minutes to file a 2021 return.
Whether you’re owed a refund, a missed stimulus check, or credits for your dependents, don’t let the opportunity pass. Visit the IRS Economic Impact Payments page to get started today.
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