If you didn’t get your stimulus payment during the COVID-19 pandemic, this is your last chance to claim it. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that April 15, 2025, is the final day to file your 2021 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. After today, the money will be gone forever.
Many Americans were eligible for payments of up to $1,400 per person during 2020 and 2021 through federal laws like the CARES Act. But some people missed out because they didn’t file their taxes. If you are one of them, act fast.
Who Qualified for Federal Stimulus Payments?
The stimulus amounts were based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). For example:
- Single taxpayers with AGI up to $75,000 received the full $1,400.
- The payment reduced slowly for those earning up to $80,000.
- Anyone earning above $80,000 received no payment.
If you didn’t file your 2021 return, you can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. But only until midnight today, April 15, 2025. The IRS has confirmed that this deadline will not be extended again.
What to Do If You Haven’t Filed?
Even if your income in 2021 was very low, you should still file your return. You might be owed hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The IRS Free File program is still available to help you complete the process online.
If you don’t act now, you’ll lose the money permanently, and it will go to the U.S. Treasury instead. Already, $2.4 billion has been paid out in late 2024 and early 2025 — but there’s still money left unclaimed.
What’s Happening in New York?
As of April 15, 2025, there are no active state stimulus programs in New York. The last federal stimulus checks have already been sent out, and no new payments are scheduled at the moment.
Proposed $3 Billion Inflation Rebate (Still Pending)
Governor Kathy Hochul proposed a $3 billion Inflation Rebate in December 2024, aiming to give out $300 to $500 per household based on income and marital status. But the plan hasn’t been approved yet by the New York State Legislature.
A government official said that checks might be sent in fall 2025 if the law is passed. The program would benefit 8.6 million taxpayers, including 3.6 million in NYC.
But right now, the following is true:
- The plan is still under discussion.
- No official rules or eligibility criteria have been confirmed.
- The original February timeline has already been missed.
What Will the Rebate Offer?
If passed, the New York inflation rebate would:
- Offer $300 to $500 depending on family status and income.
- Prioritize lower and middle-income households.
- Possibly start payments in late 2025, though the final date is still unclear.
People are waiting to hear more so they can prepare any needed documents. But experts warn this will only be a short-term relief, and bigger problems like rising rents and job insecurity still need attention.
Final Reminder: File Today or Lose the Money Forever
If you missed out on your 2021 stimulus check, don’t wait any longer. You must file your return before midnight today, April 15, 2025. After this deadline, the Recovery Rebate Credit cannot be claimed.
For help, use IRS Free File or consult a tax advisor. This is your last chance to get the money you may still be owed.
