The IRS has confirmed that April 15, 2025, will be the final day for taxpayers to claim their 2021 tax refunds and unreceived stimulus payments. After this date, any unclaimed funds will no longer be available. If you have not yet filed for these benefits, you are running out of time to request them. Here’s everything you need to know about claiming your 2021 tax refunds and the important stimulus payments.
Why You Still Have a Chance to Claim the 2021 Stimulus Check
The IRS allows taxpayers to claim refunds up to three years after the original filing deadline. For the 2021 tax year, the original deadline was April 18, 2022, meaning the deadline for claims would have normally been April 18, 2025. However, due to adjustments in the calendar, the IRS has specified April 15, 2025, as the final day to file. After this date, any unclaimed funds will be sent to the U.S. Treasury.
If you are eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, which was tied to the 2021 stimulus payments, you must claim it before the deadline. The 2021 stimulus payments were part of the pandemic economic relief, with up to $1,400 per person being available. Over the last few weeks, the IRS has been urging people to act quickly, especially those who didn’t receive the full stimulus payment or didn’t file a return yet.
In December 2024, the IRS began automatic deliveries of the Recovery Rebate Credit to 1 million taxpayers who hadn’t claimed it, with deposits continuing through January 2025. However, if you didn’t file your return by now, you still need to do so before the final deadline.
Who Qualifies for the 2021 Stimulus Payment?
Not everyone is eligible to receive the 2021 stimulus payment, but if you meet certain requirements, you might still qualify. To be eligible for the refund or credit, you need to:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified resident in 2021
- Meet the income thresholds (for example, less than $75,000 for single taxpayers)
- Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
Low-income individuals who don’t typically file taxes can still apply for the stimulus payment through the IRS Non-Filers Tool, which allows them to file without needing a full tax return.
However, keep in mind that refunds can be withheld if you have outstanding debts, such as back taxes or child support payments. Also, if you haven’t filed your 2022 and 2023 tax returns, your refund will be blocked until those issues are resolved.
What Documents Do You Need to Claim Your 2021 Stimulus Payment?
To claim your 2021 stimulus payment, it’s important to have the correct documents ready. The IRS recommends filing electronically for faster processing and opting for direct deposit to get your refund more quickly. The documents you’ll need include:
- Form W-2 (for wages)
- Form 1099 (for freelance or contract income)
- Form 1098 (for mortgage interest)
- Form 5498 (for retirement account contributions)
If you’re unable to find these documents, you can request them from your employer or financial institution. If you need to correct a previously filed return, you’ll need to file a Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). However, you are limited to three amendments per year.
Processing Time and Refund Amount
The median refund for the 2021 tax year is $781, according to official IRS data. The IRS estimates that it can take up to six weeks to process refunds, so it’s important to file as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline.
If you need to check your income records or want to get a transcript of your tax return, you can use tools like Get Transcript Online on the IRS website or request transcripts by phone at 800-908-9946.
The clock is ticking. April 15, 2025, is your last chance to claim 2021 tax refunds and stimulus payments. Make sure to file your tax return if you haven’t done so already to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help with filing, check the IRS website or speak to a tax professional.
