Can You Still Get the $1,400 Stimulus Check If You Filed a Tax Extension?

$1,400 Stimulus Check: In 2025, millions of people in the United States can apply for a tax extension. However, if they do not pay their taxes on time while using this extension, they risk losing the $1,400 stimulus payment. This payment was offered by the government in 2021 to help citizens cope with economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the estimates of the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), there are still more than one million people in America who are eligible for this payment, but they have not claimed it yet. If you are also one of them, then this information is very important for you.

What was the stimulus payment and why was it given?

In 2021, the US government issued a third round of stimulus checks under the Recovery Rebate Credit, amounting to $1,400. Its purpose was to help those who became unemployed or whose income fell drastically due to the epidemic. This payment was deposited directly into the bank accounts of eligible citizens or sent to them via paper checks.

However, there were millions of people who did not file their tax returns that year and hence did not receive this stimulus check. But according to the IRS, this amount can still be claimed — provided you file your tax return before April 15, 2025.

How to claim the $1,400 stimulus check?

If you did not file your tax return in 2021 and are eligible for this payment, you can still get it under the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS has clarified that the last date to claim a 2021 tax refund is April 15, 2025. This is the date when the three-year federal deadline is completed.

This means that even if you have an extension to file your tax return, you must still file your return before April 15 to claim this $1,400 stimulus. After this, the amount will be returned to the US Treasury and you will lose this opportunity forever.

Who can get this stimulus payment?

This amount is given to only those people whose adjusted gross income was $75,000 or less in 2021 (for single filers). If your income is within this limit and you did not pay taxes that year, you are eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

This amount can be deposited directly into your bank account, provided you have provided your banking information while filing your 2024 return. Otherwise, it can also be sent in the form of a paper check.

Warning for those taking the extension

If you have taken an extension to file tax returns in 2025, then you should remember that no extension applies to the deadline for the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS has clarified that if you do not file your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025, you will become ineligible for this credit.

It is also worth noting that if you have already taken advantage of this credit in any other year, then you cannot claim it again. The IRS checks such cases carefully and if you have already claimed it, then trying again may be illegal.

An amount of about $1 billion is still outstanding

According to the IRS, there are still 1.1 million US citizens who are eligible for a total amount of more than $1 billion. But if they do not file their tax return by April 15, they will lose this money.

This situation is a warning to those who think that tax refunds and credits can be claimed at any time. After the three-year deadline, this is not possible.

Final thoughts: There is still time, but don’t delay

The $1,400 stimulus payment is still possible for you, but you must act as soon as possible. If you did not file taxes in 2021 and you are eligible, claim this amount by filing a form before April 15, 2025.

The government put this payment in place to help you during the pandemic, and now it is your responsibility to exercise your rights and take advantage of this economic relief.

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