During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government sent stimulus checks to many families and people across the United States. These payments were very important because they helped with the rising cost of living and lost income because of the health problem.
Some people couldn’t get their checks, though, because they didn’t have the right information or didn’t file their taxes on time. You still have time to get your stimulus check if you missed it the first time.
The IRS sent out three rounds of stimulus checks across the country during the pandemic. The goal of these payouts was to help people get through the tough economic times caused by COVID-19 by giving those who were having a hard time some extra money. You still have a chance to get your stimulus check even if you didn’t claim it back then.
What is the stimulus check and how it worked
The stimulus checks were part of a larger economic aid plan that the Trump and Biden administrations sent to people with certain levels of income. Some people didn’t get their payments instantly; this was especially true for low-income people who don’t usually have to file tax returns. You can still get your check through the Recovery Rebate Credit even if you never claimed it or got less than you were owed.
How the Recovery Rebate Credit works
People who missed out on their stimulus check can still get it back through a special tax rule called the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS has set a new deadline for people who missed the 2021 credit but still want to claim the credit for 2020. You have until April 15, 2025, to make your claim if you fall into this group.
People who don’t usually file tax returns should really care about this credit because they might still be able to get the money even if they haven’t asked for it yet. So, even if you don’t have to file taxes because you don’t make much money, you should still do so so you can get the money you’re owed.
New deadline to claim your stimulus checks
People who didn’t get their 2021 stimulus check now have a new chance thanks to the IRS. April 15, 2025, is the last day to send in your request. This means that you still have time to make your claim, even if you missed the chance to get these payments in the past. You have to file a tax return for the relevant fiscal years, even though you’re not usually required to. The process is pretty simple.
How to claim missed payments
You need to file a tax return for 2020 and 2021 before you can claim the stimulus checks you didn’t get. To make sure you get the money you’re owed, make sure you do this before the 2025 date.
Don’t worry if you don’t know how to file your taxes. The IRS has free apps, like Free File, that let you fill out and send in your tax return for free. The process can also be done properly with the help of tax preparation services and professionals.
It’s very important to make sure you can file before you do. Check to see if you’ve already gotten a stimulus payment or if you’re eligible for more money. Letter 6475, which the IRS sent out in early 2022, can help you with this. This letter tells you more about the third round of Economic Impact Payments and how much money you got. You can also look at the payments you’ve gotten in your online IRS account.
Tips for simplifying the claim process
Once you know for sure that you can get the reward, you need to fill out your tax return and send it in with the right paperwork. If you use Form 1040 and the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet, you can figure out how much money you owe. Before sending in any paperwork, make sure you look it over carefully to avoid making mistakes that could cause your payment to be held up.
Once you’ve sent in your tax return, all that’s left to do is wait for the IRS to handle your request and send you the rebate. Don’t miss the chance to get this money; it could help you a lot, especially if you’re having a hard time with money.
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