$1400 stimulus check: Many Americans may still be eligible for the $1,400 stimulus checks as May 2025 begins, but this time, it’s not due to new legislation. Instead, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that billions of dollars remain unclaimed from the original third round of stimulus payments issued under the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.
If you missed out on the third stimulus check during the initial distribution, you still have time to claim it. However, deadlines are approaching quickly, and the IRS has set clear rules on who qualifies and how to receive the payment. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to secure your $1,400 stimulus check in May 2025.
$1,400 Stimulus Checks: Who Qualifies and How to Get Paid
The $1,400 stimulus checks available in 2025 are not part of a new relief bill but are unclaimed payments from the 2021 Economic Impact Payments under the American Rescue Plan. Individuals who were eligible but did not receive the full amount can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2021 tax return. This includes people with little or no income who didn’t file previously. The IRS has set a final deadline of May 17, 2025, to submit the required return. Filing electronically and selecting direct deposit is the fastest way to receive the payment.
Overview Table: Key Details of the $1,400 Stimulus Checks
| Topic | Details |
| Payment Type | Recovery Rebate Credit (from 2021 stimulus) |
| Amount Available | Up to $1,400 per eligible person |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must have qualified for the 2021 stimulus but not received it |
| Income Limits | $75,000 (single), $150,000 (married filing jointly) |
| Deadline to File | May 17, 2025 |
| Filing Requirement | Must file a 2021 tax return (even if you had no income) |
| Claim Method | Line 30 of IRS Form 1040 (Recovery Rebate Credit) |
| Payment Timeline | Within 21 days of IRS return acceptance (for most electronic filers) |
| Best Way to File | Electronically, with direct deposit selected |
| Other Eligible Credits | Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), state rebates |
Who Qualifies for the $1,400 Stimulus Check in 2025?
To qualify for the $1,400 stimulus payment in 2025, individuals must meet specific criteria from the original 2021 Economic Impact Payment guidelines. This payment is officially considered the third round of stimulus relief under the American Rescue Plan. Here’s who can claim it now:
- You were eligible for the third stimulus check in 2021, but you never received it or only received a partial amount.
- You did not file a 2021 tax return at the time but are willing to file now.
- Your income in 2021 was:
- Less than $75,000 if filing as a single individual
- Less than $150,000 if filing jointly as a married couple
- Less than $75,000 if filing as a single individual
Even if you had no income in 2021, you can still file and qualify for the payment. This opportunity is particularly important for low-income households, students, seniors, or those who didn’t typically file taxes.
May 2025 Filing and Payment Deadlines
The IRS has set a final filing deadline of May 17, 2025, for taxpayers to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit related to the third stimulus payment. Once your 2021 return is filed and accepted, most refunds—including stimulus backpay—will arrive within 21 days, especially if you opt for direct deposit.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- May 17, 2025, is the last day to submit a 2021 return for this credit.
- Filing electronically is highly recommended for faster processing.
- Payments will not be issued automatically—you must file to claim.
How to File If You Missed Your Stimulus Check
If you never received your full $1,400 stimulus payment, here’s how to claim it:
- File a 2021 tax return, even if you had no earnings that year.
- On Line 30 of IRS Form 1040, enter the Recovery Rebate Credit you’re owed.
- Submit your return electronically to speed up processing and avoid mailing delays.
- Select direct deposit as your refund method for the quickest payout.
Free resources are available from the IRS and certified community tax programs. If you’re unsure where to start, visit the IRS Free File page or check with a local tax assistance center.
Other Payments You Might Still Qualify For
Alongside the $1,400 stimulus check, there are other tax credits that may still be available for those who did not originally file in 2021:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Available to low- and moderate-income working individuals and families.
- Child Tax Credit (CTC): Families with children under 17 in 2021 may be eligible for up to $3,600 per child.
- State Stimulus Programs: Some states offered their own relief payments in 2021–2022. If you never received yours, check with your state tax department for deadlines and reissue procedures.
Why So Many Stimulus Payments Are Still Unclaimed
Many people failed to claim their stimulus payments for several reasons:
- They didn’t file taxes in 2021 because they believed they weren’t required to.
- They were unaware they were eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Some had outdated mailing or bank information with the IRS.
These unclaimed payments have added up to billions in federal funds, still waiting to be distributed. The IRS has emphasized that it is the taxpayer’s responsibility to file the necessary paperwork before the May deadline.
Common Filing Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a smooth process, avoid these common errors when claiming the $1,400 check:
- Using the wrong tax year: Only use 2021 forms, not 2022 or 2023.
- Leaving Line 30 blank: This is where you request the stimulus credit.
- Not double-checking banking details: Incorrect direct deposit info can delay your refund.
- Waiting too long: Missing the May 17, 2025 deadline means forfeiting the payment.
Final Thought
The $1,400 stimulus checks available in May 2025 are a final opportunity for many Americans to claim money they were entitled to years ago. With the deadline approaching quickly, it’s critical to act now by filing a 2021 tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.
This is not a new round of relief—but it is a chance to receive the funds you may have missed out on. If you qualify, don’t let it pass you by. Take advantage of free tax filing tools and verify your eligibility today.
