Deadline Approaches for Claiming $1,400 Stimulus Check from 2021: What You Need to Know
The $1,400 stimulus check issued in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan was designed to provide much-needed financial relief to millions of Americans in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the widespread distribution of these payments, many eligible individuals have not received their checks or have yet to claim missing payments. The IRS is offering a final opportunity for eligible individuals to claim the $1,400 stimulus check by filing their 2021 tax returns before the deadline.
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In this article, we’ll discuss the upcoming deadline for claiming the $1,400 stimulus check, who is eligible to claim it, how to file for the Recovery Rebate Credit, and why it’s important to act quickly before the deadline passes.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The $1,400 stimulus check was part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in March 2021. This round of direct payments aimed to provide financial support to individuals and families who were still feeling the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The payments were designed to help cover basic needs like rent, food, medical bills, and other essential expenses.
- Amount: The $1,400 payment was issued per eligible individual and, in some cases, for each dependent claimed on your tax return.
- Eligibility: Eligibility was determined based on income and filing status. Single filers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) under $75,000, married couples filing jointly with an AGI under $150,000, and head of household filers with an AGI under $112,500 were eligible for the full payment.
- Dependents: The payment also included $1,400 for each dependent, including children under the age of 18 and some adult dependents.
For some people, however, the payment either didn’t come through or was less than expected. If you didn’t receive your full $1,400 or didn’t receive it at all, you may still be able to claim it through your tax return by applying for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Why Is the Deadline Important?
The IRS gave individuals until December 31, 2021 to receive the third round of stimulus checks. However, many eligible Americans didn’t receive their payment, either due to outdated information on file with the IRS or because they didn’t file a tax return in 2020 or 2021. If you missed receiving the $1,400 stimulus check or are unsure whether you qualified, it’s not too late.
The IRS deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim any missing stimulus money is rapidly approaching. This deadline is essential because, after filing your 2021 tax return, you may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. The deadline to file for the Recovery Rebate Credit—which allows you to receive any missing stimulus money—is tied to the annual tax filing deadline.
- For most taxpayers, the deadline for filing your 2021 tax return is April 18, 2022.
- If you miss this deadline, you risk losing the chance to claim any unreceived stimulus payments through the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Who Needs to File for the Recovery Rebate Credit?
If you meet one of the following criteria, you may need to file a 2021 tax return to claim the $1,400 stimulus check:
1. You Didn’t Receive the Full $1,400 Stimulus Payment
If you were eligible for the full $1,400 payment, but it was never issued or if you received a lesser amount, you may be able to claim the difference on your 2021 tax return by applying for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Common reasons why some individuals received less than the full amount include:
- Income changes: If your income dropped in 2020 or 2021, you may now qualify for the full payment or additional payments based on updated financial information.
- Incorrect or missing dependent information: If you didn’t receive the payment for a dependent, but you qualify, the IRS allows you to claim the full amount by filing your return.
2. You Didn’t File a Tax Return in 2020 or 2021
Even if you weren’t required to file a tax return because your income was too low, you might still be eligible for the stimulus check. The IRS issued stimulus checks automatically to many taxpayers who filed returns, but non-filers—those who don’t typically file taxes—might have missed out.
If you fall into this category and missed your stimulus check, the IRS allows you to claim the money by filing a 2021 tax return. In many cases, you can file a simple tax return with minimal information to claim the missing payments.
3. Your Filing Status or Dependents Changed
If your filing status or dependents changed in 2021 compared to 2020, you may be entitled to additional payments. For example, if you filed as single in 2020 but got married in 2021, you may now be eligible for a higher payment. Or, if you had a baby or added a dependent in 2021, you might qualify for additional stimulus funds that you did not receive previously.
4. Social Security or Other Federal Benefits Recipients
People who receive Social Security, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), as well as veterans or individuals on railroad retirement benefits, should also file a 2021 tax return if they didn’t receive their stimulus check or if the amount was incorrect.
How to Claim the $1,400 Stimulus Check
If you missed the stimulus check or if it was incorrect, claiming the $1,400 is relatively simple but must be done by the deadline. Here’s how you can claim your missing payment:
1. File Your 2021 Tax Return
To claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, you need to file a 2021 tax return. The IRS does not automatically issue this credit if you didn’t receive your stimulus payment. You can claim the credit for missing payments or amounts that were incorrectly calculated on your return.
- Use tax preparation software: Many online services allow you to file a tax return for free or for a low cost. When filing, be sure to indicate that you are claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- File via a tax professional: If you’re unsure about the process or need additional assistance, you can work with a certified tax professional to ensure your return is filed correctly.
2. Check Your IRS Payment Status
Before filing your return, it’s a good idea to check your IRS payment status using the IRS “Get My Payment” tool. This will tell you whether you’ve already received your stimulus payment, the amount, and how it was issued (e.g., direct deposit or check). If there’s any discrepancy, you can file your return with the correct details.
3. Use the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet
The Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet can be found in the IRS Form 1040 instructions. This worksheet will help you calculate the correct amount of stimulus money you are owed based on your 2021 income, dependents, and filing status. Ensure that you correctly input your information to avoid delays or issues with your claim.
4. Ensure Accurate Dependent Information
One of the common issues that caused delays or reduced amounts in stimulus payments was the incorrect or missing dependent information. Ensure that you properly report any dependents on your 2021 tax return, as this may increase the amount of the stimulus check you are eligible to receive.
Why Act Now?
The deadline for filing your tax return to claim your $1,400 stimulus check is quickly approaching, and if you miss it, you could forfeit your chance to receive the payment. If you’re eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit but don’t file your taxes in time, you won’t be able to claim the credit on future returns.
The April 18, 2022 filing deadline is critical for those who need to claim their missing stimulus payment. If you wait until after this date, you may lose the opportunity to receive the financial assistance you’re entitled to.
Conclusion
The $1,400 stimulus check was an important part of the government’s response to the economic effects of the pandemic, but many individuals still haven’t received their full payment or need to claim the missing amount. If you haven’t received your $1,400 payment or if you were owed more money due to dependents or income changes, it’s essential to file your 2021 tax return before the deadline on April 18, 2022.
Don’t miss out on this final opportunity to claim your Recovery Rebate Credit and ensure you get the financial support you deserve. Be sure to file your return on time and review your eligibility to claim any missing stimulus funds.
