There are just over two weeks left until the tax season ends, which is April 15, 2025, but hey, that is not the topic that brings us here: I only mention it because that date also coincides with the deadline to claim stimulus checks that were issued in 2021 and that a million of Americans have not claimed, even four years later in 2025.
Just over 1 million American citizens are eligible to claim stimulus checks of up to $1,400 that have not been withdrawn, and that could be lost forever if the application process is not completed before April 15. These are payments from a federal initiative called “Economic Impact Payments” issued during the COVID pandemic. Most of those 1 million taxpayers made a mistake on their 2021 tax returns: They left the “Recover Refund Credit” space blank or filled it out as $0 when they were actually eligible, the IRS said.
The federal government will distribute more than $2.4 billion in stimulus checks
If you are eligible to receive this money, in most cases you do not need to do any additional paperwork. But be careful: if you have not filed your 2021 tax return, you still have time to do so to receive the payment.
This applies even if you had very low income or no income during that year. The only important thing is that you complete your declaration and send it before April 15, which is the deadline.
The government will send payments automatically using the data they already have. If you normally receive your refunds by direct deposit, it will go to that account. Otherwise, they will send you a physical check in the mail. Additionally, all beneficiaries will receive an official letter confirming the amount and payment method.
The primary key? If you haven’t filed your 2021 taxes, don’t forget to do so before April 15! It is the only requirement you may need to meet to obtain this benefit.
What happens if I don’t claim my “Recover Refund Credit” by April 15?
If you let that date pass and do not make your respective claim, the money will immediately become the property of the Federal Government, with the Treasury taking possession of it.
This means that the cash will no longer be yours and will, from then on, be money that the nation can use for administrative expenses, or whatever they deem necessary. Once this happens, there is no turning back: you will never see that money and there is no way to get it back.