More than one million Americans were on the list of the American Rescue Plan Act, a stimulus check program enacted in 2021, during the time of the pandemic. Although the general date has already expired (April 15, 2025 was the limit to claim the stimulus payment), there are some important exceptions for certain groups of people who could have more time to file their 2021 return and, with it, the refund credit.
The $1,400 stimulus check was included in the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act as pandemic aid. It could be claimed until April 15, 2025 through the 2021 tax return. Most people who did not file the tax return for that year have already lost the right to claim that stimulus check, but there are certain groups that can still receive the money.
Groups of Americans who can still claim the 2021 stimulus check
As we said, April 15, 2025 was the deadline for most taxpayers, and after that date, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) transferred that money to the United States Treasury. But, some groups of beneficiaries still have the right to claim that amount.
Military members deployed in combat zones receive an automatic extension to file tax returns. This extension usually lasts an additional 180 days from the date they left the combat zone, plus the number of days they had left to declare when they entered. If that period takes them beyond April 15, 2025, they can still file and claim the check.
The IRS grants automatic extensions to people who live in areas declared disaster zones by the federal government. Depending on the type of disaster (hurricanes, wildfires, floods), the IRS may have extended the deadline until October 15 or even November 2025 in some states such as California, Kentucky, or Tennessee. If you lived in one of these areas and were affected, you may still have a chance, but you must confirm if your county applies for these extended deadlines.
American expats living outside the US at the time of the deadline have an automatic two-month extension to file, taking them to June 15, 2025. Additionally, if they requested an additional extension, they can reach October 15. As long as that extended period has not expired, they can still claim the credit.
I am eligible to claim the $1,400 stimulus payment: What do I have to do?
First, they must verify if you qualify for the extension, whether you are a military member, an expat abroad, or a resident of a disaster zone. You should then complete and submit your 2021 tax return to the IRS as soon as possible, while also contacting the IRS by phone at 800-829-1040, the taxpayer service line.
It is advisable to indicate that you want to claim the “Recovery Rebate Credit” on the corresponding Form 1040. The tax software you use, if authorized by the IRS, may allow you to claim the stimulus payment, or consult with a tax professional.
