Be careful, people: if you are one of the millions who have not yet claimed the $1,400 payment, the date is approaching! Be careful, people: if you are one of the millions who have not yet claimed the 1,400 recovery check, you have until April 15 to move. After that date, the money could disappear. Yes, as you hear it. The IRS estimates that almost $1 billion remains unclaimed as of 2021, so this is small money.
The process is simpler than you think. You just need to file your 2021 tax return (yes, the one from three years ago) along with this year’s. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t file taxes before: if you meet the requirements, this credit is yours. Of course, if you earn more than $160,000 a year, forget about it. But if your adjusted gross income was less, you could take up to $160,000 a year, forget about it. But if your adjusted gross income was less, you could take home up to $2,800 if you file a joint return.
Time is running out to claim a $1,400 stimulus check
The key date is April 15, but don’t worry: if you don’t have the time, you can request an extension until October 15 using Form 4868. Of course, an extension does not save you from paying fines if you owe taxes. Advice? Avoid errors in the forms. A wrong number or incomplete information can delay your refund for weeks.
Oh, and if you have dependents (children, elderly parents, etc.), they also qualify for the $1,400 regardless of their age. This is not just for families with young children. Take advantage if you take care of someone!
According to the IRS, the average this year is around $1,928, a significant jump compared to $1,395 in 2024. If you opt for direct deposit, the figure rises to $2,069. Of course, times vary: electronic returns are usually processed in 21 days, while paper returns can take a month or more.
credit is exclusive for those who did not declare that year. If you already did it at the time, it does not apply. But if for some reason you postponed it (complicated life, pandemic, forgetfulness), now is your chance. Just make sure you include all the necessary information to avoid problems.
Don’t forget about the EITC tax credit
While you’re getting organized, check to see if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can add up to an extra $6,728. This benefit is intended for low- and moderate-income workers, so it’s worth checking out.
The IRS has a tool called Where’s My Refund?. It works 24 hours after you file your electronic return, or four weeks if you mailed it. If you see delays, don’t panic: the IRS is overwhelmed with millions of paperwork, but keeping your information up-to-date helps.
