The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the final deadline for those who have not yet claimed their Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) to file their tax return and receive payment of up to $1,400. The new deadline is April 15, 2025, and the goal is that no eligible taxpayer will be left without access to this financial assistance.
The stimulus check: who can collect it and why it is so important
The so-called “stimulus check” was approved in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan. Although most eligible people received it, around one million taxpayers did not file their tax return that year and, therefore, have not been able to claim the benefit.
- Maximum amount: $1,400 per person.
- Potential beneficiaries: US citizens or legal residents who have not been dependents of another taxpayer in 2021 and who have a valid Social Security number.
- Deadline: April 15, 2025 to file the 2021 return.
New requirements to receive the IRS stimulus check before the established deadline
The main requirement to access the payment is to file the 2021 tax return, which must include the Recovery Rebate Credit. The IRS reminds those who did not file taxes that year that they can still do so without penalty if the result is in their favor.
- 2021 tax return: use Form 1040 or 1040-SR.
- Amended return: if less than expected was received, Form 1040-X can be filed to correct the information.
- Electronic filing: it is advisable to use the IRS online platform to speed up processing times.
- Programs to help: VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) offer free assistance to those who need it.
In this sense, the general recommendation is not to wait until the last moment, since meeting the deadline can make the difference between receiving the money or not.
Documentation and steps to apply for the stimulus check before April 15, 2025
Before filing the return, the taxpayer should gather certain documents. Among the most important are W-2 or 1099 forms showing income and withholdings for 2021, as well as any proof of deductible expenses.
The basic steps are summarized below:
- Verify eligibility: confirm that the requirements for residency, dependency and Social Security number are met.
- Fill in the 2021 tax return: include the RRC in the corresponding boxes.
- Send the return electronically or by post before April 15, 2025.
- Check the status of the request using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on the IRS website.
For those who prefer to do it online, the official IRS website offers a secure delivery system and, if you are entitled to a refund, it is usually deposited within a few days.
Comparison with other tax benefits: additional credits and local incentives
In addition to the stimulus check, there are other credits and deductions that people can take advantage of if they decide to file their overdue tax return on time. Some of the most common credits:
| Credit or Deduction | Eligible Beneficiaries | Amount / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Child Tax Credit | Families with dependents | Increases refund based on the number of children |
| Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Workers with low or moderate income | Can reduce the amount of taxes owed |
| Student Loan Interest Deduction | Individuals with student loan debt | Reduces taxable income |
| Education Credits | Those with education expenses or children in school | Additional tax reduction |
Remember to check state provisions: some governments, such as that of Florida, have proposed stimulus checks aimed at parents, so it is a good idea to check the official website of each state so as not to miss out on any additional assistance.
Possible incompatibilities and tips on how to avoid missing out on the $1,400 payment
Although most taxpayers can claim this refund, there are cases in which incompatibilities could arise. For example, if a joint return was filed and one of the spouses did not have a valid Social Security number, the amount to be received could be affected. Hence it is essential to review all the documentation and make sure there are no errors that could delay or reduce the payment.
In case of doubt, the IRS has a telephone helpline for taxpayers and information sections on its website. If you want to see more articles related, don’t hesitate to visit the economy section of this digital newspaper.
