Still haven’t received all three stimulus payments? You can claim them as a BIG refund when you file your 2024 taxes in 2025. Step-by-step guide inside—don’t leave free money on the table!
What Are the Stimulus Payments You Can Still Claim?
The three COVID stimulus checks (also called Economic Impact Payments) totaled up to $3,200 for most adults. Millions never got one or more payments because they didn’t file taxes, moved, or the IRS had old info. Good news: the IRS lets you claim them as the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2024 tax return in 2025.
A Quick History of the Three Stimulus Checks
- 1st check (2020): Up to $1,200 per adult + $500 per child
- 2nd check (Dec 2020–Jan 2021): Up to $600 per person
- 3rd check (March 2021): Up to $1,400 per person (American Rescue Plan)
Even if you missed all three, you can still claim the full amount!
Who Is Still Eligible in 2025?
Almost everyone who was a U.S. citizen or resident alien in 2020 and/or 2021 and didn’t earn extremely high income can claim missing payments. No deadline has passed yet!
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Money When Filing Taxes
- Get your IRS Letter 6475 (3rd payment) and Letter 6419 (advance Child Tax Credit – don’t mix them up!)
- Use IRS Free File, TurboTax, H&R Block, or a tax pro
- Go to the “Recovery Rebate Credit” line on Form 1040
- Enter how much you actually received (check your bank or IRS account transcript)
- The IRS adds the missing amount to your refund—boom!
How Much Could You Still Get?
| Filing Status | Max Missing Stimulus (All 3 Rounds) |
|---|---|
| Single | $3,200 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $6,400 |
| Head of Household | $3,200 + kids |
| Each qualifying child | Up to $1,900 extra |
Common Mistakes That Cost People Thousands
- Skipping the Recovery Rebate Credit line (most common!)
- Entering the wrong amount received
- Forgetting to claim dependents who were born in 2020–2021
Expert Tips to Make Sure You Get Every Dollar
- Check your IRS online account first (irs.gov)
- Use the IRS “Where’s My Stimulus” tool even in 2025
- File electronically—it’s faster and catches math errors
- If you made little/no income in 2020–2021, still file a simple return!
Stimulus Check Eligibility Table (2020–2021)
| Year | Income Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Joint) | Payment Amount (Adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Under $99k full | Under $198k full | $1,200 + $500/child |
| 2021 (2nd) | Under $80k full | Under $160k full | $600 per person |
| 2021 (3rd) | Under $80k full | Under $160k full | $1,400 per person |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there still time to claim stimulus money in 2025?
A: Yes! You have until April 15, 2026 to file 2020 returns and April 15, 2027 for 2021, but claim everything on your 2024 return in 2025.
Q: I never filed taxes before—do I have to now?
A: Yes, just file a simple 2024 return (even $0 income) to get the credit.
Q: Will claiming stimulus affect my 2025 refund speed?
A: No—it’s added automatically.
Final Thoughts – File Soon and Get Paid!
Don’t let the government keep your $1,400, $2,600, or even $3,200+! Millions of dollars are still unclaimed. Spend 30 minutes filing (or use free tools), and that money could hit your bank in weeks. Share this with friends and family—someone you know is probably still missing their stimulus check too!