Amid the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the United States government introduced three economic impact payments in 2020 and 2021, popularly known as stimulus checks, aimed at eligible individuals and families.
Although most recipients have already received their stimulus checks, the IRS is urging those who may be eligible for these benefits and have not yet received them to file the refund credit before the deadline.
The deadline to complete this process varies depending on the financial year. To claim stimulus checks under the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, taxpayers must file a tax return by May 17, 2024. For payments in 2021, the deadline is May 15th. April 2025.
Importantly, even those who are not legally required to file a tax return or have low income can claim the refund credit by filing a tax return.
You may receive a refund if you meet these requirements in the United States
The IRS sets certain requirements to be eligible for the refund credit. For 2020, you must be a U.S. citizen or alien residing in the United States. You have not been claimed as a dependent and do not have a valid Social Security number issued before the tax return due date.
For the 2021 Recovery Refund Credit, you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, not have been claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, and have a Social Security number before the tax filing deadline. Additionally, the credit can be claimed for a dependent with an SSN issued before the deadline or for a dependent with an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN).
The IRS emphasizes that the 2020 refund credit can also be claimed for people who died in the same year, while the 2020 and 2021 credits can be claimed for people who died in 2021 or later.
Where is my refund? Application details
For detailed information on the claim process and specific requirements, it is recommended to visit the Recovery Refund Credit section on the official IRS portal.
This reminder from the IRS is intended to ensure that those who have not yet claimed their stimulus checks do so before the deadline, thereby providing financial assistance to those who meet the requirements set by the tax agency.