Thousands of Americans might still be entitled to receive the third government stimulus checks—a $1,400 payment per eligible taxpayer—authorized by the American Rescue Plan in 2021. A report from the Treasury Department’s Inspector General for Tax Administration revealed that about 645,000 potentially eligible individuals had not received their third stimulus check by mid-September 2021.
While some of these people received their checks after September, the exact number of those who have since been paid remains unclear.
You May Still Be Eligible for Up to $1.6 Billion in Unclaimed Stimulus Checks
The total amount of unclaimed stimulus checks is substantial, with the Treasury estimating it to be around $1.6 billion. While the majority of the third-round payments have been distributed, some people may have slipped through the cracks. However, the current tax season provides an opportunity for these individuals to claim their overdue payments.
On March 30, the IRS announced that it is no longer issuing first-, second-, or third-round stimulus checks. Nevertheless, taxpayers who missed a check or did not receive the full amount they were entitled to can claim the additional payment as a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax return.
For example, families who had a new child in 2021 may not have received the third stimulus check for the new addition. Since the IRS used the previous year’s tax return to determine eligibility, they would not have known about children born or adopted in 2021.
Additionally, individuals whose incomes declined in 2021 may qualify for more stimulus money, especially if their earnings fell below the income thresholds that phased out the payments.
Conclusion
Thousands of Americans could still be eligible for up to $1.6 billion in unclaimed stimulus checks from the third round of payments authorized by the American Rescue Plan. Taxpayers who missed out on their $1,400 checks can claim the payment as a Recovery Rebate Credit on their federal tax returns for 2020 or 2021. Those who believe they are entitled to the payment should double-check their IRS Online Account and contact the IRS if necessary.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the unclaimed stimulus checks?
Individuals who missed the third stimulus check and meet the eligibility criteria, such as those with an ITIN or those who had a child in 2021, may still be eligible.
How can I claim my missing stimulus check?
You can claim the missing payment as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 or 2021 federal tax return.
Why did some people miss out on their stimulus checks?
Some people were missed due to factors like having an ITIN, filing taxes before the American Rescue Act changes, or changes in their income or filing status.
How much is still unclaimed in stimulus payments?
The Treasury estimates that $1.6 billion in stimulus payments remain unclaimed.
What should I do if my IRS Online Account shows a payment, but I didn’t receive it?
Contact the IRS as soon as possible to initiate a payment trace.
Reference
Treasury Department’s Inspector General for Tax Administration report on unclaimed stimulus checks.
