$1,400 Stimulus Payment 2024 – When Is the Deadline to Claim Your COVID-Era Checks?

In a final push to provide relief from the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, eligible U.S. citizens can still claim $1,400 under the American Rescue Plan Act. This third and final stimulus check, designed to combat rising prices and inflation in 2024, is a critical support measure as the nation continues to recover from the pandemic’s effects.

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic led to unprecedented global disruptions between 2020 and 2021, with widespread lockdowns and economic stagnation. In response, the U.S. government introduced a series of stimulus checks to support citizens during this difficult time. The first two rounds of checks have already been disbursed, but the third, valued at $1,400 per individual, remains available for claim until April 18, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the final stimulus payment, which is officially known as the Recovery Rebate Credit, there are specific criteria that must be met:

• 2021 Tax Return: You must file a 2021 tax return with the IRS. Even if you were not required to file taxes for that year, submitting a return is essential to claim the credit.
• Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Your AGI determines your eligibility for the full or partial amount:
  • Full Payment: Individuals with an AGI of up to $75,000, married couples filing jointly with an AGI up to $150,000, and heads of households with an AGI up to $112,500 qualify for the full $1,400 per person.
  • Partial Payment: Individuals with an AGI between $75,001 and $80,000, married couples with an AGI between $150,001 and $160,000, and heads of households with an AGI between $112,501 and $120,000 are eligible for a reduced amount.
  The income limits are based on your 2020 income, so it’s important to check your previous tax returns when considering your eligibility.
• Citizenship and Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident, or a valid resident alien to qualify. Additionally, anyone in your household who has a Social Security number, including dependents, can also qualify for the stimulus check.
• Dependents: You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return to receive the stimulus check for yourself. However, if you are filing on behalf of someone who passed away no earlier than January 1, 2021, you can still claim the stimulus check for them.

How to Claim

Eligible individuals can begin filing their claims online at GetYourRefund.org until Tuesday, October 1, 2024. This site helps guide you through the process of submitting your 2021 tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.

To ensure you receive the stimulus payment, you need to:

1. File a 2021 tax return, even if you did not have income or were not otherwise required to file.
2. Verify that your income falls within the eligible AGI ranges.
3. Ensure that all qualifying dependents and family members are included on your return.

This stimulus check is essentially a tax credit, meaning it reduces your tax liability for 2021 or increases your refund if you had no tax liability.

Important Dates

The deadline to file your 2021 tax return and claim the $1,400 stimulus check is April 18, 2025. However, to avoid any last-minute issues, it’s advisable to file well before this deadline. You can file your return and claim the credit through October 1, 2024, using the resources available online.

The $1,400 stimulus check from the American Rescue Plan Act is still available for eligible U.S. citizens who have yet to claim it. With rising costs and inflation continuing to impact families, this financial support can provide much-needed relief. Be sure to check your eligibility, file your 2021 tax return, and claim your stimulus payment before the deadlines.

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