On June 16, 2025, the IRS officially closed the chapter on the $1,400 stimulus checks, marking the end of one of the key financial support measures provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This assistance, part of the most recent stimulus package approved by the U.S. government, was designed to help millions of Americans who faced job losses, business closures, and other financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic.
The Deadline to Claim Stimulus Payments
The legal deadline to claim the $1,400 stimulus check was April 15, 2025, bringing an end to the three-year window for requesting refunds linked to these economic impact payments.
While some may have hoped for extensions, it’s important to note that filing extensions for tax returns did not apply to this benefit.
The IRS made it clear that extending the filing deadline would not extend the right to claim the stimulus checks. All claims had to be filed before the April 15 cutoff date, without exception.
What Happens if You Filed on Time?
For those who filed their tax returns on time and followed the required steps, it was still possible to receive the stimulus payment. The IRS advised using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on its official website to track the status of the payment.
The tool required providing the Social Security number, filing status, and the exact expected refund amount. According to the schedule, direct deposits were supposed to be received by May 6, while physical checks were mailed and expected to arrive by June 16.
If you did not receive your payment by June 16, it is unlikely that you will receive the $1,400 stimulus check.
What About Unclaimed Funds?
Unfortunately, if you missed the April 15 deadline to file your return, there is no way to appeal or make a new request for the stimulus payment. The IRS does not have the legal authority to process claims after the established deadline.
As a result, any unclaimed funds are returned to the U.S. Treasury and are not carried over or used for future programs.
This closure marks the permanent end of the opportunity to receive these payments. According to the IRS, anyone who missed the deadline has legally lost their right to claim the $1,400 stimulus check.
The agency was clear in its message: “If the check was not claimed before April 15, the right is permanently lost.”
The closure of the $1,400 stimulus check program serves as a reminder of the importance of meeting government deadlines, especially for benefits that are linked to tax filings.
If you missed the deadline, there is no way to recover the funds, and any unclaimed money is gone for good. As the IRS officially closes this chapter, those who did not act in time have lost their opportunity for this financial support.
FAQs
What happens if I missed the $1,400 stimulus check deadline?
If you missed the April 15, 2025 deadline, you cannot claim the $1,400 stimulus check. The IRS has stated that unclaimed funds are returned to the Treasury and cannot be processed after the deadline.
Can I still appeal if I missed the deadline for the stimulus check?
No, the IRS does not have the authority to process claims or appeals after the established deadline. The right to claim the $1,400 stimulus check is permanently lost if you missed the deadline.
How can I check if my $1,400 stimulus check was issued?
Use the IRS ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool on the official IRS website to check the status of your payment by entering your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount.
Can I still receive my stimulus check if I file my taxes after April 15?
No, the deadline for claiming the $1,400 stimulus check was April 15, 2025. The IRS does not accept claims or process refunds related to this benefit after that date.
