The IRS has just appeared again with very bad news… for those of us who tend to be forgetful (like us!) The $1,400 stimulus check is over! Yes, those who did not claim their stimulus check will no longer be able to do so, sorry.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially closed this chapter of economic aid, setting April 15, 2025 as the deadline to request pandemic-related refunds (yes, they’re still dealing with that because some people didn’t request it!).
As of June 16, anyone who did not file their tax return will no longer be able to access this benefit, with no exceptions. Unclaimed funds are not accumulated or transferred: they simply disappear. Although some tried to request tax extensions, these do not apply to tax credits such as the stimulus payment, you should know this by now!!!
The measure has caught more than one person by surprise (even though they had been warning about it…) it’s incredible, huh, but what happened?
What was the $1,400 stimulus check?
The stimulus check was an economic payment IRS gave to people, a financial support tool that they implemented during the pandemic.
It was part of the economic package promoted in 2021 by the Biden administration and was intended to ease the effects of unemployment, business closures, and economic instability brought by the pandemic (do you remember COVID-19??). It was $1,400, which might not seem like a huge amount, but it was a boost for those who were having a tough time.
Why did it have a deadline?
Because the legislation set a three-year window to request it. That means you had three years to get your check. If you didn’t request it in that time, don’t complain now… You had time enough to request it!!!
The IRS set the official deadline last April 15, with an extension until June 16. And that date, of course, has now passed.
What happens if it wasn’t claimed?
You lost it, that’s it. If you didn’t request the check, you can’t ask for it anymore, and the IRS will not accept any more requests or appeals. You had plenty of time!!!
And if you’re wondering what happens to that unclaimed money, it goes back to the Department of the Treasury, not to your pocket…
Can you still get it if you claimed it on time?
You can only claim it if you believe you submitted your tax return on time and requested the payment, but you’ll have to apply from the “Where’s My Refund?” section on their official website. But we cannot promise you anythinh
When were they sent?
Payments should have arrived no later than May 6, 2025 (for those who requested direct deposit, which as you know is faster than the traditional method). In the case of physical checks sent by mail, the deadline was June 16, 2025. If you haven’t received anything by then, you most likely won’t receive it at all.
The consequences
One of the most important supports offered by the government during the pandemic to boost the economy has finally come to an end.
Yes, three years have passed, and there are people who missed the opportunity to receive this money and will never be able to claim it again. If you’re one of those who requested it, congrats.
And if you’re one of those who didn’t… shame on you. You had three years to request it! Let this be a lesson so that if the IRS ever issues another stimulus check, you don’t miss out. $1,400 is $1,400!!!
