Didn’t Get Your Stimulus Check? Here’s What to Do If Your Payment Is Delayed

The IRS has completed issuing all three rounds of COVID-19 stimulus payments — also known as Economic Impact Payments. These payments were advance portions of the federal Recovery Rebate Credit, a refundable tax credit created to provide financial relief during the pandemic.

Although new stimulus checks are no longer being sent, you can still claim any missing payments by filing the appropriate tax return. If you didn’t get your full amount or your payment was delayed, this guide explains what to do and how to check your eligibility.

Recovery Rebate Credit

The Recovery Rebate Credit was available for tax years 2020 and 2021. If you didn’t receive your full stimulus payment, you can claim the credit by filing a tax return for the corresponding year. The first and second stimulus checks were tied to your 2020 tax return, while the third stimulus check was tied to your 2021 tax return.

If you never received your third payment, you can still file your 2021 tax return by mail to claim the credit. The deadline to do this is April 15, 2025. You cannot file your 2021 return electronically, so be sure to mail a paper return to the IRS.

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What to Do If Your Stimulus Payment Is Delayed

If you believe your stimulus check was delayed, sent to the wrong account, or never arrived, here are the steps to take:

1. Check IRS Notices:
   The IRS mailed confirmation letters for each payment. Notice 1444-C covers the third stimulus check and shows the total amount issued.
2. Review Your Bank Account:
   Direct deposits appear under “IRS TREAS 310” with the code “TAXEIP3.” If your payment was returned to the IRS due to a closed or inactive account, you’ll need to claim it on your 2021 tax return.
3. Create or Log In to Your IRS Account:
   Go to IRS.gov/account to view payment details. If you filed jointly, both spouses must sign in separately to view the full payment record.
4. Request a Transcript:
   Use the Get Transcript tool on IRS.gov or call 800-908-9946 to request your account transcript, which includes stimulus payment data.
5. File a 2021 Tax Return:
   If you didn’t receive the payment, file a paper return for tax year 2021 and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. This will add the missing amount to your refund.

Common Reasons for Stimulus Payment Delays

Stimulus payments were delayed for several reasons, including:

• The payment was sent to a temporary bank account created by your tax preparer.
• You used a Refund Transfer service or prepaid debit card, and the account has since closed.
• The IRS had outdated information from your 2019 or 2020 tax returns.
• You were previously listed as a dependent on someone else’s return and became eligible later.

In these cases, the payment may have been returned to the IRS. You can recover it by filing the correct tax return for the year you became eligible.

How to File and Claim Your Missing Payment

You can use trusted tax software such as MyFreeTaxes, H&R Block, TurboTax, or GetYourRefund.org to prepare your return. These tools automatically calculate whether you qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

If your income is below $67,000, you may qualify for free help through the IRS VITA Locator Tool or the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Contact the site beforehand to ensure they handle prior-year tax returns.

When to Expect Your Refund

Once you file your 2021 tax return by mail, the IRS will process your refund and include the Recovery Rebate Credit if you qualify. Paper returns can take at least eight weeks to process.

You can track your refund using the IRS “Check My Refund Status” tool. If the IRS adjusts your claim, they will send a notice explaining any changes.

Key Points to Remember

• You must file a 2021 tax return to claim the third stimulus check if you didn’t receive it.
• Paper filing is required — electronic filing is no longer available for that year.
• The IRS will correct any mistakes and notify you of changes, but this may delay your refund.
• This is the final year to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

What About the First and Second Stimulus Checks?

The deadline to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for the first and second stimulus checks was May 17, 2024. Those payments can no longer be claimed.

However, for reference:

• The first stimulus check was based on your 2018 or 2019 tax return.
• The second stimulus check was based on your 2019 or 2020 tax return.

If you were denied either payment due to dependent status, income level, or a closed account, the only way to have recovered it was by filing the related tax return before the 2024 deadline.

If your stimulus payment was delayed or never arrived, act quickly. Filing your 2021 tax return is the only way to recover any unpaid funds. Be sure to mail your return before April 15, 2025, to secure your refund.

For help preparing your return or checking your eligibility, visit GetYourRefund.org or consult a certified tax preparer.