Say Goodbye to IRS Refunds If You Haven’t Completed This Simple Step

The IRS has set a clear deadline for taxpayers to claim their Recovery Refund Credit (RRC) from 2021. The American Bailout Plan issued a stimulus check of up to $1,400 per eligible individual.

However, some taxpayers failed to file their taxes and, as a result, missed out on receiving the benefit. Here’s everything you need to know about claiming your IRS refunds before it’s too late.

IRS Refund Deadlines and Requirements

Claim Deadline: April 15, 2025

The IRS has set a final deadline of April 15, 2025, for taxpayers who haven’t yet claimed the Recovery Refund Credit for 2021. To be eligible, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• U.S. Citizenship: You must have been a U.S. citizen or a legal resident in 2021.
• No Dependency: You should not have been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return in 2021.
• Valid Social Security Number: You must have a valid Social Security number prior to filing your return.

If these requirements are met, you may still be eligible to claim your stimulus check from 2021.

How to File for IRS Refunds and Credits

Filing Instructions

To claim your refund, taxpayers need to:

• Submit Form 1040 or 1040-SR for the 2021 tax year by April 15, 2025.
• If you believe you were eligible for more than what you initially received, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X.

Taxpayers can also expedite the process by e-filing their return through the IRS portal. If you need assistance, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are available for free support.

Other Potential Tax Benefits

Along with the Recovery Refund Credit, filing your taxes could also make you eligible for other important benefits, including:

• Child Tax Credit: Additional financial aid for families with dependents.
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A benefit for low to moderate-income earners.
• Student Loan Interest Deduction: For those with educational loan expenses.

How to Check the Status of Your IRS Refund

Taxpayers can track their refund status using the IRS’s online tool, “Where’s My Refund?” This tool helps you check if your refund is Received, Approved, or Sent.

Once your refund is processed, the tool provides updates on its status. Refunds can take up to 5 days or several weeks to appear in your bank account or be delivered via mail.

Refund Processing Times

If your return requires corrections or additional review, your refund may take longer. However, you will be notified if the IRS needs further information to process your return.

How to Use the IRS Online Tool

To access Where’s My Refund?, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Filing Status
• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Exact Refund Amount you expect

Refund Tracker Stages

After your refund is processed and approved, the IRS will provide updates at the following stages:

Refund Status Stage	Description
Return Received	Your return has been filed, and the IRS is processing it.
Refund Approved	Your refund has been approved and is scheduled to be sent.
Refund Sent	The IRS has issued your refund.

What Information Is Not Available on the Tool?

While Where’s My Refund? provides updates on most tax returns, it cannot track the following:

• Amended Tax Returns: If you filed Form 1040-X, you’ll need to use a separate tool called Where Am I Amending My Return? to track its status.
• Business Tax Returns: If you filed a business tax return (Form 1120, 1065, etc.), you cannot track it using Where’s My Refund?. For these inquiries, you’ll need to call the IRS at 800-829-4933 for domestic calls or 267-941-1000 for international calls.

The IRS offers a critical opportunity for individuals who missed claiming their Recovery Refund Credit or other tax benefits in 2021 to file their returns before the April 15, 2025 deadline.

By following the correct filing process, e-filing, and utilizing IRS resources such as the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, taxpayers can ensure they receive their refunds promptly. Make sure to file your taxes on time to take full advantage of these essential credits.

FAQs

Can I still file for my IRS refund in 2025?

Yes, you have until April 15, 2025, to claim your Recovery Refund Credit for the 2021 tax year.

What if I didn’t file my taxes in 2021?

You can still file your Form 1040 or 1040-SR for 2021 and claim the credit, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

How can I check the status of my refund?

You can use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” online tool to check the status of your refund in real-time.