Wed Mar 19 09:00:00 UTC 2025: **Millions of Dollars in Unclaimed Stimulus Funds Remain; IRS Issues Urgent Reminder**

Washington, D.C. – March 7, 2025 – The IRS is urging over 1.1 million Americans to claim unclaimed stimulus payments totaling over $1 billion before the April 15, 2025 deadline. These funds represent the final round of Covid-era stimulus checks, specifically the Recovery Rebate Credit, worth up to $1,400 per individual.

Eligibility for the full amount depends on 2021 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Single filers with an AGI under $75,000 and married couples filing jointly with an AGI under $150,000 qualify for the maximum credit. The credit phases out at $80,000 for single filers and $160,000 for joint filers.

The IRS is automatically sending payments to eligible taxpayers who have not yet filed their 2021 tax returns (Form 1040). Payments are issued via direct deposit (if banking information is available from a 2023 return) or paper check. This is the last opportunity to claim these funds, as the IRS typically only allows three years to claim refunds.

Many of these unclaimed funds are from individuals who haven’t filed their 2021 taxes. The IRS offers various resources to help individuals retrieve necessary tax documents and file their 2021 returns, including online account access, transcript requests, and assistance with obtaining W-2s and other income documents. The agency warns that while mail-based requests for transcripts are possible, they can take several weeks to process and should be considered a last resort.

Beyond the stimulus payments, the IRS also notes that many individuals may be missing out on other potential refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which could be worth up to $6,728 for qualifying families. The average tax refund for 2024 is $3,324, highlighting the potential financial impact of timely filing. The IRS encourages all eligible individuals to file their 2021 taxes as soon as possible to claim their rightful refunds.

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