Many Americans may be unaware that they’re entitled to unclaimed stimulus payments issued by the IRS. These payments, provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, were designed to provide financial relief, but some individuals may have missed out on them. If you haven’t received your full stimulus check or believe you’re eligible for additional payments, now is the time to take action. Here’s how to determine if you qualify for unclaimed stimulus funds and how to claim them.

What Are IRS Unclaimed Stimulus Payments?

During the pandemic, the IRS issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) to help individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. These payments were issued in 2020 and 2021, but some people did not receive their full payment or have yet to claim it.

Unclaimed stimulus payments may include:

• The first round (issued in 2020) of Economic Impact Payments.
• The second round (issued in late 2020/early 2021).
• The third round (issued in 2021).

If you were eligible but did not receive the full amount for any of these rounds, you could still be entitled to receive the difference, provided you meet the necessary criteria.

Are You Eligible for Unclaimed Stimulus Payments?

The IRS has set specific eligibility requirements for individuals to receive these payments. If you believe you may have missed out, here’s what you need to know:

1. Income Limits: The amount of the stimulus payment you receive is based on your income. For the third round, individuals with an income of up to $75,000 (or $150,000 for married couples) were eligible for the full amount of $1,400 per person. Those above these income limits received a reduced payment or no payment at all.
2. Dependents: If you have dependents, you may be eligible for additional stimulus payments. The third round of payments provided $1,400 for each dependent, including adult dependents.
3. Filing Status: If you did not file a tax return for 2020 or 2021, you may have missed your stimulus payment. Even if you do not typically file taxes, you might still be eligible for these payments.
4. Changes in Circumstances: If your circumstances changed after the IRS made its initial assessments, you may be eligible for unclaimed stimulus payments. For example, if you became a parent in 2021, you might qualify for additional payments even if you previously did not.

How to Check if You’re Eligible for Unclaimed Stimulus Payments

The IRS has provided a few ways for individuals to check their eligibility and claim unclaimed stimulus payments:

1. IRS Website: The IRS has a “Get My Payment” tool that allows you to check the status of your stimulus payments. This tool can help you determine if you are eligible for unclaimed payments.
2. IRS Notice 1444: If you received any of the previous rounds of stimulus payments, the IRS sent out Notices 1444. These notices contain the amount you were paid, and they can be helpful in determining if you missed any payments.
3. File Your Tax Return: If you did not receive the full stimulus payment, you could claim the amount you’re owed on your tax return. This is done through the Recovery Rebate Credit, which allows you to receive the payments owed to you when you file your taxes.
4. Non-Filers: If you don’t typically file taxes, you can still apply for the unclaimed stimulus payments. The IRS created a portal specifically for non-filers to submit their information and claim their payments.

Steps to Claim Unclaimed Stimulus Payments

If you discover that you’re eligible for an unclaimed stimulus payment, follow these steps to claim it:

1. File a Tax Return: Even if you don’t usually file, submitting a tax return is the most effective way to claim the stimulus payments you’re owed. Use IRS Form 1040 or 1040-SR, and be sure to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if you didn’t receive your full payments.
2. Use the IRS “Non-Filer” Portal: If you are not required to file a tax return, you can use the IRS’s online portal for non-filers to claim the stimulus payment.
3. Contact the IRS: If you believe you are eligible but have not received your payment, or if you have trouble accessing the information you need, you can contact the IRS for assistance.

For more detailed coverage on how to claim unclaimed stimulus payments, visit the official IRS website.

Conclusion

If you’re one of the many individuals who missed out on previous stimulus payments, it’s not too late to claim the money you’re entitled to. By following the steps outlined above, you can determine if you’re eligible for any unclaimed payments and take action to ensure you receive them. Whether you need to file a tax return, use the IRS portal, or contact the agency, it’s important to check now to ensure you get the financial support you’re owed.

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