Millions of Americans faced financial hardship during the pandemic and relied on stimulus checks, or impact payments as they were sometimes called, to get by.

But many missed out on these impact payments.

Amazingly, there are still unclaimed stimulus checks waiting to be claimed.

This isn’t a myth.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed that many eligible taxpayers have not yet claimed their stimulus relief money.

That is why they are stepping in and mailing out the unclaimed checks.

Who is Getting Unclaimed Stimulus Checks from the Government?

The government issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus checks, during the pandemic.

The first two checks arrived in 2020.

The third stimulus payment was distributed in 2021.

Eligibility for these stimulus payments largely depended on income.

Most people below a certain income limit qualified for the full amount.

These special payments phased out for higher earners.

Dependents also factored into payment amounts.

How to Get Your Stimulus Payment?

Taxpayers don’t need to take any action to get their payments.

The IRS will automatically send them out in December, and most people will receive them by late January.

Eligible taxpayers will get a letter letting them know about the payment.

Payments will either be direct deposited into the bank account listed on their 2023 tax return or mailed as a paper check to their address on file.

The IRS says people who didn’t file taxes in 2021 may still qualify for stimulus checks.

To claim the payment or any other refunds, they need to file their tax returns by April 15, 2025.

When Will Stimulus Payments Arrive?

Not everyone is eligible for these stimulus payments.

Only those who file their 2021 taxes can claim any unreceived stimulus checks.

The IRS has included a “special step” to review the tax returns of eligible individuals who missed out on the credit.

Many people already received their stimulus payments when they were first distributed.

Those who are still eligible can expect to receive their payments by the end of January.

How Much are These Stimulus Checks Worth?

The stimulus amount is shy of $2,000. To be exact, the amount of the stimulus checks going out is $1,400.

Overall there are over $2 billion worth of unclaimed credits!

So that’s a lot of Americans who still need to get their share.

Where are These Unclaimed Stimulus Payments Coming From?

Several reasons exist why some eligible persons may not have received their economic impact payment.

Address changes are a significant factor.

Banking issues could have prevented some individuals from receiving their checks.

Not all payments were direct deposited.

Some were mailed as paper checks or debit cards.

These may have been lost or stolen.

Tax return issues could also mess with payment.

How Filing Your Taxes Could Mean Even More Free Money Besides Stimulus Payments

Filing your taxes doesn’t just unlock unclaimed stimulus payments—it could also lead to other valuable tax credits, even if you don’t owe anything.

For individuals and families with certain income levels, filing taxes can make them eligible for credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

These credits can provide thousands of dollars to households like $7,830 from the EITC or $2,000 per child from the CTC!

Which means an increase in your refund, putting more money in your pocket.

Many people skip filing because they assume they don’t owe taxes, but doing so could mean missing out on free money that they’re entitled to receive.

The IRS encourages everyone, even those with no tax liability, to file a return and claim these credits if they qualify.

IRS Fresh Start Program Can Help Too

If you haven’t filed your taxes due to issues like unpaid tax debt, fear of penalties, or difficulty setting up payment arrangements, the IRS Fresh Start Program might be able to help.

This initiative is designed to assist taxpayers by reducing penalties, avoiding tax liens, and setting up affordable payment plans.

It offers a way to get back on track with your taxes, which could make you eligible for unclaimed stimulus payments and valuable tax credits.

The program provides a fresh opportunity to resolve past tax issues and take advantage of financial relief you might have missed.

Bottom Line

Millions of dollars in unclaimed stimulus payments and tax credits are still waiting for eligible Americans to claim them.

Filing your taxes is the key to accessing this money, even if you don’t owe anything.

Beyond stimulus payments, tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) could significantly increase your refund.

If tax issues like unpaid debts or penalties have held you back, the IRS Fresh Start Program can help you get back on track.

Don’t let this opportunity pass by—take action now to claim the financial relief you’re entitled to receive.