Stimulus Check (Representative Image)
Photo : iStock
The deadlines to claim the earlier stimulus checks have passed. The first check ($1,200) went out in 2020, the second ($600) by January 2021, and the third ($1,400) between March and December 2021. The final deadline to file for the third check was April 15, 2025. Even if you had a tax extension, it didn’t apply to the Recovery Rebate Credit. Eligibility for the third check was based on the person’s 2021 tax return, and only those who met the income and dependency criteria could claim it. If you missed the deadline, it means the money now goes back to the US Treasury.
If you are waiting on a federal tax refund, you can track it through the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund” tool online. E-filers with direct deposit details can expect their refund in about 21 days. For the mailed returns, refunds may take 6 to 8 weeks.
To check your state refund, use your state’s official tax website. It is advised to avoid unofficial links or websites to protect your personal information.