Stimulus & Tax Credits
Missed Your Stimulus? It's Not Too Late.
Millions of Americans missed one or more stimulus payments or COVID-era tax credits they were eligible for. The Recovery Rebate Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and other programs can still be claimed through amended returns. We help you recover every dollar you're entitled to.
Free Credit Recovery Review
Find out which stimulus payments and credits you may still be owed.
Three Stimulus Payments — Did You Get All Three?
The IRS issued three Economic Impact Payments. Many taxpayers missed one or more. Here's what was issued and how to claim what you're owed.
1st Stimulus
$1,200 per adult + $500 per qualifying child
Issued: March–December 2020
Law: CARES Act
Phaseout: Started at $75K single / $150K MFJ
Claim by: April 15, 2024 (3 years from due date)
2nd Stimulus
$600 per adult + $600 per qualifying child
Issued: December 2020 – January 2021
Law: Consolidated Appropriations Act
Phaseout: Started at $75K single / $150K MFJ
Claim by: April 15, 2024 (3 years from due date)
3rd Stimulus
$1,400 per adult + $1,400 per dependent (all ages)
Issued: March–December 2021
Law: American Rescue Plan
Phaseout: Started at $75K single / $150K MFJ
Claim by: April 15, 2025 (3 years from due date)
Deadline Warning
The Recovery Rebate Credit follows the normal 3-year refund statute. For 2020 tax returns (1st and 2nd stimulus), the deadline to claim is generally 3 years from the original due date — which has passed for many taxpayers. However, the 3rd stimulus (2021 tax return) may still be claimable through early 2025. Check now — once the window closes, the money is gone permanently.
Beyond Stimulus: Other COVID-Era Relief
Stimulus payments weren't the only relief programs. These credits and programs may also put money back in your pocket.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
A refundable credit for working taxpayers earning below certain thresholds. For 2023, the maximum credit was $7,430 for families with 3+ children. Many eligible taxpayers never claim it. The EITC can be claimed retroactively for up to 3 prior years through amended returns.
Eligibility: Income below ~$63,398 (MFJ, 3+ children) for 2023. Lower for fewer children or single filers.
Form: Schedule EIC + Form 1040
Child Tax Credit (CTC) Expansion
The American Rescue Plan temporarily expanded the CTC to $3,000/$3,600 per child for 2021, made it fully refundable, and authorized advance monthly payments (July–December 2021). If you didn't receive advance payments, you can claim the full credit on your 2021 return.
Eligibility: Children under 18. Phaseout started at $75K single / $150K MFJ for the expanded portion.
Form: Schedule 8812 + Form 1040
Employee Retention Credit (ERC)
A refundable payroll tax credit for businesses that kept employees during COVID shutdowns or revenue declines. Up to $26,000 per employee across 2020–2021. The IRS has flagged widespread ERC fraud — work with a qualified professional to determine legitimate eligibility.
Eligibility: Business experienced full/partial suspension due to government order OR ≥50% gross receipts decline (2020) / ≥20% (2021).
Form: Form 941-X (amended payroll returns)
Child and Dependent Care Credit
The ARP temporarily expanded this credit for 2021: up to $8,000 for one qualifying person or $16,000 for 2+, covering up to 50% of care expenses. The credit is refundable, meaning you can get it even if you owe no tax.
Eligibility: Paid for childcare to allow you to work or look for work. Child under 13 or disabled dependent.
Form: Form 2441 + Form 1040
Sick & Family Leave Credits
The FFCRA and ARP provided refundable credits for self-employed individuals who took COVID-related sick leave or family leave in 2020 and 2021. Up to $511/day for sick leave, $200/day for family leave.
Eligibility: Self-employed. Unable to work due to COVID illness, quarantine, or caregiving.
Form: Form 7202 + Form 1040
Premium Tax Credit (PTC) Expansion
The ARP temporarily eliminated the 400% FPL cap on PTC eligibility for 2021–2022 and reduced the percentage of income required for premiums. If you bought Marketplace insurance and were over the old income limit, you may be owed a refund.
Eligibility: Purchased health insurance through the Marketplace. Income above 400% FPL but paid high premiums.
Form: Form 8962 + Form 1040
How to Claim What You're Owed
The process depends on which credit you're claiming and which tax year. Here's the step-by-step for the most common scenarios.
Check Your IRS Account
Log into your IRS online account at IRS.gov. Review your Account transcript for each year — it shows every payment the IRS issued to you. Compare against what you should have received. This is the starting point: you can't claim what you can't prove you didn't receive.
Determine Which Year to Amend
Stimulus payments and COVID credits are claimed on the tax return for the year they were authorized. 1st & 2nd stimulus → 2020 return (Form 1040, Line 30). 3rd stimulus → 2021 return. EITC/CTC → year-specific. Each year requires a separate amended return.
Prepare Form 1040-X (Amended Return)
The amended return is where you claim missed credits. You must include: the original return amounts, the corrected amounts, and an explanation of changes. Supporting documentation strengthens the claim and reduces processing time. The IRS takes 16+ weeks to process amended returns — longer if incomplete.
Track Your Refund
Use the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool at IRS.gov or call the IRS. Processing times: 3 weeks after mailing for the tool to show your return, then up to 16 weeks for processing. If it's been longer, we help escalate through IRS advocacy channels.
Stimulus & Credit FAQs
I never filed taxes — can I still get stimulus money?
Yes. The Recovery Rebate Credit is claimed on a tax return. If you didn't file a 2020 or 2021 return, you must file one — even if you had no income — to claim the credit. Non-filers can file a simplified return specifically to claim the RRC. This is one of the most common missed-stimulus scenarios we see.
Is it too late to claim the 1st and 2nd stimulus payments?
Possibly. The 2020 tax return (claiming 1st and 2nd stimulus) was generally due April 15, 2021. The 3-year refund window from that date ended April 15, 2024. However, if you filed an extension or had a different due date, the window may still be open. The 3rd stimulus (2021 return, due April 2022) may be claimable until April 2025. Check your specific situation — don't assume you've missed it.
What if the IRS says they already sent my stimulus but I never got it?
You can request a payment trace through the IRS. If the check was not cashed, the IRS can reissue. If it was cashed but you believe fraudulently, you'll need to work with the IRS to resolve identity theft. If the IRS records show payment but you genuinely didn't receive it, a payment trace is the first step.
Will claiming missed stimulus trigger an audit?
No. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a straightforward claim — the IRS cross-references your claim against their payment records. If your claim matches (you genuinely didn't receive the payment), there's no increased audit risk. Inaccurate claims may trigger a math error notice or examination, which is why accuracy matters.
Can I claim credits and stimulus while also owing back taxes?
Yes — but the IRS may offset your refund against existing tax debt. If you owe $5,000 and your refund is $3,200, the IRS keeps the refund and applies it to your debt. This is why we evaluate your entire tax situation — not just individual credits in isolation. Credits you claim may reduce your overall tax debt even if you don't receive a check.
Don't Leave Your Money With the IRS
Billions in stimulus payments and tax credits remain unclaimed. We review your IRS transcripts, identify every credit you qualify for, and prepare amended returns for all open years — so you recover every dollar you're entitled to.