The Internal Revenue Service may have stated that all of the $1,400 stimulus checks approved via President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan have been issued to eligible Americans—but that doesn’t mean taxpayers can’t get their hands on more of these government-issued stimulus payments.

According to personal finance website Kiplinger, “if you didn’t get a third stimulus check because you didn't file a 2019 or 2020 tax return, you can still claim a payment when you file a 2021 tax return.”

The website goes on to mention that “if you had a baby in 2021, you can get the extra $1,400-per-dependent for the child that was missing from last year’s third stimulus check payment. You could also be entitled to stimulus check money when you file your 2021 tax return if you experienced other recent changes to your family (e.g., you got married or divorced) or financial situation (e.g., you lost your job).”

Focus on Recovery Rebate Credit

The secret to getting these stimulus checks into one’s mailbox is utilizing the ultra-handy Recovery Rebate Credit.

“If you didn’t qualify for a third Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount, you may be eligible to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit based on your 2021 tax year information,” the IRS says on its website. “If you’re eligible, you’ll need to file a 2021 tax return even if you don’t usually file a tax return. Your 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit will reduce any tax you owe for 2021 or be included in your tax refund.” 

Taxpayers should also be on the lookout for Letter 6475 from the IRS, which will help filers determine whether they are owed more money and if they are eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their tax return.

After figuring out the total amount of the Recovery Rebate Credit, the IRS says on its website that the stimulus money “can be direct deposited into your financial account. You can use a bank account, prepaid debit card, or alternative financial products for your direct deposit. You will need to provide routing and account numbers.”

Tax Filing Deadline

Kiplinger also noted that taxpayers will have a few extra days to file their tax returns this year, but that doesn’t mean that they should wait till the last minute. “For most people, tax returns are due by April 18 this year. So, you still have plenty of time, but why wait—the sooner you file your return, the sooner you’ll get your stimulus check payment,” the website says.

“We also recommend filing electronically and requesting any refund via direct deposit. That’s always the best way to get your refund quickly, but it’s especially important this year since the IRS is still backed up with millions of paper returns it couldn't get to last year,” it concludes.

Ethen Kim Lieser is a Washington state-based Science and Tech Editor who has held posts at Google, The Korea Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, AsianWeek, and Arirang TV. Follow or contact him on LinkedIn.

Image: Reuters.