Can I still claim past Covid stimulus checks in 2025 if I never filed for them?

You're asking about the Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), which were issued during 2020-2021 as advance payments of the Recovery Rebate Credit. The good news is that while you can no longer receive the actual "stimulus checks" directly, you may still be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing tax returns for those years. For the first two stimulus payments (from 2020), you would need to file a 2020 tax return. For the third payment (from 2021), you'd need to file a 2021 return. The catch is that there's a 3-year deadline to file and claim a refund, which means you have until April 15, 2024 to file for 2020, and until April 2025 for 2021. Since you're a US citizen, you would generally qualify even if you were living abroad, as long as you have a valid SSN and aren't claimed as a dependent on someone else's return. The Free File options can definitely help you file these previous year returns.

I went through something similar when I missed filing for one of the stimulus payments. I was so confused by all the paperwork and deadlines until I found this tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me figure everything out. It analyzed my situation and walked me through exactly which forms I needed to file for previous tax years to claim those missed stimulus payments. The best part was that it specifically identified that I qualified for the Recovery Rebate Credit even though I initially thought I was too late. It explained the 3-year rule that the previous commenter mentioned and helped me understand exactly which years I needed to file for.

Just wanted to follow up - I tried that taxr.ai site the other day and it actually helped me figure out I could still claim the third stimulus payment! I uploaded my documents and answered a few questions, and it confirmed I was still within the window to file for 2021. The site explained exactly which forms I needed and even pointed out that I qualified for some other credits I didn't know about. Used their guidance with FreeTaxUSA and just submitted my 2021 return. Definitely a relief to know I didn't completely miss out on that money. Thanks for the recommendation!

If you're planning to file past returns to claim those stimulus payments, be prepared for a LONG wait. The IRS is still massively backlogged on processing paper returns, and you'll probably need to paper file for 2020. I've been waiting 11 months for them to process my amended return for the recovery rebate credit. After trying to call the IRS dozens of times (literally couldn't get through), I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me an actual person at the IRS in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - it basically holds your place in the phone queue so you don't have to. The IRS agent was able to tell me my return was still in processing but at least confirmed they received it and gave me a timeframe for when I might see the refund.

I hate to admit when I'm wrong but that Claimyr thing actually worked. After complaining about it here, I got desperate enough to try it since my 2021 return (with the recovery rebate credit) has been "processing" for 7 months. Got connected to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes this morning, and they told me my return had been flagged for additional review because I hadn't filed in previous years. The agent was able to verify my identity and told me they would expedite my return - should have the stimulus money within 3 weeks. Never would have gotten this resolved without actually talking to someone at the IRS. Still think it's ridiculous we have to pay extra just to talk to the government, but at least I'll finally get my stimulus payment.

Something nobody mentioned yet - make sure you understand which stimulus payments you're eligible for based on when you became a US resident again. The law says you need to be a US resident for tax purposes in the year of the payment. So if you weren't living in the US during 2020-2021 and had no US presence, you might face challenges claiming these credits even though you're a citizen. The IRS has been rejecting some claims from citizens who lived abroad during COVID. Different rules applied to each of the three payments, so you need to check the specific requirements for each one carefully!

Just FYI - I'm a tax preparer and the IRS just announced they're going to be extra careful with Recovery Rebate Credit claims this year because there's been so much fraud. If you've never filed before and suddenly file for multiple back years just claiming the stimulus credits, it might trigger extra scrutiny. That doesn't mean you shouldn't file if you're legitimately entitled to the credits! Just be prepared for possible delays and have documentation of your citizenship status and residence situation ready in case they ask for verification.

Has anyone successfully claimed these payments in 2024? Just wondering if it's even worth my time at this point or if I should just accept that I missed out. I'm in a similar situation where I was out of the country during COVID but am a US citizen.

@Morita Montoya - Yes, you can definitely still claim those stimulus payments! As a US citizen, you were eligible for all three Economic Impact Payments even while living abroad, as long as you have a valid Social Security Number and weren't claimed as someone else's dependent. Here's what you need to know: - 1st & 2nd payments (2020): File a 2020 tax return by April 15, 2024 (you're cutting it close!) - 3rd payment (2021): File a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025 The payments become "Recovery Rebate Credits" when you file retroactively. Since you had no US income during those years, you'd report $0 income and claim the credits directly. For 2020, you'll likely need to paper file since e-filing for that year may no longer be available. For 2021, you should still be able to e-file through most tax software including FreeTaxUSA. The amounts were $1,200 (2020 first), $600 (2020 second), and $1,400 (2021 third) for eligible individuals. Don't let this opportunity slip away - especially for the 2020 payments since that deadline is approaching fast!

@Morita Montoya - I was in almost the exact same situation! US citizen who lived abroad during COVID and never filed taxes before. I successfully claimed all three stimulus payments by filing returns for 2020 and 2021 earlier this year. A few important tips from my experience: 1. **Act fast on 2020** - You have until April 15, 2024 to claim the first two payments ($1,200 + $600 = $1,800 total). I had to paper file for 2020 and it took about 10 months to get processed, but I did receive the full amount. 2. **2021 is easier** - You can still e-file for 2021 to claim the $1,400 third payment. I used FreeTaxUSA and got my refund in about 6 weeks. 3. **No special forms needed** - Since you had $0 US income, you just file a basic 1040 for each year and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on line 30 (2020) or line 30 (2021). Super straightforward. 4. **Keep good records** - Send paper returns certified mail and keep copies of everything. The IRS moves slowly but they do process these claims. Total I received was $3,200 ($1,800 for 2020 + $1,400 for 2021). Definitely worth the effort! Don't let that April 2024 deadline pass for the 2020 payments.

@Morita Montoya - You're definitely not too late! I'm a tax professional and can confirm that as a US citizen, you were eligible for all three Economic Impact Payments regardless of where you lived during the pandemic. Here's your action plan: **For 2020 payments (1st: $1,200, 2nd: $600)** - File a 2020 tax return claiming $1,800 in Recovery Rebate Credit - Deadline is April 15, 2024 - so you need to move FAST - Will likely need to paper file (e-filing may no longer be available) - Current processing time for paper returns: 8-12 months **For 2021 payment (3rd: $1,400)** - File a 2021 tax return claiming $1,400 in Recovery Rebate Credit - Deadline is April 15, 2025 - you have more time - Can still e-file through most tax software including FreeTaxUSA - Processing time: 6-8 weeks typically Since you had no US income during those years, you'll just report $0 income and claim the credits directly on line 30 of Form 1040 for each year. No complex calculations needed. **Important:** Don't let the 2020 deadline slip by - that's $1,800 you'd lose forever. Focus on getting that 2020 return filed immediately, even if you tackle 2021 later. Send any paper returns certified mail for proof of timely filing. Total potential recovery: $3,200. Definitely worth pursuing!

@Morita Montoya - As someone who works with expat tax issues, I want to emphasize a few additional considerations for your situation: **Foreign Bank Account Reporting**: Even though you're filing just to claim stimulus payments, be aware that if you had foreign bank accounts with aggregate balances over $10,000 at any time during 2020 or 2021, you may need to file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) separately. This has its own deadlines and requirements. **State Tax Considerations**: Depending on which state you're establishing residency in now, you may also need to consider whether you need to file state returns for those years. Most states don't have their own stimulus credits, but it's worth checking. **Documentation for Future**: Keep detailed records of your filing for these years, including proof of your foreign residence during 2020-2021. This could be helpful if you ever face questions about your residency status or tax obligations during that period. **Professional Help**: Given the complexity of your situation (citizen abroad, never filed before, claiming retroactive credits), you might want to consider consulting with a tax professional, especially for the 2020 return given the tight deadline. Many offer reasonable rates for straightforward returns like yours. The good news is you're absolutely entitled to these payments as a US citizen. Just make sure you handle the filing correctly to avoid any delays or complications!