As the 2025 tax season heats up, millions of Americans may still be eligible for major financial benefits—including $1,400 stimulus checks, unclaimed tax refunds from 2021, and a potential $5,000 payout under a controversial new proposal tied to federal budget cuts. Here’s a breakdown of what’s real, what’s pending, and what you need to do to ensure you don’t miss out.
$1,400 IRS Stimulus Checks: Still Available for Some
The IRS has announced that approximately one million Americans who didn’t claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit are still eligible to receive up to $1,400 in stimulus payments. These payments were part of the third round of stimulus checks under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
If you didn’t receive this check back then or didn’t file a 2021 tax return, you may still qualify.
“Many people who didn’t get the full amount of stimulus money they were entitled to in 2021 still have time to claim it,” the IRS stated in a March 2025 update.
These payments are being issued automatically if a taxpayer recently filed their 2021 return and was deemed eligible. To check if you qualify, visit the IRS’s official Recovery Rebate Credit page or access your tax transcript through your IRS Online Account.
The deadline to file a 2021 return and claim the rebate is April 15, 2025.
Over $1 Billion in Unclaimed 2021 Tax Refunds
In a parallel development, the IRS has revealed that more than $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds from 2021 remain on the table. The median potential refund is $781, though some taxpayers may be eligible for much more.
These refunds belong to people who didn’t file a tax return for 2021, often due to low or no income. Many of these non-filers were not required to file a return but could still be owed money through refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).
“We want taxpayers to know that time is running out,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “There’s a three-year window to claim these refunds, and after that, the money goes back to the U.S. Treasury.”
Taxpayers have until April 15, 2025, to file a 2021 return and claim any money owed to them. After that, the funds will be forfeited.
To learn more, visit the IRS’s Unclaimed Refunds Information Page.
The $5,000 DOGE Dividend Proposal: Fact or Fiction?
A far more unconventional proposal has recently made headlines: a $5,000 “DOGE dividend” check for American taxpayers, tied to a budget reform plan from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—an initiative publicly endorsed by former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The idea, pitched as a form of “taxpayer dividend,” claims it could return 20% of $2 trillion in federal savings back to the public. That would amount to roughly $5,000 per eligible American household.
While the concept has garnered attention—particularly due to Musk’s involvement—it remains a proposal, not an approved policy or law.
According to an AP News analysis, the plan would require Congressional approval, and experts are skeptical about the feasibility of cutting $2 trillion from federal expenditures without deep consequences to public services.
Elon Musk, speaking in February 2025, expressed interest in using AI and automation to reduce bureaucracy and streamline government functions, but no official legislation has been passed as of this writing.
“This is a bold idea,” said Musk. “It’s about giving taxpayers back what’s theirs if we can run government smarter, not bigger.”
For updates on government spending and budget proposals, you can visit Congress.gov or WhiteHouse.gov.
What You Should Do Now?
If you’re unsure whether you’ve received your 2021 stimulus payment or are owed a tax refund, here’s what you can do:
Check Your 2021 Tax Filing Status
- Use your IRS Online Account to see if your 2021 return was filed and processed.
File Before April 15, 2025
- Use certified tax preparers or trusted software providers to submit your 2021 return if you haven’t yet.
Stay Informed on Federal Proposals
- Be wary of social media rumors about instant $5,000 checks. Follow official channels like the IRS Newsroom and AP Fact Check to track real policy updates.
Final Thoughts
While the $5,000 DOGE dividend checks remain a political vision for now, the opportunities to claim real money through the IRS are very much in reach. With the tax filing deadline for 2021 returns looming, now is the time to act.
Whether it’s an unclaimed refund or a missed stimulus payment, you could be leaving hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars on the table.
Vikas is a seasoned finance writer with a keen eye for unraveling complex global financial systems. From government benefits to energy rebates and recruitment trends, he empowers readers with actionable insights and clarity. When he’s not crafting impactful articles, you can find him sharing her expertise on Social Media. You can connect with him via email at [email protected].
