Thousands of Maine residents may be missing out on money owed to them — including $1,400 IRS stimulus checks and a staggering $2 billion in unclaimed federal tax refunds. According to the IRS, many individuals either didn’t file their taxes during the pandemic years or filed with outdated information, resulting in undelivered or withheld payments.
Maine taxpayers who never received their third-round stimulus check (issued in 2021) still have time to claim it through the IRS Recovery Rebate Credit. Additionally, those who didn’t file a tax return for 2020 or 2021 could be eligible for unclaimed refunds totaling hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
What’s Causing the Refund Backlog?
The IRS reports that many taxpayers either changed addresses, missed tax filing deadlines, or were unaware of available credits. Maine is among the top states with a high rate of unclaimed refunds — much of it tied to Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), Child Tax Credits, and missed stimulus payments.
How to Claim Your Money
To receive the $1,400 stimulus or a refund, eligible residents must file or amend their past tax returns. The IRS has opened special filing windows allowing retroactive claims through the Recovery Rebate Credit and other refund tools.
Table – Unclaimed IRS Funds for Maine Residents
| Benefit | Amount | How to Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Third Stimulus Payment (2021) | $1,400 | File 2021 tax return with Recovery Rebate Credit |
| Unclaimed Tax Refunds (2020–21) | Up to $2,000+ | File or amend past tax returns |
| Child Tax Credit | Up to $3,600/child | Include in 2020 or 2021 tax filings |
| Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Up to $6,660 | File qualifying return |
| Deadline to File or Amend | April 15, 2025 | IRS online or with a tax preparer |
With over $2 billion in unclaimed federal refunds and $1,400 stimulus checks still available to eligible Maine residents, now is the time to act. If you think you might have missed a payment or refund, review your past tax filings or consult with a tax professional. Filing before the April 2025 deadline could put hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars back in your pocket.
