(NewsNation) — The IRS provided Economic Impact Payments, more commonly called stimulus checks, three times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who didn’t receive checks (or received the wrong amount) can still claim them before the deadline.
Despite rumors about a fourth stimulus check, the IRS confirmed it is not releasing another round of payments in 2024.
Pandemic-era stimulus checks
In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, provided payments of up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per child under 17. Payments were reduced for individuals with an adjusted gross income greater than $75,000 and $150,000 for married couples filing a joint return.
In December 2020, the Tax Relief Act authorized additional payments of up to $600 per eligible adult and up to $600 for each qualifying child, with the same thresholds for reduced payments.
Finally, in March 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act provided payments of up to $1,400 for eligible individuals and another $1,400 for each qualifying dependent, including adult dependents.
Missed out?
Many taxpayers never claimed their 2021 stimulus checks, according to an August 2023 report. But there is still time to claim that payment by filing a tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Anyone who didn’t receive the full amount on their stimulus checks should include the amount they did receive when they file for taxes in 2024. This includes taxpayers who did not receive the proper amount for their dependents.
If you’re not sure whether you filed or received the credit, you can check your IRS Online Account.
How to claim missing stimulus checks
The deadline to file a return and claim the 2020 and 2021 credits is May 17, 2024, and April 15, 2025, respectively. This is because you typically have three years from the due date to claim a refund.
Individuals can file returns electronically and receive their refund via direct deposit. There is no penalty for a refund on a tax return filed past the due date.
According to Forbes, to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, a person must:
Have been a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien in 2020
Not have been a dependent of another taxpayer for 2020
Have a Social Security number issued before the due date of the tax return that is valid for employment in the U.S.
To claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, a person must:
Have been a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien in 2021
Not have been a dependent of another taxpayer for 2021
Have a Social Security number issued by the due date of the tax return, claim a dependent who has a Social Security number issued by the due date of the tax return, or claim a dependent with an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number.
You can find onlinetax forms and instructionsto file your past due return or order them by calling 800-TAX-FORM (1.800.829.3676) or 1.800.829.4059 for TTY/TDD.
But there is still time to claim that payment by filing a tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit. Anyone who didn't receive the full amount on their stimulus checks should include the amount they did receive when they file for taxes in 2024.
To claim the first and second stimulus payments, include them in your 2020 US federal tax return, due by May 17, 2024. For the third payment, claim it on your 2021 tax return, which should be filed by April 18, 2025.
If you did not receive the 3rd stimulus check, you can get it by filing a 2021 tax return and use the recovery rebate credit in Federal Review. The stimulus amount will show up on line 30 of the Form 1040.
If you haven't received your $3,200 in stimulus checks, you can still claim the full amounts by filing your 2020 and 2021 tax returns by May 17th, 2024.
If you missed the October 2021 filing deadline, you can still file your tax return to get your first and second stimulus checks. If you don't owe taxes, there is no penalty for filing late.
Yes, you can still get your stimulus checks if you haven't filed your 2020 and 2021 tax returns and didn't receive the stimulus money. To claim your stimulus payment, file your 2020 and 2021 tax returns and apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit on these returns.
In general, if you owe taxes and have a balance due on your tax return, the IRS will offset your stimulus check against your outstanding tax debt. However, if your debt is in collection with the IRS, your stimulus check may be intercepted to pay off the debt.
If you still haven't received your payment, or got less than you were eligible for, you can claim the money on your 2021 tax return by using the Recovery Rebate Credit. “If you're eligible, you'll need to file a 2021 tax return, even if you don't usually file a tax return,” the IRS said in a statement.
The upcoming round of stimulus checks, scheduled to be distributed in November, will reach taxpayers in several states including Alabama, Arizona, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas.
Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus payments, are different from most other tax benefits. People don't need a permanent address, a bank account or even a job to get these payments.
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