Where Is My 3rd Stimulus Check
Check for your status at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment. The third round of Economic Impact Payments will be based on a taxpayer’s latest processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019. That includes anyone who used the IRS non-filers tool last year, or submitted a special simplified tax return.
How To Claim A Missing Payment
You may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 or 2021 federal tax return if you didn’t get an Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount.
It is important to understand that the Economic Impact Payments applied to different tax years. Depending on whether you missed the first, second or third payment, you will need to file either a 2020 or 2021 tax return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit.
Can You Get A Recovery Rebate Credit If You Got Your Third Check
In a very specific circumstance, people who receive the third stimulus check may still be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their taxes. The amount of money each taxpayer received in their Economic Impact Payment was calculated based on the number of dependents in their household on their 2019 taxes. If the household gained a new dependent by the 2020 tax filing season, the taxpayer would be eligible to receive a plus-up payment. This would bring their original check amount in line with what they wouldve been eligible for if their new dependent had been accounted for initially.
For example, a married couple who had a baby in 2020 may have initially received a $2,800 third stimulus check $1,400 for each spouse. They wouldve become eligible for a plus-up payment of $1,400 due to the 2020 birth of their baby. If they didnt receive a plus-up payment by the end of December 2021, they could claim a $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 taxes.
Many Americans didnt receive third stimulus checks. In some cases, it was because they filed their 2020 taxes late. In other cases, the IRS simply didnt get to them in time. Either way, all eligible taxpayers who havent received third stimulus checks can take action by claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 taxes.
Don’t Miss: How Much Was The Third Stimulus Check Per Person
How Do I Get Help Filing A 2020 Tax Return To Claim My Eip
The IRS recommends electronic filing, and we agree. It is a faster, more secure option. Paper forms will take much longer to be processed by IRS. You may qualify for free e-file software.
You can also call the Vermont 2-1-1 hotline and follow the menu options for tax preparation. Through this service you may be able to schedule an appointment with a free Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Assistance site. These sites are staffed by trained volunteers. They provide free preparation services to taxpayers who meet eligibility requirements.
Also, you can find Form 1040 and Form 1040 instructions on the IRS website. The instructions for the Recovery Rebate Credit are found on pages 57 59.
What Is The 2021 Stimulus Based On
The amount of the third-round Economic Impact Payment was based on the income and number of dependents listed on an individual’s 2019 or 2020 income tax return. The amount of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit is based on the income and number of dependents listed on an individual’s 2021 income tax return.
You May Like: Stimulus For Healthcare Workers 2021
How The Third Stimulus Check Became Law
The American Rescue Plan was signed into law on March 11, authorizing a third round of stimulus checks that pay a maximum of $1,400 for millions of Americans. Targeted income limits, however, exclude individuals earning over $80,000 and joint tax filers making more than $160,000.
Biden said at the signing of the bill: this historic legislation is about rebuilding the backbone of this country and giving people in this nation working people and middle-class folks, the people who built the country a fighting chance. Thats what the essence of it is.
House Democrats had moved the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill to Bidens desk with a 220-211 vote just one day earlier. But progressives in the party expressed concern over Senate amendments that excluded higher-earning taxpayers from getting a stimulus payment.
Biden agreed to narrow income level requirements as a concession to moderate Senate Democrats who wanted to cap payments for individual taxpayers at $80,000 and joint tax filers at $160,000.
The Senate bill narrowly passed with a 50-49 vote on March 6 after an overnight marathon of disputed amendments and negotiations. A 50-50 tie between both parties was avoided because Senator Dan Sullivan could not vote after returning to Alaska for a family funeral.
Filing A Payment Trace To Find Missing Stimulus Money
You can request an IRS payment trace if you received the confirmation letter from the IRS that your payment was sent , or if the Get My Payment tool shows that your payment was issued but you have not received it within certain time frames. This is the case for all three checks. Check out our guide to requesting an IRS Payment Trace here.
Read Also: Amount Of Stimulus Checks 2021
How To Get Missing Funds From Previous Stimulus Payments
If you’re certain you meet the qualifications to receive the first or second stimulus check, what to do next depends on your situation.
If you never got your money or a confirmation letter from the IRS that your payment was sent, you needed to file for the money on your tax return this year. We’ve got full instructions for how to file for your recovery rebate credit here, but basically, you’ll use the 2020 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR to claim a catch-up payment. However, the last day to file your taxes has passed, so this will only work for those who filed a tax extension.
The tax return instructions include a worksheet to figure out the amount of any recovery rebate credit for which you’re eligible, according to the IRS. If you’re part of a group that doesn’t usually file taxes , you’ll still need to file this year. You should also save your IRS letter — Notice 1444 Your Economic Impact Payment — with your 2020 tax records, as you’ll need it to file the claim.
You can also file for a Recovery Rebate Credit if you didn’t receive the correct amount of money for your child dependents in your first or second check. The same goes for parents of 2020 babies .
Who Is Eligible For The Recovery Rebate Credit
According to the IRS, most people who were eligible for the third round of payments have already received their stimulus checks but there are a few situations why someone might not have received it or received the wrong amount. For example:
-
Youre claiming a new dependent in 2021 .
-
Your marital status changed in 2021.
-
Your adjusted gross income from 2019 or 2020 was high enough to make you ineligible for a stimulus check, but your 2021 AGI is now lower and within the qualifying threshold.
-
You did not have a Social Security number but received one by the 2021 tax deadline.
Read Also: Irs Says I Got Stimulus But I Didn’t
What To Do About Payment Scams
Though it’s uncommon, you may believe you’ve been scammed out of your payment or had it stolen. The Federal Trade Commission has a website where you can report a stolen stimulus check. If you’re worried about theft, you can sign up for a free USPS service that will send you a picture of every piece of mail coming your way — including your stimulus payment.
Why Did I Receive A Debit Card
The IRS issued millions of debit cards to taxpayers in lieu of second stimulus checks, but will be sending out fewer debit cards out for the third payment. The prepaid Visa debit cards, issued by MetaBank, are called Economic Impact Payment cards. Your EIP card will arrive in a white envelope with Economic Impact Payment Card in the return address. Youll need to activate the card by calling the phone number that comes with the card and choosing a 4-digit PIN number.
You can use your EIP card for purchases or use it to withdraw cash . You can also transfer the funds from your EIP card directly into your own bank account, after you register for online access.
If you use the card wisely, it will be free, but there are some fees to be aware of. If you use an out-of-network ATM or a bank teller to withdraw cash, you may need to pay a fee, and if you check the balance of the debit card, at either an in-network ATM or an out-of-network ATM, you will be charged a small fee.
The IRS has announced that the vast majority of taxpayers should receive their third stimulus payment by direct deposit this time.
Dont Miss: Get My Stimulus Payment 1400
Don’t Miss: Who Are Getting Stimulus Checks
You Got The Last Stimulus Check Will You Get This One
Not necessarily. While the same people who received the full amounts in the previous two rounds of stimulus payments will likely get the full amount this time, the checks will phase out faster now cutting off people at a lower income level.
The first round, which was worth up to $1,200, excluded individuals who earned at least $99,000, head of household filers with one child who earned more than $136,500 and married couples without children earning more than $198,000 but families earning a little more were still eligible if they had children. About 160 million payments were delivered, with 94% of families receiving the money.
The second round, which was worth up to $600, also phased out a little faster because the full amount was smaller. It phased out entirely at $87,000 for single filers without children and $174,000 for those married filing jointly without children. Again, those earning a little more were still eligible if they had children. About 158 million payments went out, with 92% of families receiving them.
The payments have been based on a taxpayers most recent tax return. So those who have filed new returns since last March could fall into or out of eligibility if their incomes changed.
How Can You Correct Mistakes
The IRS sends out Notice 1444 by mail within 15 days of making a direct deposit or sending a paper check. That letter will tell you the amount of your stimulus payment and how it was made. The letter also provides instructions on fixing issues with your payment.
Don’t Respond to Telephone Calls or Texts About Your Stimulus Check
The IRS will not call, text, or email you about your stimulus payment. The Federal Trade Commission is warning that thieves are posing as government employees to prey on stimulus payment recipients. These scammers may ask for your personal information or threaten you that if you don’t send the money back in the form of money transfers or gift cards, you’ll lose your drivers’ license. Ignore these communications.
Copyright ©2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Do Not Sell My Personal Information
You May Like: How To Find How Much Stimulus I Received
Which Tax Return Is Used For My Third Stimulus Check
The IRS uses 2019 or 2020 tax returns to determine eligibility for your third stimulus check. You should note that if your income fell in the 2020 tax year, filing your tax return earlier could help you qualify for a bigger third stimulus check. The new stimulus plan targets lower income ranges to exclude higher-earning taxpayers from getting a payment.
As we pointed out before, individuals making under $75,000 get the maximum stimulus payment of $1,400 . But payments are capped at $80,000 for single filers and $160,000 for couples. So filing at the beginning of the tax season with a lower income may help you qualify for a bigger check. But, if your income went up in tax year 2020, then you may want to delay filing so that eligibility is determined by your lower 2019 income.
You might also want to file early if the size of your family increased in 2020. The new stimulus plan includes a child tax credit that pays up to $3,600 for each qualifying child under 6 years old, and $3,000 for every child between ages 6 and 17. This means that if you became a parent during the tax year, you could get an additional payment by claiming your child as a dependent earlier.
SmartAssets child tax credit calculator will help you figure out how much you could get for each child.
You can use SmartAssets tax return calculator to figure out your 2021 tax refund or tax bill.
Dont Miss: Do You Pay Taxes On Stimulus Checks 2021
Number Of Third Stimulus Checks
Question: How many third-round stimulus checks will I get?
Answer: As with the first two round of checks, the legislation authorizing the third round of payments only calls for one payment. This is not a “recurring” payment situation.
However, some people will receive a supplemental payment if their 2020 tax return is filed and/or processed after the IRS sends them their regular third stimulus check. The IRS is calling these “plus-up” payments, and they’ll only be sent if your regular stimulus check would have been higher if it was based on your 2020 tax return . So, for example, if you received a $700 third stimulus check based on the information found on your 2019 return, filed your 2020 tax return later, and your third stimulus check would have been for $800 if it was based on information from your 2020 return, then the IRS will send you a second payment for the $100 difference.
Some married couples could also get two payments. If a joint tax return is filed, a married couple could get two separate third stimulus payments. Half may come as a direct deposit and the other half will be mailed to the address the IRS has on file. Each spouse should check the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool separately using their own Social Security number to see the status of their payments.
Don’t Miss: Get My Stimulus Payment Phone Number
What If My Mailing Address Changed Since I Received My Previous Stimulus Checks How Will I Get My Third Stimulus Check
If you are expecting to receive your third stimulus check by mail, it will be mailed to the last address you filed with the IRS. If your address has changed since then, there are different options you can take to make sure your stimulus check gets to you:
Option 1: File your 2020 federal tax return to update your address. If you havent filed your 2020 tax return yet, this is an easy way to update your address. File a tax return with your current address and your payment will be sent through the mail once the IRS receives your updated address.
Option 2: Provide your banking information in the IRS Get My Payment tool. If the post office was unable to deliver your stimulus check, it will be returned to the IRS. Two to three weeks after the payment has been issued, Get My Payment will display the message Need More Information. You will have the option to have your payment reissued as a direct deposit by providing your banking information.
If you dont provide your banking information, the IRS will mail your payment once your address is updated.
Option 3: Notify the IRS that your address has changed by telephone, an IRS form, or a written statement. It can take 4-6 weeks for the IRS to process your request.
Who Would Be Eligible For The Third Stimulus Check
Families earning less than $150,000 a year and individuals earning less than $75,000 a year should get the full $1,400 per person. Families earning up to $160,000 per year and individuals earning up to $80,000 per year will receive prorated stimulus checks for less than $1,400 max.
Unlike the previous two rounds, you will receive stimulus payments for all your dependents, including adult dependents and college students.
Recommended Reading: Where Is My $600 Dollar Stimulus Check
I Get Ssi Should I Spend The Stimulus Money Within A Year What Can I Spend It On
Spend down your CARES Act EIP money before 12 months have passed since receiving the payment. You are not limited in what you can spend the money on. You can spend down on whatever you wish, including on gifts and charitable contributions. If you don’t spend it within 12 months, the Social Security Administration will count the money as a resource.
Whether To File Another Irs Form
As was the case with the first and second check, if you filed a 2018, 2019 or 2020 tax return or receive government benefits, the IRS should automatically send your third check without you having to do anything.
If, however, you’re a nonfiler, a US citizen or permanent resident, had a gross income in 2019 under $12,200 — or $24,400 as a married couple — and didn’t file a return for 2018 or 2019, you may need to give the IRS a bit of information before it can process your payment. Since the IRS’ Non-Filers tool is now closed, you may need to file for that money on a 2021 tax return in the form of a recovery rebate credit, described above.
Here’s more information about who should file an amended tax form and who shouldn’t.
Receiving your stimulus check money isn’t always easy.
Also Check: When Was The 4th Stimulus Check Sent Out
