Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Stimulus Payment
No. Since the stimulus check is considered a refundable tax credit, it is not classified as earned income. Hence not considered taxable income you will have to report in your 2020 tax return . It also wont affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs.
This payment also does not have to be paid back if any over payment happens or your gross income in 2020 changes. This includes your income rising to above the qualifying thresholds. If you unexpectedly got the payment, congratulations! You get to keep it now.
Returning Incorrect Stimulus Check Payments
A few people have commented that a spouse, relative or child who died since they filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return received a stimulus check payment. The IRS has provided official guidance on this issue which states that any payments made to someone who died before receipt of the payment should be returned to the IRS in full.
The exception to this is for payments made to joint filers and one spouse who had not died before receipt of the Payment, in which case, you only need to return the portion of the Payment made on account of the decedent
Stimulus Check Update: $3600 Is Coming In 2022 And You Might Qualify To Get It
At this point in 2022, the stimulus check story is actually proceeding down two tracks. The first one to note is the obvious one the one everybody is interested in. It entails the possibility of all-new stimulus checks at some point this year. As in, will we get them or not? And when? Along those lines, everyone is still waiting to see what the Senate will do about the possibility of a year-long child tax credit extension. Something the body left unfinished as 2021 drew to a close, with West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin saying in an interview that his crucial vote on the package would be a no, throwing the whole process into chaos.
How To Opt Out Of Monthly Child Tax Credit
If you dont want these advance payments, youll have to go through a few steps to opt out. But its pretty simple really. The IRS set up a Child Tax Credit Update Portal for you to opt out and make any changes.
Dont worryeven though the first payment has already gone out, its not too late to opt out of the advance Child Tax Credit payment. Actually, you have the chance to opt out each month. Really! You just have to do it at least three days before the first Thursday of the month.8 So if you want to opt out in September, make sure to opt out by August 30, just to be safe.
Pro tip: If youre married and filing jointly, then both you and your spouse need to opt out of the Child Tax Credit.
Read Also: 4 Stimulus Check For Social Security
Child Or Dependent Qualification For The $500 Payment
Several readers have asked questions around the $500 child dependent additional stimulus payment. To get this payment you must have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and claimed the child as dependent ANDthe child must be younger than 17-years-old at the end of 2020. They must also be related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption . There is no limit to the number of dependents who can qualify for the additional $500 in one household.
This age limit is much younger than what is used by the IRS in the qualifying child test where a child must be younger than 19 years old or be a student younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar year. Hence the confusion being caused by this. So just remember if your child or eligible dependent is 17 or over you cannot claim the stimulus payment for them.
College Kids and High School Seniors
The younger than 17 yr old requirement has ruled out several thousand college students and high school kids who are older than 17, but still being claimed as a dependent by their parents on their federal tax return.
However if you are a college student AND filed a recent tax return you can qualify for a standard/adult stimulus check per the above eligibility rules. But note as soon as you file a return you cannot be claimed as a dependent by others, which means they lose certain other tax benefits and credits.
Treasury Says Some Stimulus Checks Will Reach Taxpayers This Week
getty
Congress may still be debating the size of additional checks, but Treasury is already taking action to deliver a second round of Economic Impact Payments . This second round of checks is part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, passed by Congress last week and signed into law by President Trump on Sunday night.
According to the Treasury Department, checks will begin to be direct deposited into accounts, arriving as early as tonight for some. Direct deposit payments will continue into next week.
Taxpayers expecting paper checks wont have to wait as long as last time: paper checks will begin to be mailed tomorrow, Wednesday, December 30.
Treasury and the IRS are working with unprecedented speed to issue a second round of Economic Impact Payments to eligible Americans and their families, said Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. These payments are an integral part of our commitment to providing vital additional economic relief to the American people during this unprecedented time.
Also Check: Nc $500 Stimulus Check Update
Which Cities Are Giving Out 4th Stimulus Checks
Thats rightcities are now getting in on the stimulus check action too . See if your town made the list:
Low-income residents of The Windy City have been given stimulus checks at random. You read that right. Chicago will give out $500 checks to 5,000 people each month throughout 2022. Theyll be selected at random for this stimulus lottery.20
Like Chicago, LA is handing out payments to low-income residents for a year. Their program, called BIG:LEAP, will give 3,200 randomly chosen people $1,000 each month.21
Pittsburghs program is called the Assured Cash Experiment and gives 200 low-income residents $500 each monthfor two years. The program will spend $2.5 million on lower-income zip codes.22
The close-by neighbors of LA are getting a stimulus program of their own called the Revive Santa Ana Resident Stimulus Program. It will give out $6 million to neighborhoods that fall below the poverty level in Santa Ana. Payments of $300 will be loaded onto prepaid debit cards and given out door to door to about 20,000 residents.23
Seattle has one of the more generous payouts on the list. The Seattle Relief Fund is a $16 million program that gives payments of $1,0003,000 to low-income residents of the Emerald City.24
Focus On What Goes On At Your Housenot The White House
Its hard not to worry as you watch billions and trillions of dollars fly out the window in Washington, D.C. And while those things matter, the truth is, you have ultimate control over your money and what choices are made in your house. You have the power to improve your money situation right nowtodaywithout having to rely on the government.
And it all starts with a budget. Because when you make a plan for your money, you’re more likely to make progress and hit your financial goalsstimulus check or not. So, go ahead and create your budget with EveryDollar today! Take control of your future and get the hope you need.
About the author
Ramsey Solutions
Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since 1992. Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners. Learn More.
Also Check: How Much Stimulus Check 2021
A $3600 Tax Credit This Year
Some recipients, however, decided that for whatever reason they didnt need or want the six monthly checks upfront. In that case, theyre getting the child tax credit instead as a lump-sum benefit this year.
As a reminder, for every child under the age of 6, a family could get an expanded child tax credit of as much as $3,600. Meaning, if those families decided to forgo the monthly checks? They can still get that $3,600 this year as a tax credit, never mind that the Senate has still not acted to re-up the monthly payments this year.
The same is true, by the way, if any families eligible for the lower tier of the expanded child tax credit choose a lump-sum benefit this year. They could get up to $3,000, if they, too, decided to forgo the monthly payments last year.
When Was The Third Stimulus Check Approved
By now, youve heard the history of how a third stimulus check happened: Just as most Americans received their $600 second stimulus check from the U.S. Treasury during the coronavirus pandemic, President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan included a third stimulus payment of $1,400.
The American Rescue Plan passed first in the House and then Senate and was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021. Lawmakers wanted the bill to go into effect before some COVID-19-related unemployment benefits expired in mid-March 2021.5And they hit their deadline just in the nick of time.
You May Like: When We Getting Stimulus Checks
Lets Hope Things Dont Get Worse
Increased unemployment rates in 2023 may very probably trigger another stimulus program. People shouldnt truly wish for that, though. For more stimulus checks to be justified, the unemployment rate would need to significantly increase from its current level. If we reach that position, the economy will have declined to a degree where many people could be harmed.
Furthermore, another stimulus round may not be implemented even if the countrys unemployment rate does meaningfully decline. As these are thought to have contributed to the issue of skyrocketing inflation, lawmakers have received some criticism for their stimulus programs from 2021.
Overall, there are indications that the unemployment rate is rising. It is unclear whether this will result in additional stimulus help, but it is also a worrying development. Therefore, Americans should do everything they can to cut back on their spending, increase their savings & strengthen their finances in case the economy worsens rather than waiting for a stimulus cheque reports Nasdaq.
If I Take The Advance Payment How Does This Affect Next Years Taxes
Good question, you guys. The biggest thing here is if your income increases in 2021, then you might get more money in the Child Tax Credit than you actually should get. Remember, guys, theyre basing the amount they think you should get on your 2020 tax return . So,if you or your spouse got a raise at work and it bumped you over the qualifying amount, the IRS doesnt know about it.
If youre super confused by all of this, youre not alone. The State of Personal Finance study found that 70% of parents who qualify for the Child Tax Credit money say theyre afraid to spend it because they dont know how it will impact their taxes next year. That totally makes sense, guysbut dont stay in the dark here. Its so important to be in the know about these changes and how they affect you.
With all these tax changes, its a good idea to call in the folks who live and breathe this stuff. If you want your taxes done the right way, check in with a RamseyTrusted tax pro. Theyre the experts who can walk you through this new Child Tax Credit change and how it impacts your money. And theyll help you make the right call on whether you should take the advance payments or leave them alone. They can also show you the best way to plan out your taxesyou know, so you dont end up with a huge scary bill or a crazy high refund. When it comes to your tax questions, leave it to the pros.
About the author
Rachel Cruze
Also Check: Who To Contact About Stimulus Check Not Received
Social Security Payments For December: When Is Your Money Coming
Social Security payments for December started going out this week. See when your payment will arrive.
Katie Teague
Writer
Katie is a writer covering all things how-to at CNET, with a focus on Social Security and notable events. When she’s not writing, she enjoys playing in golf scrambles, practicing yoga and spending time on the lake.
The Social Security Administration this week started disbursing December payments. In , you’ll get your first increased benefit amount. For those who receive Supplemental Security Income, you’ll get your first increase in December. We’ll explain why below and how the timing of Social Security payments works.
This month, keep an eye out for a letter in the mail about your Social Security benefits increase for 2023. It’ll have details about your individual benefit rate increase for next year — or you can also check your benefits online using your My Social Security account.
Read more: Stimulus Checks: 18 States Are Sending Tax Rebates to Residents
Taxpayers Will Likely Get Refunds In The Coming Years
While direct payments were only approved for fiscal year 2021-22, taxpayers can expect to receive TABOR refunds in the future as Colorado is expected to have a budget surplus over the next three fiscal years.
Eligible taxpayers could either pay less in taxes or get a refund check. Another key difference between this yearâs TABOR refund and future refunds is that the refund amount will depend on taxpayer earnings.
Recommended Reading: What States Are Getting The Fourth Stimulus Check
Georgia: $250 Rebate Payments
Thanks to a historic state budget surplus, Georgia residents who filed both their 2020 and 2021 tax returns were eligible to receive rebate payments based on their tax filing status:
- Single filers: Maximum $250
- Head of household: Maximum $375
If you owed income tax or other payments to the state, such as delinquent child support payments, you may have received a smaller rebate. Partial-year residents may also have received a smaller rebate.
Eligible recipients who filed their 2021 taxes by April 18 should have received their refund in August.
Georgia taxpayers can learn more via the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Unemployment Expected To Fall To 3 Percent
The US economy has been going gangbusters, recovering much faster than after the Great Recession. With covid-19 vaccine shots in their arms, Americans began venturing out once again driving up demand and hiring. This led to the most jobs gained on record in one year with the US adding 6.4 million in 2021.
The current unemployment rate of 4 percent though is still above the pre-pandemic level when it was 3.7 percent. And for all the jobs that were added there still remains a nearly similar number of Americans unemployed. However, the St Louis Fed President Jim Bullard predicts that it could , a level that could mean the economy is overheating.
St. Louis Fed President James Bullard sees the U.S. unemployment rate falling below 3% this year, a jobless rate the country last saw in the early 1950s, he told @hpschneider in a conversation on Twitter Spaces 1/3
Reuters Business
Read Also: Oregon Stimulus Check Round 2
Delaware: $300 Rebate Payments
Delaware sent relief rebate payments of $300 to taxpayers who filed their 2020 state tax returns. The one-time payment was possible due to a budget surplus. Couples filing jointly received $300 each.
Payments were distributed to most eligible Delaware residents in May 2022.
If youre eligible but didnt receive a rebate yet, you can apply online starting November 1. The application period will only last 30 days and will close on November 30, 2022.
Applicants must provide their Social Security number, active Delaware drivers license that was issued before December 31, 2021 and a valid Delaware residential mailing address. Payments will be sent out to qualifying applicants after the application period closes and all applications are reviewed.
Check your rebate status or get answers to frequently asked questions from the Delaware Department of Finance.
Who Is Eligible For The Second Stimulus Check
Eligibility is primarily based on four requirements:
1. Income: The income requirements to receive the full payment are the same as the first stimulus check.There is no minimum income needed to qualify for the payment. Households with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals will receive the full payment. This stimulus payment starts to phaseout for people with higher earnings. The second stimulus check maximum income limit is lower than the first stimulus check. Single filers who earned more than $87,000 in 2019 are ineligible for the second stimulus check.
View the chart below to compare income requirements for the first and second stimulus checks.
| Income to Receive Full Stimulus Payment | First Stimulus Check Maximum Income Limit | Second Stimulus Check Maximum Income Limit |
| Single Filer | ||
| $136,500 | $124,500 |
2. Social Security Number: This requirement differs from the original eligibility for the first stimulus check. Originally under the first stimulus check, if you were married filing jointly, both spouses needed valid Social Security numbers . If one spouse had an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number , then both spouses were ineligible for the stimulus check. For married military couples, the spouse with an SSN could still get the stimulus check for themselves but not the other spouse with an ITIN.
Examples
Former first stimulus check rules:
Second stimulus check rules:
Former first and second stimulus check rules for military filers:
Don’t Miss: Where My Golden State Stimulus
