Pros Of Taking The Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments
- You can use the money now. If youre having a hard time making ends meet, this is a great way to have extra cash flow to keep a roof over your head and feed your family.
- You can keep more money in your own pocket during the year. And Im a really big fan of thatbut only if it doesnt create a tax mess for you when it comes time to file your 2021 taxes.
- You dont have to jump through any extra hoops. If youve filed your taxes in 2019 or 2020 and want to get the advance child tax payments, you dont have to do anything else or sign up for anything. Youre automatically enrolled and are all set.
- You wont have that lump sum. We know some people like to use their tax refund as a glorified savings account. They get a big refund and cant wait to spend it on something theyve wanted all year. But if youve been around here for a while, youve heard me tell you to set up your tax withholding so that youre getting the most money you can in your paycheck. Which means youll be getting less money in your tax return each year . But keeping more money in your actual paycheck means you can put your hard-earned dollars toward your goals now. Its silly to let the government hang on to your money until tax time. Its your money!
Irs Has Sent $6 Billion In Stimulus Payments Just In June Heres How To Track Your Money
Your stimulus check could be on its way, along with child tax credit money and unemployment tax refunds. Well explain the state of the payments today.
Stimulus check payments arent over yet for everyone.
Dont think that the child tax credit payments going out in just over two weeks are all the IRS is focused on. The tax agency continues to send weekly batches of the third stimulus checks, with more than $6 billion in stimulus payments going out just in June. Some of that money includes plus-up adjustments for people who received less money than they were supposed to get in earlier checks.
Even though many of us got our stimulus money in the earlier batches in spring, some have had to wait weeks or months for their checks. The IRS sent money first to people whod already filed their 2019 or 2020 tax returns because those were the easiest to verify. So if youre still waiting for your stimulus check up to $1,400 or think you might be due a plus-up payment well tell you what to do next.
In the meantime, many experts say a fourth stimulus check is unlikely, but millions of families will be getting a good chunk of money with Julys first child tax credit payment. We can tell you how to know if you qualify and how much money you could expect over the course of the year. The IRS is also issuing unemployment tax refunds to millions of people who received jobless benefits last year, though payments are taking longer than expected. This story was updated recently.
Stimulus Check Payout Schedule
The IRS has confirmed that the distribution of economic impact payments has started and millions of Americans should have their stimulus check payment by now. Note that this will likely only apply to those receiving the payment via direct deposit . You can see the status of your stimulus check payment on the IRS Get My Payment portal.
- Direct Deposit payments will generally be deposited 2 to 3 days after the IRS confirms income eligibility for the payout.
- Physical checks will take at least 6 to 8 weeks to be mailed out.
Social Security Retirees and Disability recipients who are eligible for the payment will get the stimulus checks/payments deposited the same way they currently get their payments.
Given over 120 million Americans could be eligible for the payment, it will take a while to process the stimulus checks.
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Will There Be Another Stimulus Check From The Federal Government
Most people agree that getting another big stimulus check from the federal government is a long shot at this point. Still, some lawmakers keep pushing for another stimulus check to help Americans who are struggling to rebuild thanks to COVID-19 and its economic impact. And with the Delta and Omicron variants out therewould another stimulus check happen for everyone? You never know. Only time will tell, really. A lot of people didnt think wed see a third stimulus check eitherbut it happened.
With the economy and jobs both on the upswing, the need for a stimulus check is way less than its been since the start of the pandemic. Not to mention, a lot of people have been getting extra cash each month from the Child Tax Credit. Add all of that up and its easy to see that there might not be another stimulus check. But if there is one, dont worrywell let you know.
What If I Havent Gotten My Payment Yet
First, go ahead and check the IRS Portal to see what the status is of your payment. You can see if its been processed and is taking longer to get to you. While youre there, look and see if your payment is coming by mail or direct deposit. If its coming by mail, that could be why its taking longer. If youre expecting the payment to hit your bank account through direct deposit, double-check to make sure they have your correct banking info.
If things still dont make sense, then you can submit something called a payment trace to the IRS . But make sure you give it at least five days after the date you were expecting to get the payment in your hands.
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When Will The Third Stimulus Check Be Issued
The government started sending the third stimulus checks on March 12, 2021. The IRS continues to send third stimulus checks as people submit their information to the IRS either by filing a 2020 tax return or using GetCTC.org. The deadline to use GetCTC.org is November 15, 2021.
If you have your banking information on file, the IRS sent your payment via direct deposit. Otherwise, you will receive your payment as a check or debit card via mail. Mailed checks and debit cards may take longer to deliver.
If you dont fall into any of these categories, youll have to wait to receive your third stimulus check. You will need to file a 2020 federal tax return to get the third stimulus check or use GetCTC.org if you dont have a filing requirement.
You can also get the first and second stimulus check as the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return or GetCTC.org if you are eligible.
Gas Stimulus Checks And Tax Holidays
Several Democratic-led proposals, one of which Whitehouse co-sponsored with Khanna, would in effect send gas stimulus checks to lower-income Americans.
In Whitehouse and Khannas proposal, titled the Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax, that money would come from levying a per-barrel tax on major oil companies equal to 50% of the difference between the current price of a barrel of oil and the pre-pandemic average price per barrel between 2015 and 2019, according to a brief of the bill.
KRISPY KREME TO THE RESUE: Krispy Kreme ties doughnut prices to average gas price on Wednesdays to offer inflation relief
At $120 per barrel of oil, the levy would raise approximately $45 billion per year. At that price, single filers would receive approximately $240 each year and joint filers would receive roughly $360 each year, Khanna told USA TODAY.
“If they avoid the tax, that’s less relief for the American public, but that means that their price will come down.
But, Khanna said, we haven’t, unfortunately, got Republicans on board with it yet.
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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.
Stimulus Checks: Where Do We Stand On More Payments
There was no timeline given on if and when the legislation would be considered or how long it would take to implement the new programs if the bills were to be approved.
Congress is in recess through the middle of September. And when lawmakers return, theyll likely continue working on a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan and a $3.5 trillion budget plan for bolstering family services, health, and environment programs.
The White House and leaders in Congress have not given any indication a fourth payment will be approved, and theres been little other movement aside from online petitions and letters from lawmakers to President Joe Biden.
A change.org petition that was started more than a year ago by a restaurant owner calling for targeted stimulus money has gotten over 2.8 million signatures. The petition calls for payments of $2,000 for each and $1,000 for each child until the pandemic is over.
Meanwhile, several Democrats have written letters to Biden asking for more relief. Some of those letters reportedly advocated for multiple rounds of stimulus checks until the economy rebounds.
But the Biden administration has signaled the president was focused on putting people back to work rather than short-term relief.
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What Are Plus Up Payments
People are eligible for plus up payments if, for example, they made less money in 2020 than 2019.
So a plus up payment is simple. Lets say you got your stimulus check based on your 2019 tax returns. But then you filed your 2020 tax return after you got your check. Based on your earnings, you could get more money because your income dropped, as I explained for the Deseret News.
Biden’s Russian Oil Ban
A number of factors are at play.
In March, President Joe Biden banned Russian oil from being imported into the United States. Even though the U.S. is a net producer of oil, Russia accounted for 3% of all oil the nation imported in 2021. Russian oil plays a much more significant role in Europe, accounting for 30% of all oil imports there, according to an analysis by S& P Global Commodity Insights.
EU members stopped short of banning Russian oil but are considering a gradual phase-out. While Russias state-controlled gas company, Gazprom, said it stopped supplying natural gas to Poland and Bulgaria on Wednesday.
That shouldnt have a material impact on gas prices consumers pay at the pump but it escalates the situation, which could in the future have an impact, De Haan told USA TODAY.
NOT JUST GAS PRICES:Expect an ‘extremely volatile’ year for natural gas
COVID-19 outbreaks in China, which could prompt lockdowns within economic hub cities like Shanghai, may ease pressure on gas prices in the U.S. if less oil is exported, he added.
If prices go up this summer, its not because the U.S. isnt producing enough oil, said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. The more the U.S. companies produce, the more cartels can adjust their own behavior to keep prices high, he said, referring to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
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Parents Are More Likely Than Non
Although there’s little appetite in Washington D.C. for a fourth stimulus check to be distributed to everyone, there is some bipartisan support for an expanded Child Tax Credit.
The last stimulus bill, the American Rescue Plan Act, made more money available to parents by changing the current rules for the existing Child Tax Credit. Parents were eligible to receive up to $3,600 for children under age 6 and up to $3,000 for kids aged 6 to 17.
While Republicans aren’t in favor of doing exactly what the American Rescue Plan Act did for parents, those on the right have put forth various proposals to also expand this tax credit. And there’s broad support on the left for more financial help to parents.
What About People With Itins
You still need a work-authorizing Social Security Number to be eligible for this stimulus. However, there are important changes since the first round of stimulus checks.
- In the first stimulus rollout, any non-SSN holder on a joint return made everyone on that return ineligible. Big change: The new rounds of stimulus has corrected this problem. If you filed a joint return with a non-SSN holder, you are still eligible for the stimulus. See the below hypotheticals.
- Situation: A single tax filer has an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number but no Social Security number .
- This person is ineligible for the stimulus.
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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
New Orleans And Los Angeles
Similar to Chicagos program, the city of Los Angeles is launching an even bigger guaranteed income program for select residents. The latters BIG:LEAP program will give special stimulus payments totaling $1,000/month for an entire year to 3,200 people.
$1,000 a month can dramatically change a familys circumstance, helping them to meet basic needs and eliminate the stress of living paycheck to paycheck, Los Angeles city official Abigail Marquez said about this program.
And then theres New Orleans, where officials have put their own twist on this program.
More than 100 young people in the city between ages 16 and 24 will get 10 payments starting in the spring. Those payments will each total $350, loaded onto an ATM card. The Black-owned online bank Mobility Capital Finance is providing the cards. And during a press conference, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the money is going to city residents who are either jobless or not attending school.
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What If My Spouse Or Ex
If you did not get all or some portion of your Economic Impact Payments you can file a 2020 tax return and claim these amounts on line 30 of the form. The IRS is referring to this as the recovery rebate and will allow you to claim any of the EIPs that you did not get in advance. You may get a denial letter from the IRS, but that is the opportunity to reply and explain your situation to the IRS. In this situation, Vermonters with a low income can contact us for help at the Vermont Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic by filling out our form or calling 1-800-889-2047.
Who Is Eligible For The Third Stimulus Check
For the first two stimulus payments, single taxpayers earning up to $75,000 a year and couples earning up to $150,000 a year were able to get the full amount. Parents also received stimulus payments for each dependent child under age 17.9,10
Those income limits didnt change for the third stimulus payment even though it targeted the payments to lower income earners. Under the American Rescue Plan, payments phased out for single filers making between $75,000 and $80,000 and couples making between $150,000 and $160,000.11
Eligibility for the third stimulus check also expanded to cover any non-child dependents. That means taxpayers who supported certain eligible dependents age 17 and older might have received more money too.12
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