What Is The Second Stimulus Check
After the first stimulus checks payment, the financial or economic crisis was a little bit relieved. However, congress passed the $900 economic stimulus bill which gave way for the second wave of stimulus checks. The stimulus fund is $600 per adult and each eligible child in the home. So where there is a family of four, the payment amounts to $2,400.
The IRS reported that the second stimulus checks are being distributed through direct deposit. But some people are receiving their checks through mail as paper checks or through an EIP card. Sending out the stimulus money takes a long process and late filers may not get their checks on time. Also, you need to ensure you update your bank and address details with the correct information.
Four factors determine whether or not you qualify for the second stimulus check. The first is your income and the rules are the same in the first stimulus payment. Also, there is no minimum income requirement before you can be eligible. But the maximum income earnings for individuals is $75,000 and $150,000 for couples.
The other factors include social security number, dependency, and citizenship/residency. The social security number requirement is different from the first stimulus check rules. If you’re filing jointly as a couple and only one spouse has an SSN, then they can get paid. But, if neither has an SSN, they will not qualify.
What Is A Stimulus Check
A stimulus check is a payment issued by the government to a taxpayer. Stimulus checks provide taxpayers with some extra spending money intending to boost the economy. The money is given to taxpayers to increase revenue and consumption thereby driving the economy. It is a payment directly delivered to the citizens by the government.
In the event of an economic downturn, consumer spending often lowers and citizens may experience difficulty meeting basic needs such as a mortgage, rent, or food payment. Stimulus payments, unlike tax credits, are intended to provide immediate relief to taxpayers. It is also meant to encourage stability and spending during an economic crisis
For instance, after the financial crisis of 2008, the US economy experienced a severe recession, prompting the usage of Stimulus Checks. Sending out payments, according to the incoming Obama administration, would keep unemployment rates from rising above 8%. These payments were included in the Economic Stimulus Act 2008, under President George Bushs administration.
In addition, in March 2020, the United States government enacted a measure to send Americans stimulus payments to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. The CARES Act stipulated tax credits of $1,200 per adult and $500 for each qualified kid. Taxpayers either receive stimulus checks in the mail or in the form of a tax credit when they file their taxes.
Can I Use The Funds From My Stimulus Check For Whatever I Like
The benefit of the stimulus package is to provide financial relief to many United States residents. One of the primary decisions President Joe Biden made was to approve the third series of stimulus checks, also known as the Environmental Impact Payments. The stimulus relief offers a lifeline to desperate Americans that need support with the income hardship in the covid-19 pandemic.
The main intention of the payments is to boost the American economy by providing citizens with spending money that will increase revenue and consumption. So, youre free to spend stimulus payments on whatever you like. However, this does not mean you have to exhaust the money carelessly.
Keep in mind that the stimulus payment is a one-time payment and you may not receive other payments after this. So if you have very limited finances, then you should try to preserve the payment as much as you can. You can use the payments as a mini-emergency fund to settle essential needs. For example, you can settle some mortgage payments or credit card debts.
If you need to pay for utilities, the stimulus checks can also cover light bills and grocery shopping. However, it’s also a good opportunity to make casual purchases like clothing and accessories for yourself or your loved ones. It’s not a bad idea to splurge on your stimulus funds but if you don’t have any immediate needs you can also invest them for the future.
Don’t Miss: Is There A Third Stimulus Check Coming
What Is The Third Stimulus Check
Shortly after the second round of stimulus payments, President Joe Biden was sworn into office. He immediately introduced the American Rescue Plan which basically meant the third round of stimulus checks. The third stimulus checks are for eligible Americans whether or not they missed out on the first two rounds.
The third payment stipulated $1,400 to individual taxpayers who are eligible and eligible couples who filed jointly get at most $2,800. It also provided that eligible families with dependents have $1,400 for each dependent. And, there was no restriction based on the number of dependents that can be claimed. It offers more chances for eligibility unlike the first and second stimulus checks.
The third stimulus check works like the first and second, in that it only involves one payment and it is not a recurring situation. The IRS may however give some people plus-up payments. It is a supplemental payment and it is only offered in situations where the stimulus check would be higher if its based on a 2020 tax return.
For instance, you may receive the third stimulus check payment at $900 from your 2019 tax return. If you later filed for the 2020 tax return and your payment due was $1,000, then the IRS will second another payment of the $100 balance. If you’re also a married couple and have filed jointly, then you may also receive two-third stimulus check payments.
Make Sure You Get Your Money Once The Legislation Passes
Now that all stimulus payments have been issued by the Internal Revenue Service , discussion turns to the upcoming third round of checks under the American Rescue Plan. This massive $1.9 trillion rescue package includes direct payments to most Americans expected to start within days of the legislation becoming lawMarch 11, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the bill.
Questions about the amount, who is eligible, and when the stimulus might arrive begin to emerge. The information below will help you know whats on the horizon and what you will likely need to do to get your money.
You May Like: Where Is Stimulus Money Going
People Who Owed $0 In Taxes Cant Check Their Payment Status
Others complained about a glitch in the tool that wont allow them to move forward because they neither owed any money to the IRS nor received a refund for 2018 or 2019. Typing in zero didnt work.
I could not give an affirmative answer to any of these questions since I owed no tax and did not receive a refund, one reader wrote. Submitting the form returned an error so I tried again and answered yes to owing tax and zero to the amount. Error again.
We are aware of the problem and are checking into it, IRS spokesman Eric Smith said.
Why You May Be Missing Stimulus Money
The first round of stimulus checks, mandated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, was signed into law in March 2020. The CARES Act gave a maximum $1,200 per person and $500 per eligible dependent child under 17. Payments were limited by 2019 or 2018 income as reported on federal income tax forms. Individuals who had more than $75,000 in adjusted gross income had their stimulus check reduced by $5 for every $100 of income, and the same was true for married couples filing jointly with income above $150,000. Individuals who earned more than $99,000 and couples who earned more than $198,000 jointly did not receive checks.
The second round of stimulus checks gives a maximum $600 per eligible person and dependent child. Married couples who filed jointly in 2019 receive $1,200 total . Families get an additional $600 for each eligible dependent child under 17. The income limits are the same for the second round of stimulus payments as they were for the first, though the phaseout amounts are lower since the maximum payment is $600 vs. $1,200 during the first round. Individuals who earned more than $87,000 and couples who earned more than $174,000 jointly won’t receive second-round checks. The deadline for the IRS to issue second-round payments is Jan. 15.
Other reasons for not getting a stimulus check
Join today and get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life.
You May Like: What Was The First Stimulus Check Amount
First And Second Stimulus Check
You will need to file a tax return for Tax Year 2020 . The deadline to file your taxes this year was May 17, 2021. The tax filing extension deadline is October 15, 2021.
If you missed the filing deadline, you can still file your tax return to get your first and second stimulus checks. If you dont owe taxes, there is no penalty for filing late. If you owe taxes, you may be subject to penalties and fines for not filing or not paying taxes. The government may reduce your tax refund to pay for any taxes you owe and other federal and state debts.
To learn more about your options if you think you owe taxes, read Filing Past Due Tax Returns and What to Do if I Owe Taxes but Cant Pay Them.
Who’s Eligible For The Payment
Those eligible for the money could include people whose tax situation changed in 2021, but the change was not reflected in their latest tax return.
For example, parents who welcomed a child in 2021 may be eligible for the $1,400 payments as long as they meet income requirements.
Eligibility for the third round of stimulus checks, issued earlier this year as part of President Joe Biden‘s American Rescue Plan, was based on a family’s last tax return filed.
Since babies born in 2021 were not factored in, the $1,400 checks will be applied to their parent or guardian’s 2021 tax return.
Others may be eligible for more money as well due to a change in income or the addition of a dependent.
Payments begin to phase out for people who make more than those income limits.
They completely phase out for individuals who make more than $80,000 and couples who make more than $160,000.
The number of families still owed a $1,400 stimulus check is not yet known but it is estimated to be in the millions.
The figure wont be known until the total number of births for 2021 is revealed.
Also Check: When Will I Receive My Second Stimulus Check
Payment Status Not Available
Frustrated taxpayers also about their inability to track when and how they would be getting their money. Some posted an image of the message they received after entering their information: Payment Status Not Available.
There are a number of reasons the tool cant check the status of a stimulus payment, the IRS said.
- You arent eligible for a payment.
- Your payment is based on your status as a Social Security, disability, Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement beneficiary. In this case, the IRS will use your SSA or RRB Form 1099 payment information. Your payment information isnt available on the Get My Payment tool.
- You have not filed a 2018 or 2019 federal tax return.
- You filed your 2019 return, but it hasnt been fully processed.
- You used the non-filers tool, but the information you entered is still being processed.
- Theres a problem verifying your identity when answering the security questions.
Others say they are getting that message even though they do not fall into any of these categories. Information on the site is updated only once a day, so checking more than once in a 24-hour period wont yield a different result. The IRS says people who qualify for a payment will receive it by mail if they do not get it from direct deposit.
How To Claim Your Cash
Eligible Americans will be able to request a Recovery Rebate Credit at tax time to get their money they are owed from the IRS.
To be eligible for the full amount on the third round of checks, individuals need to have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less and married couples filing jointly need to have an AGI of $150,000 or less.
Those who qualify will be able to claim the child on your 2021 tax return – which will be filed in 2022.
You May Like: How Is The Stimulus Check Distributed
Undelivered Federal Tax Refund Checks
Refund checks are mailed to your last known address. If you move without notifying the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service , your refund check may be returned to the IRS.
If you were expecting a federal tax refund and did not receive it, check the IRS’Wheres My Refund page. You’ll need to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. You may be prompted to change your address online.
You can also to check on the status of your refund. Wait times to speak with a representative can be long. But, you can avoid waiting by using the automated phone system. Follow the message prompts when you call.
If you move, submit a Change of Address – Form 8822 to the IRS you should also submit a Change of Address to the USPS.
Get Tax Credits Youre Entitled To
The delay shouldnt make much difference for some filers whose refunds are delayed every year, Holtzblatt says. Taxpayers who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit traditionally face a refund delay when filing early. Under the PATH Act from 2015, the IRS cannot issue refunds on returns claiming these credits until Feb. 15 in order to prevent identity fraud and fraudulent claims.
Even with the delayed start of tax season, the IRS says these claimants should receive refunds in early March, the same timeline as they would in a traditional filing season.
Yes, people who need the money wont be receiving it until perhaps late February or early March, Holtzblatt says. But for those people who probably need it the most, their income puts them in the range of the EITC in many cases, and their payments will get to them at about the same time as it normally would.
Also Check: Federal Home Refinance Stimulus Package
Is Stimulus Check Given By The Federal Or State Government
During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the US government ordered a strict nationwide lockdown on the citizens. The lockdown prevented schools, businesses, and companies from opening and so the income rates of many workers dropped. This led to a financial crisis for the US economy and part of the measures taken was to send out stimulus checks
Stimulus checks are paid by the federal government but the state government is usually involved in the distribution. To finance the stimulus check payment, the US treasury first borrows money from the federal reserve that will eventually pass to residents. But the state government cannot finance the high stimulus demands.
You may receive the stimulus checks directly in your bank account or in your mailbox. However, if for some reason you didnt receive the payment you go through the state government. The IRS wont confirm whether or not youve seen your money and return it to you. When your stimulus money is sent to an invalid account, the bank will return it and it becomes unclaimed.
To find your unclaimed funds, you can check your states unclaimed property agency. You can use the states website to search for your name and the property youre missing. Its good to use the multi-state database if you move around a lot. Then, you will have to prove your claim before you can get the payment.
Millions Of People Who Use Tax Preparation Services Didnt Get Their Payments
Customers who use tax preparation services such as H& R Block, TurboTax and Jackson Hewitt complained on Twitter and to The Post that they didnt get their stimulus payments Wednesday.
Up to 21 million tax filers could be affected, said consumer law expert Vijay Raghavan, because the IRS does not have these peoples direct deposit information on file if they received an advance on their tax refund from these companies or had the fee for tax preparation taken out of their tax refund.
The reason is that tax preparation companies received these peoples tax refunds first, deducted their fees and then distributed the remaining refunds to the customers. Because of that, the IRS had a temporary bank account on file that the tax preparer created for the 2019 tax season, Raghavan said.
The IRS is aware of the problem and urges people to input their bank information on the Get My Payment portal, a spokesman said.
Chi Chi Wu of the National Consumer Law Center said the IRS told her that it found a way to work around this problem and a significant percentage of these people will ultimately get a direct deposit. So far, many are still waiting.
Im not happy with H& R Block. I probably wont be doing business with them ever again, Sielen said.
A TurboTax spokesperson said the IRS does have all of the necessary information for its users, but customers were still reporting issues on and to The Post.
Also Check: Do People On Welfare Get A Stimulus Check