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.
How The Third Stimulus Check Works For Nonfilers
For the third round of payments, in many cases, you shouldn’t need to take an additional step to receive your money if you’re part of a federal program like SSDI or SSI, because these should have been issued automatically. However, if the IRS doesn’t know how many dependents you currently have, you may need to file a free, simple tax return for 2020 so it can pay you $1,400 for each.
If the IRS has your up-to-date 2019 records available, it’ll use those to account for payments, including anyone who used the IRS nonfiler tool to claim a first or second stimulus check. Nonfilers who received a previous stimulus check might also get a check through direct deposit , or in the mail as a paper check or EIP card. Some beneficiaries of federal programs, like SSDI and SSI recipients, may receive their stimulus money through their Direct Express card. Here’s how to track your payment schedule with the IRS.
How We Make Money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout lifes financial journey.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.
Were transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.
Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.
You May Like: Third Stimulus Check For Ssi
How Will The Irs Send My Payment
If you receive certain social security, retirement, disability, survivors, railroad retirement, or veterans benefits, your payment will be distributed in the same method as your benefits. Learn more to see if this applies to you.
Economic Impact Payments will either be directly deposited into your bank account or a check or prepaid debit card will be mailed to you.
Social Security Recipients Have Another Check Coming

DOUBTFUL
Never say never, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine Congress sending additional funds to Social Security recipients, despite the letter written to Congressional leaders by Rick Delaney, Chairman of The Senior Citizens League .
Delaney’s letter read in part: “We’ve heard from thousands of them who have exhausted their retirement savings, who have started eating just one meal a day, started cutting their pills in half because they can’t afford their prescription drugs, to list just a few of the drastic steps so many have had to take because of what inflation has done to them this year.”
Again, it’s an election year, and some politicians are more interested in protecting their party than helping the most vulnerable in society. Some will almost certainly point to the 5.9% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment set to take effect in 2022 as their reason for not supporting another stimulus payment.
Also Check: Do You Need To File Taxes To Get Stimulus Check
How Do I Get Help Filing A 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.
If You’re A Nonfiler How Do You Claim Your Missing Stimulus Money Is It A Free Process
In the first round of stimulus checks, the IRS sent letters to 9 million nonfilers with information on how to file a claim to get their missing stimulus money. The agency instructed nonfilers to use the nonfilers tool to enter their information by Nov. 21, 2020. But if you missed the deadline, you can still claim your money as a Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2020 federal income tax return — even if you usually don’t have to:
When you file a 2020 Form 1040 or 1040SR you may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Save your IRS letter – Notice 1444 Your Economic Impact Payment – with your 2020 tax records. You’ll need the amount of the payment in the letter when you file in 2021.
If you did use the IRS nonfilers tool, you should have automatically received a second payment. If you didn’t, you can still file for that money as a Recovery Rebate Credit as well.
File for your Recovery Rebate Credit as part of a federal tax return this year, even if you don’t normally do so. The IRS started processing 2020 tax returns on , and the federal tax return deadline was extended to May 17 — but you can still file a tax extension.
To get started, most nonfilers are eligible to use the IRS’ Free File tool . As the name suggests, this tool lets you obtain a free federal tax return and in some cases a free state return as well. It’s available to use now.
Recommended Reading: Where’s My Stimulus Check 3 Irs
I Used The Irs 2021 Non
You can check the status of your third stimulus check using the IRS Get My Payment tool.
The IRS will continue to send third stimulus checks until December 31, 2021. If your 2020 tax return or the information you submitted through the IRS 2021 Non-Filer tool or GetCTC is not processed in time to issue your payment by the deadline, you will need to claim your third stimulus check as the Recovery Rebate Credit by filing a 2021 tax return. .
Where Can I Find Information
The Economic Impact Payment program is managed by the IRS and the United States Treasury. For accurate guidance, including how to provide or update direct deposit information, filing directions for those who have not filed a return, or to check the status of your payment, visit the IRS at Economic Impact Payments.
Recommended Reading: Update On 3rd Stimulus Check
Child Tax Credit: July 15 Deposits
Some families received another form of stimulus aid on July 15 when the IRS deposited the first of six monthly cash payments into bank accounts of parents who qualify for the Child Tax Credit . Families on average received $423 in their first CTC payment, according to an analysis of Census data from the left-leaning advocacy group Economic Security Project.
Eligible families will receive up to $1,800 in cash through December, with the money parceled out in equal installments over the six months from July through December. The aid is due to the expanded CTC, which is part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
Families who qualify will receive $300 per month for each child under 6 and $250 for children between 6 to 17 years old. Several families that spoke to CBS MoneyWatch said the extra money would go toward child care, back-to-school supplies and other essentials.
Families may enjoy more of a tax break in coming years, if Mr. Biden’s American Families Plan moves forward. Under that plan, the Child Tax Credit’s expansion would last through 2025, giving families an additional four years of bigger tax breaks for children.
How To Claim Your Second Stimulus Payment On Your Tax Return
Despite initial delays, a majority of the $600 stimulus payments were issued to eligible Americans. As of Jan. 8, the IRS said it had issued over 100 million payments via direct deposit an additional 8 million were issued by mail as a prepaid debit card and paper checks were mailed up to the deadline.
Still, many Americans will need to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 tax return to receive their payment. This applies to many people who see a Payment Status #2 Not Available message using the IRS Get My Payment tracker, non-filers, and those who didnt receive the full payment for which theyre eligible due to financial changes in 2020 .
Your tax return is also an opportunity to claim any amount youre eligible for but didnt receive from the first round of $1,200 stimulus payments following the CARES Act last spring. The return will include a worksheet you can use to determine any amount youre eligible to claim using the Recovery Rebate Credit.
Don’t Miss: Who Qualifies For Golden State Stimulus
Who Is Eligible For Stimulus Checks
US tax residents with social security numbers, residing anywhere in the world, will receive checks depending on their income, which we outline below. Those with ITIN will not be eligible.
- To be eligible, you must have filed a return in 2018 or 2019. If you have not yet filed, the IRS urges you to do so now.
- Those who do not file because they are below minimum filing thresholds do not need to file to receive economic impact payment. The IRS introduced a new tool to enter payment info for non-filers. Note — The Non-Filers tool has been discontinued as of November 21, 2020.
- Minimum filing thresholds include income from all sources, anywhere in the world
What Changed With This Second Stimulus Payment

Qualifications in a second stimulus check remain largely the same for older adults, but there are a few differences, and some people who wont qualify for more money even if they got the first stimulus check. With the current stimulus package, youll get up to $600 for each child dependent. Those who count as dependents on someone elses taxes, however, are not eligible for additional money under the new stimulus package this includes older adults dependents.
For older adults and retired people, your tax filings, your AGI, your pension and your SSDI program will affect your second payment if youre qualified.
Read Also: Stimulus Check 2 Status Not Available
How Much Money Will I Get
- Adults whose adjusted gross income is less than $75,000/year will get $1,400 for each adult, plus $1,400 for each dependent no matter how old they are. This applies to heads of households who make less than $112,500, as well.
- The IRS will use income information from your 2020 tax return if they received that return before sending your money. Otherwise they will use information from your 2019 tax return.
- If the IRS sends your payment based on a 2019 return and then your 2020 return says you qualify for more , they will send an additional payment to make up for the difference. To get the additional payment, you must file the 2020 tax return by 90 days from the filing deadline or September 1, 2021, whichever is earlier.
My Sister Jonbenet Was ‘slain For Sick Fantasy & Murderer Is Still Alive’
They can though make a claim on their tax return which is filed next year.
Payments, however, wont go out as a separate check but anyone eligible for the additional payment will receive the credit as part of their 2021 refund.
Read our stimulus check live blog for the latest news and updates…
Additionally, if an eligible taxpayer didn’t get a relief check for the correct amount by December 31, 2021, the missing money can be claimed when filing 2022 taxes.
Don’t Miss: Why I Haven’t Got My Second Stimulus Check
Why You Can Trust Bankrate
Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. Weve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that were putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts, who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.
Our banking reporters and editors focus on the points consumers care about most the best banks, latest rates, different types of accounts, money-saving tips and more so you can feel confident as youre managing your money.
Do I Need To Do Anything To Get A Stimulus Payment
The payments are automatic if you:
- Filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return.
- Receive Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits , Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income or Veterans Affairs benefits.
- Registered for the first payment online at IRS.gov using the agencys Non-Filers tool by November 21, 2020. OR
- Submitted a simplified tax return that has been processed by the IRS.
You May Like: What Does The Stimulus Debit Card Look Like
How To Claim Your $1400 Stimulus Check In 2022
- 10:37 ET, Dec 29 2021
SOME Americans can claim a $1,400 stimulus check in the new year.
However, there is specific criteria to follow to receive the cash in 2022.
The new payment will go out to people who were eligible for the third round of stimulus checks that went out earlier this year, but haven’t yet received them.
The last lot of checks are due to go out when eligible taxpayers file their 2021 tax return next year.
There Are Sure To Be More Extended Child Tax Credit Checks Landing In American Bank Accounts In 2022
POTENTIALLY TRUE
Lawmakers left Washington for their holiday break without passing President Biden’s Build Back Better Act . By leaving the outcome of the act up in the air, they left the parents and caretakers of more than 65 million children unsure if the December Child Tax Credit payment would be their last. The payments were set to expire in December and will only be extended through 2022 if lawmakers pass the BBBA.
If Congress can get it together to pass the president’s historic infrastructure plan when they return from recess, the expanded Child Tax Credit will live to see another year, and checks will continue.
Read Also: When Am I Getting My Stimulus Check
Learning A Stimulus Check
Stimulus checks have been mailed out to U.S. taxpayers on several occasions. These checks differ in value according to the taxpayers filing status. Joint taxpayers generally get twice as much as those filing singly. In some instances, unpaid back taxes saw their stimulus checks automatically applied to their outstanding balance.
Research posted on the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the means of delivery of fiscal stimulus makes a difference to the overall spending patterns of consumers. They were implementing fiscal stimulus by sending checks increased consumer spending activity. However, applying tax credits equal to the amount of money given in a stimulus check did not result in an equivalent increase in consumer spending activity.
Stimulus Checks 202: Ss Beneficiaries Could Receive A $1400 Payment

This will be the fourth stimulus check
The Senior Citizens League applied pressure on Congress to introduce a one-off $1,400 Social Security stimulus payment for seniors as the United States continues to deal with a surge in COVID-19 infections due to the Omicron variant, leading to a fourth stimulus check.
The 2022 cost-of-living adjustment is set to increase by the highest amount in four decades, pushing many seniors into a higher tax bracket, so this stimulus check will theoretically help offset extra costs.
Over the last 21 years, “COLAs have raised Social Security benefits by 55 percent,” affecting seniors due to general costs outpacing the increase with the COLA, as shown by the fact that costs for housing and healthcare increased 118% and 145%, respectively.
“We’ve heard from thousands of them who have exhausted their retirement savings,” said TSCL Chairman, Rick Delaney. “Many have written to us that ‘our government has forgotten about us’. A $1,400.00 stimulus check, for Social Security recipients could be a way to get extra non-taxable income to them.”
Prices across the United States are rising at an astronomical level, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics even reporting that since October 2020, consumers are paying on average 6.2% more across the market. Some things like food are up by 5.3%, whereas energy costs are up by more than 30%.
Read Also: Is There A Third Stimulus Check Coming