You May Not Receive A Check This Round Even If You Got One Before
The income limits for this new round of stimulus checks have changed. So even if you previously received a stimulus check, you may not qualify for this one.
The adjusted gross income maximum income for the American Rescue Plan Act are:
- Individuals earning $80,000
- Head of households earning $120,000
If your AGI exceeds these amounts, your household will not qualify for the stimulus payment.
Additionally, the phase-out for stimulus reductions is more complicated to calculate this time around. Since the maximum income threshold is fixed, your total stimulus check will be reduced proportionately by the amount earned over $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of households, or $150,000 for joint filers until it hits the phase-out limits above.
Who May Still Be Eligible For More Money
There may be people who are eligible for the full $1,400 payments, or additional partial payments, particularly if their circumstances have changed.
Parents who added a child to their family in 2021 may be eligible for a $1,400 payment. Additionally, families who added a dependent to their family in 2021, such as a parent, niece or nephew or grandchild, may also be eligible for $1,400 on their behalf.
Additionally, people whose incomes have fallen may now be eligible for the money if their 2021 adjusted gross incomes are below the thresholds for full payments. If their incomes are in the phase-out thresholds, they could be eligible for partial payments.
People who do not typically file tax returns, and have not yet done so, need to file this year in order to receive the any potential payments.
The Recovery Rebate Credit money for which you are eligible will either reduce the amount of federal taxes you owe or be included in your refund.
How Is Your Income Calculated For The Stimulus Payments
The IRS will use the AGI on your most recent processed tax return on file. While 55.7 million Americans have already filed their taxes for 2020, millions still havent filedand the IRS is also significantly behind on processing tax returns.
The IRS will use your 2020 tax return if it has been processed by the date they submit your check. If your 2020 return is not available yet, they will use the information from your 2019 tax return.
Note: On March 17, the IRS announced an extension to file your 2020 taxes. Tax returns will now be due by May 17. But if you expect that you may receive more in stimulus money based on your 2020 taxes, and you have not yet received confirmation of your stimulus payment status , you should file as soon as possible.
If you are not required to file your taxes and successfully used the IRSs non-filers tool or completed a special simplified tax return in 2020, no action is needed on your part to receive your payment.
If you do not qualify based on your 2019 income, but you will qualify based upon your 2020 income, consider filing your taxes as soon as possible. Depending on your timing, your stimulus eligibility may be determined before your 2020 tax return is processed. However, the law includes a provision to make supplemental payments in September to ensure people who qualify do not need to wait until the 2021 tax season.
Read Also: When Is Next Stimulus Check Coming
Use Our Calculator To Find Out The Amount Of Your Third Coronavirus Stimulus Payment
By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney
Congress passed a third stimulus payment package last week, and some direct deposits started to go out over the weekend of March 13-14. The new checks are for up to $1,400 per person and $1,400 per dependent . Those who file joint returns will get up to $2,800. The calculator below will display the amount you can expect to get, depending on your income and whether you have dependents. Because of lower income phaseouts, single people making more than $80,000 in adjusted gross income and married people more than $160,000 in AGI will not receive a check this time.
Some examples: A family of four earning $140,000 will receive a second stimulus check for $5,600. A single mother who makes $78,000 per year and has one child and will receive $1,120. A 70-year-old retiree whose only income is Social Security will receive $1,400.
In January of this year, the U.S. Treasury sent out about 158 million second stimulus checks , but fewer households are expected to receive a third stimulus check because of the lower income phaseouts .
As Inflation Rises Rapidly The Senior Citizens League Is Calling On Congress To Send Those On Social Security A Fourth Stimulus Check Worth $1400

More than 169 million payments have been sent out in the third round of stimulus checks, but groups are continuing to push for a fourth as inflation continues to bite, as well as the dominance of a new covid-19 variant, Omicron, that is scaring markets and creating a burgeoning new wave of illness.
In New York, new covid-19 cases rose 60% in the week that ended on Sunday as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly around the US northeast. New York has set records for the most new cases reported in a single day since the pandemic started for three consecutive days. This has given a boost to the prospect of further stimulus checks as the risk of great economic trouble lies ahead.
One such is, the Senior Citizens League , a non-partisan advocacy group, started a pressure campaign to push Congress to send those receiving Social Security additional stimulus money. In a letter to leaders of Congress, TSCL Chairman Rick Delaney called for a one-off $1,400 Social Security stimulus payment for seniors. Such a measure could help defray the costs associated for some seniors from the 2022 cost-of-living adjustment, which was the highest in 40 years, pushing them into a higher tax bracket.
Recommended Reading: Stimulus Check Update For Ssi
You May Like: California 600 Stimulus When Will It Come
Us Citizens Not Residing In The United States
U.S. citizens who filed Form 1040-PR or Form 1040-SS in 2019 are not eligible for payments. These include some residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands , Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands , and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico . However, residents in those U.S. territories may still be eligible if they filed a Form 1040 or 1040-SR.
Conversely, most U.S. citizens who live overseas and filed U.S. taxes in 2018 or 2019 can receive a stimulus payment. They must also have an SSN and fall within the income and other criteria. Some expats arent required to file a return. If so, the IRS will use the information on their most recent Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to determine where to send the check.
Check Irsgov For The Latest Information: No Action Needed By Most People At This Time
IR-2020-61, March 30, 2020
WASHINGTON The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service today announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some taxpayers who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment.
Don’t Miss: Are We Getting Another Stimulus Payment
Student Loan Payments And Interest Will Be Automatically Suspended On Federally Held Student Loans Through Sept 30
- Whos generally eligible: The vast majority of federal student loan borrowers are eligible. However, some student loans do not qualify for this benefit, including loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program, private student loans that are owned by commercial lenders and some Perkins Loans that are held by the institution you attended.
- How much can you receive: If you qualify, you will receive an automatic suspension of principal and interest payments on federally held student loans through Sept. 30, 2020, though that date may be extended with additional legislation.
- When might this aid be available: The federal government had already waived student loan payments and interest for 60 days earlier in March, and this new directive extending that period is already in place, retroactive to March 13. Federal student loan borrowers will not need to take any action to suspend payments, as your federal loan servicer will suspend them automatically.
Not Everyone Who Lives In A Us Territory Is Ensured A Check
With the first two stimulus checks, people who live in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands may have been eligible to receive payments. Whether these groups qualified for a check has in the past been determined by the tax authorities in each territory. These agencies were also directed to make the payments. It’s the same situation for the third stimulus checks.
If you never received a payment for one or both of the previous stimulus checks, you’ll need to contact your local tax authority to inquire.
Nonfilers will need to take an extra step to get their stimulus money.
You May Like: How To Change Bank Info For Stimulus Check
If I Owe Debt To Someone Can They Take My Stimulus Check
Child Support can be taken from your Stimulus Check. The CARES Act protects stimulus payments from being reduced to pay certain debts owed to federal and state governments for all other reasons. But, it does not provide clear protection from debt collectors garnishing the money from your bank account. If this happens to you, you should contact an attorney.
Dont Forget: Us Citizens Living Abroad Are Also Eligible For A Stimulus Check
U.S. citizens who live abroad are still eligible for a stimulus check as long as they meet the income thresholds and other qualifying criteria.
Those individuals will receive their payment the same way they received their previous stimulus checks it will either be a direct deposit into the bank account on file with the IRS, or sent as a paper check to the address listed on your 2019 tax return, if you havent yet filed for 2020.
If you didnt receive your first two stimulus checks, you may be able to claim them when you file your 2020 taxes this spring by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit with Form 1040 or 1040-SR.
Also Check: Am I Getting A Stimulus
Do I Qualify For Stimulus
The full payment is available to single tax filers with income under $75,000 and married joint filers with an income under $150,000. Payments phase out once income exceeds these thresholds, and single filers with an income above $80,000 or married joint filers with an income above $160,000 arent eligible.
Top Credit Card Wipes Out Interest Into 2023

If you have credit card debt, transferring it to this top balance transfer card can allow you to pay intro 0% interest into 2023! Plus, theres no annual fee. Those are a few reasons our experts rate this card as a top pick to help get control of your debt. Read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.
Recommended Reading: Whats In The Stimulus Package 2021
Also Check: How To Get My Stimulus Check
Residents Of Certain States
Eligible residents of specific states could also be on track for another payment in December. Maine, California, Maryland, and Florida are all planning on sending money to some people next month.
- Maine will be distributing $285 payments to half-a-million households, including eligible individuals with an adjusted gross income below $75,000 for single tax filers and $150,000 for married joint filers. These payments started going out on Nov. 15 and will continue into December.
- California is sending payments valued at $500 to $1,100 under the Golden State Stimulus II Program. These payments could be available for eligible individuals with incomes under $75,000 who were residents of the state for more than half of 2020 and who are still residents at the time the payment is issued.
- Florida will be distributing stimulus payments in December for first responders and educators who work with students in Pre-K through 12th grade. Around 175,000 teachers and 3,600 principals are eligible for payments of up to $1,000.
If you live in one of these states, you should check the specific eligibility rules for your location to see if you are one of the many Americans who will be getting additional stimulus funds during the last month of 2021.
Recommended Reading: How To Get $600 Stimulus Check
When Will I Get The Recovery Rebate Credit
You will most likely get the Recovery Rebate Credit as part of your tax refunds. If you electronically file your tax return, you will likely receive your refund within 3 weeks. If you mail your return, it can take at least 8 weeks to receive your refund.
Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit will not delay your tax refund. However, if you dont claim the correct amount of the Recovery Rebate Credit, your refund may be delayed while the IRS corrects the error on your return. The IRS will send you a notice of any changes made to your return.
You can check on the status of your refund using the IRS Check My Refund Status tool.
Also Check: Social Security Stimulus Checks Date
Can I Claim My Stimulus Check In 2021
To get your money, you’ll need to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 return. Filing electronically can guide you through the form. Don’t claim any missing first or second stimulus payments on your 2021 return rather, you’ll need to file a 2020 return or an amended return to get these payments.
What If Im An Undocumented Us Resident Or Dont Have A Social Security Number Do I Still Qualify For A Third Stimulus Check
If youre a nonresident alien, you werent eligible for a first or second stimulus check. The government defines a nonresident alien as someone who has not passed the green card test or the substantial presence test. If you dont have a valid Social Security number, you likely werent eligible for a first or second stimulus payment. If you filed a US tax return but dont have a Social Security number, you still werent eligible.
For the third check, if you are a nonresident alien but are in a mixed-status family where at least one member has a Social Security number you are eligible for a payment.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Cut Off For The Stimulus Check
Not Everyone Will Get A Third Stimulus Check See If You’re On The List Of People Who Aren’t Eligible For A Third
Millions of Americans have already received a third stimulus check . But if nothing has shown up in your bank account or mailbox yet, it might be because you’re not eligible for a third payment. Some people may have gotten the impression that everyone is entitled to a third stimulus check. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case.
There are a few reasons why you could be left without a third stimulus check. It could be because of your income, age, immigration status, or some other disqualifying factor. Here’s a list of people who won’t be getting a third stimulus check from Uncle Sam. Hopefully, you’re not on the list and you’ll get a nice payment soon especially if you’re one of the millions of Americans struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
1 of 7
Where Can I Get More Information
The IRS will post all key information on IRS.gov/coronavirus as soon as it becomes available.
The IRS has a reduced staff in many of its offices but remains committed to helping eligible individuals receive their payments expeditiously. Check for updated information on IRS.gov/coronavirus rather than calling IRS assistors who are helping process 2019 returns.
Also Check: Stimulus Check 3 When Is It Coming
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.
Will Future Relief Efforts Fill In These Gaps

Congress is negotiating the next aid package. Senate Republicans propose $600 billion to refund the PPP. House Democrats would like to include a $60 billion plan to fund community development financial institutions. These are credit unions and community banks that can reach out to the unbanked businesses that dont have a banking relationship.
The bill also includes additional funding for extended unemployment and health benefits. It would add funds for hospitals and community health centers. It would include hazard pay for health care workers and other essential services. The bill would provide more funding for state and local governments. Unlike the federal government, they cannot run a budget deficit. Lower taxes means less revenue, threatening their ability to provide essential services.
Recommended Reading: Sign Up For 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.