FAQ

How Much Money Will I Get?

The package provides one-time payments of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child under the age of 17. Married couples will receive $2,400.

However, payments phase out for individuals making more than $75,000. For every $100 you earn above the limit, payment drops by $5.

Individuals making more than $99,000 and couples making more than $198,000 will not qualify for a payment.

When Will I Get My Check?

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin hopes to begin issuing direct payment to taxpayers three weeks after the package is signed into law.

\”Our expectation is within three weeks we will have direct payments out where we have depository information,\” Mnuchin previously stated. \”We\’re looking to get a lot more information and we have procedures to do that.\”

If you aren\’t sure, you can file your 2019 taxes and sign up to get your refund via direct deposit. For more information visit https://www.irs.gov/coronaviruss

Is the Check Based on my 2018 or 2019 Tax Return?

Your check will be based on your 2019 tax return – if you’ve already filed it.  If you haven\’t, it would be based off of 2018.

What If I Didn\’t File a Tax Return in the Last Two Years?

For various reasons, you might not have filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019. They can pull information from a 2019 Form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, or Form RRB-1099, Social Security Equivalent Benefit Statement, to calculate your stimulus check amount.

“The way the law is written, the checks that will be sent now are actually just advanced payments of a new refundable tax credit for the 2020 tax year. So, if you don\’t get a stimulus payment in 2020, you can claim it next year as a refund or reduction of the tax you owe if you file a 2020 tax return by April 15, 2021.”

Will I Get Multiple Checks?

No.  Only one payment is on the way.  There were some proposals to make quarterly payments to taxpayers.  However, the approved measure authorizes a single check.

Will the Money I Get Now Be Taxed Later?

No. As noted above, the check you receive is really just an advanced payment of a tax credit for the 2020 tax year. Federal refunds are never taxable income.

Will Young People Who Live with Their Parents Get a Check?

If a young adult is claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s tax return, they won’t receive a check.  The IRS will look at tax returns from the last two years to determine if someone could claim that young adult as a dependent.

Will Retired Seniors Also Get Stimulus Checks?

Much like young adults, retired seniors will see checks as long as they are not listed as a dependent for someone else.  They also need to fall within the income thresholds.

Do I Have to Have a Social Security Number to Get a Check?

Yes, you must have a Social Security number to receive an economic stimulus check.

What If I Recently Moved?

If you’re set to receive a paper check, it’ll likely be mailed to the last address you had on file.  If you recently moved, you should file a Form 8822 with the IRS and a change of address notice with the U.S. Postal Service.

For further reading on the situation, check out: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2020/coronavirus-stimulus-checks.html