What You Need to Know About Missing Past Stimulus Checks and Your Eligibility

Eligibility for Previous Stimulus Checks

The distribution of stimulus checks, officially termed Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), was a key part of the U.S. government's response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation that authorized these payments set certain eligibility criteria, primarily based on income levels, filing status, and tax returns of individuals.

The first step to understanding if you can still claim past stimulus payments is determining your eligibility for the three rounds of checks issued:

• First Round: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March 2020, provided $1,200 per eligible adult and $500 per qualifying child. Eligibility was based on the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from 2018 or 2019 tax returns.
• Second Round: The COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, approved in December 2020, issued $600 per eligible adult and $600 for each qualifying child, using 2019 tax returns for income verification.
• Third Round: The American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021, delivered $1,400 per eligible person, including dependents, with eligibility based on 2019 or 2020 tax returns.

If you did not receive any or all of these payments for which you are eligible, you may still have a chance to claim them.

Reclaiming a Missed Stimulus Payment

If you missed receiving a stimulus check, you might be able to claim the funds through the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing your federal tax return. Here’s how you can go about it:

• Tax Return Filing: To claim a missed payment, you need to file a tax return for the relevant year. For example, to claim payments from the first and second rounds, ensure that your 2020 tax return is filed. To recover the third stimulus payment, filing a 2021 tax return is necessary.
• Calculating the Credit: The Recovery Rebate Credit is a part of your tax return. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers tools and calculators to assist in determining the correct amount you should receive if not yet fully dispensed.
• Amend Returns: If you have already filed your tax return for the applicable year without claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit, consider filing an amended return. The IRS has streamlined this process to accommodate previous oversight or errors due to the complexities introduced by the stimulus payments.

Common Reasons You Might Have Missed a Payment

There are several reasons some eligible individuals did not receive their stimulus checks:

• Incorrect Information: If your bank details or address on file with the IRS were outdated or incorrect, this could have prevented payment from reaching you.
• Non-Filing Status: Some individuals who are not required to file tax returns may have been missed initially. The IRS used tax return information to distribute payments, so non-filers need to take additional steps, like using the IRS Non-Filers tool (provided during the distribution process, but may not be active now).
• Dependency Status Changes: Shifts in dependent status that were not updated with the IRS may have led to errors in payment eligibility or amounts received.
• Misclassification: Errors in classification, such as being incorrectly labeled as a dependent, can also affect payment eligibility.

Next Steps and Resources

To ensure you receive all the stimulus funds entitled to you, consider taking the following steps:

• Check IRS Guidelines: The IRS website provides up-to-date information and guidelines on how to claim missed payments. Make use of their <official website>.
• Contact the IRS: For assistive support, the IRS can be reached directly through their help lines for guidance tailored to your specific situation. Be prepared with necessary documents and previous tax information.
• Consult a Tax Professional: If you find dealing with tax matters daunting, consulting a tax professional can clarify and aid in correctly filing claims for these payments.

As the situation is dynamic and rules can change, ensuring your information with the IRS is up to date and that you are fully informed will help you in efficiently navigating this process. Remember, the IRS's primary objective is to ensure eligible recipients receive their financial support, so do not hesitate to take action if you believe there is an oversight.

Resources for Further Reading

For additional information, you may refer to the following resources:

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
• Taxpayer Advocate Service