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Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks)

Program Type: Direct Payment Program

Rounds: Three rounds (2020-2021)

Overview

Economic Impact Payments, commonly known as "stimulus checks," were direct payments made to eligible Americans as part of COVID-19 relief efforts. Three rounds of payments were distributed through the CARES Act, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Payment Rounds

First Round (CARES Act - April 2020)

  • $1,200 per individual ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly)
  • $500 per qualifying child
  • Full payment for individuals with AGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples)
  • Phased out completely at $99,000 ($198,000 for married couples)

Second Round (December 2020)

  • $600 per individual ($1,200 for married couples filing jointly)
  • $600 per qualifying child
  • Same income thresholds as first round

Third Round (American Rescue Plan - March 2021)

  • $1,400 per individual ($2,800 for married couples filing jointly)
  • $1,400 per dependent (including adult dependents)
  • Full payment for individuals with AGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples)
  • Phased out completely at $80,000 ($160,000 for married couples)

Eligibility

To be eligible for Economic Impact Payments, you must:

  • Have a valid Social Security number
  • Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return
  • Meet income requirements based on your tax filing status
  • Have filed a tax return or used the Non-Filers tool (for first two rounds)

How Payments Were Distributed

  • Direct Deposit: For taxpayers who provided bank account information
  • Paper Check: Mailed to address on file with IRS
  • Debit Card: Some recipients received prepaid debit cards

Claiming Missing Payments

If you didn't receive your Economic Impact Payments or received less than the full amount, you may be able to claim them:

  • File a tax return for the relevant year (2020 or 2021)
  • Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return
  • Use the IRS "Get My Payment" tool to check payment status
  • Contact the IRS if you believe you're eligible but haven't received payment

Important Dates

  • April 2020: First round payments began
  • December 2020: Second round payments began
  • March 2021: Third round payments began
  • December 31, 2021: Deadline to claim 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit

Resources

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