What You Need to Know about the CARES Act (COVID-19) Stimulus Payments

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Who qualifies for the stimulus check?

  • If you’re single with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $75,000 or less, you’ll get $1,200. If you’re married and file a joint return, you’ll receive $2,400 if your combined income is less than $150,000.
  • You must have filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 or receive Social Security Benefits
  • You must have a social security number and not be declared a dependent on another person’s tax return.
  • Even if you have no income, you can get a stimulus check, but you must file a tax return.
  • You can resources to file for free on the IRS website

How do I get a stimulus check?

  •  You must have filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019. The IRS is requesting everyone file their 2019 tax return.
  • File your 2019 taxes ASAP to make sure your address is correct and your direct deposit information is up-to-date.
  • Use IRS.gov (ONLY) to find resources to file for free: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free.
  • The IRS will use the most current tax return to send the rebate via direct deposit OR through a paper check mailed to the most recent address on file. It will take longer to get a paper check, so make sure you have provided the info to get direct deposit.
  • If you don’t file taxes, use the “Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here” application to provide simple information so you can get your payment. You should use this application if you did not file a 2018 or 2019 federal income tax return because your gross income was under $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples). This includes people who had no income.
  • If you have moved recently, update your address with the IRS
  • By mid-April, you will be able to check your payment status, confirm your payment type (direct deposit or check), or enter your bank account information for direct deposit if the IRS doesn’t your direct deposit information and haven’t sent your payment yet using the IRS website

    How much of a rebate will I receive?

    Individuals with a Social Security Number (SSN) and who are not dependents may receive:

    • $1,200 (single filers and heads of household)
      • and $500 per qualifying child

    OR

    • $2,400 (joint filers)
      • and $500 per qualifying child

Beware of scams that collect personal information (SSN, bank account #, DOB)

  • .GOV websites are the only reliable source for information relating to the CARES ACT.
  • The IRS DOES NOT contact people by phone, email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information.

Additional information:

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 10-Apr-2020, this information may change

 

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