On March 21, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act into law. This act made provisions for a $2 trillion comprehensive economic stimulus package to affect many different aspects of the American economy. Part of this stimulus package was a provision to give up to $1,200 to every American citizen who qualified. Keep reading on what to do if you didn’t receive stimulus check?
This $1,200 stimulus check has been criticized by multiple camps for a variety of reasons. The biggest criticism, however, has been by people who haven’t yet received the check. It’s been criticized for its distribution, with some claiming that the check is being withheld on purpose.
If you didn’t get your stimulus check, though, there are things you can do to make sure that you get it.
What To Do If You Did Not Receive Stimulus Check
First of all, this article will only be referring to the Economic Impact Payment, not any COVID-19 related unemployment benefits.
If you haven’t received your stimulus check from the government, follow these steps to make sure you get it.
Make Sure You Qualify
An Economic Impact Payment is available for any US citizen or resident alien (non-US national residing in the US for tax purposes) with a work-eligible social security number. They may not be classified as a dependent of any household.
If you made over a certain amount in pre-tax income in 2019, you won’t be eligible to receive a stimulus check. Unsure about how much you made in 2019? Check https://www.irs.gov to find out how to see past year’s returns. Keep reading on what to do if you didn’t receive stimulus check?
Other criteria that can impact your ability to qualify:
- If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is greater than
- $198,000 if your filing status was married filing jointly
- $136,500 for head of household
- $99,000 for all other eligible individuals
- You can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
- You do not have a Social Security number that is valid for employment.
- You are a nonresident alien.
- You filed Form 1040-NR or Form 1040NR-EZ, Form 1040-PR or Form 1040-SS for 2019.
- You are currently incarcerated.
US citizens living abroad who meet all other eligibility criteria ARE ELIGIBLE for an Economic Impact Payment.
If you’ve considered these criteria and are certain you qualify, continue on.
Did You File A Return In 2018 or 2019?
If you didn’t file a return in 2018 or 2019, but you meet all the other eligibility criteria, you ARE eligible for an Economic Impact Payment. However, you will not have received one.
If you are eligible but did not file in 2018 or 2019, and you did not need to file in those years, then you do not need to backfile and you can apply for your payment here (Official IRS site). Keep reading on what to do if you didn’t receive stimulus check?
Check Your Address With The IRS
If you do meet the eligibility criteria, have filed in 2018 or 2019, and still haven’t received your payment, make sure your payment wasn’t sent to an incorrect address. Your payment will be sent to the address that the IRS has on file.
To check the address that the IRS has on file for you, go here
.
Wait Another Few Weeks
USPS has been dealing with delays lately, and a postal delay might be preventing your check from arriving at your door. If you know the IRS has the right address, and you know you qualify, and you’ve taken all action necessary, you may simply need to wait for your check to be mailed to you.
