How to Claim Missing Stimulus Payments on Your 2020 Taxes

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Still missing a stimulus payment? If so, stop waiting and act now. You’re going to need to file your 2020 tax return to get the money you’re owed. The sooner you file, the faster you’ll get paid. Here’s who qualifies and how to claim the missing funds.

Who was eligible for the first and second stimulus payments?

To qualify for the payments, you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien, have a Social Security number and weren’t listed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. To receive the full amount for the first stimulus, your 2018 or 2019 adjusted gross income (AGI) needed to be less than:

$75,000 for single filers
$112,500 if filing as head of household
$150,000 for married couples filing a joint return

Once your AGI reached $99,000 for single filers, $136,500 for head of household or $198,000 for married couples filing a joint return, you no longer qualified for a payment.

To receive the full amount for the second stimulus, your 2019 AGI needed to be less than:

$75,000 for single filers
$112,500 if filing as head of household
$150,000 for married filing jointly

Once your AGI reached $87,000 for single filers, $124,500 for head of household or $174,000 for married filing jointly, you no longer qualified for a payment.

How much was each payment worth?

The first stimulus was worth $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for married couples filing a joint return. Those with children also received an additional $500 per qualifying child. Your payment amount was based on the information from your 2019 tax return (2018 if you hadn’t filed yet), The second stimulus was worth less money. Eligible taxpayers received $600 for themselves and each qualifying child. Payments were based on your 2019 tax return.

File your taxes now!

Why is my stimulus missing?

There are several reasons why your stimulus may be missing or smaller than anticipated. Some common ones are your income may have exceeded the limit, incorrect bank information or you don’t usually file a tax return. Since the payments were based on the information from your 2018 or 2019 tax return (whichever you filed last), the IRS probably didn’t have your most accurate information on file. If your income or family size changed in 2020, you may be entitled to more money. Hence, the importance of filing your 2020 tax return right away.

How do I claim missing stimulus payments on my taxes?

If you didn’t receive the full payment you deserved, you may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. However, the IRS isn’t going to come knocking down your door to give it to you. Instead, you’ll need to file a 2020 tax return. Have your Notice-1444 (first payment) and Notice-1444-B (second payment) handy because you’ll need to enter the amounts you already received. So, they can calculate any additional funds you’re entitled to. The credit will either be added to your refund or used to minimize any taxes you owe.

Fastest and easiest way to file is with ezTaxReturn

Don’t do your taxes by yourself. E-filing is a lot faster and easier, especially when you use ezTaxReturn to prepare your return. They ask basic questions to help you claim the Recovery Rebate Credit along with any other tax breaks you deserve. The process is stress-free, and you’ll get the biggest possible refund, guaranteed. Don’t wait, start your return now.