Questions & Answers on Stimulus Payments

How much is the stimulus payment?

Checks will total $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for couples who file taxes jointly, and an additional $500 per child under age 17.

Am I eligible for the stimulus payment?

You are eligible unless someone claims you as a dependent. Many college students who are categorized as a dependent will not qualify for a stimulus check.

You must have a valid Social Security number to be eligible.

What are the income guidelines?

Individuals with income up to $75,000 and couples with combined income up to $150,000 will receive the full stimulus payment. Head of household with income $112,500 or lower will also receive the full amount.

Those that make more than the income limit will be paid $5 less for every $100 over the limit. For example, if an individual’s income is $75,100, the check will be for $1,195 ($1,200 -$5).

Individuals who earn more than $99,000 and couples who earn more than $198,000 will not receive a check.

Use this calculator to find out how much your stimulus check will be.

Which year’s tax return will be used to determine the amount of my stimulus check?

The federal government will use your 2019 or 2018 tax return to determine the stimulus check amount. The check will be directly deposited into your bank account, if that information was provided on your tax return. If not, the check will be mailed to the address listed.

Do I have to apply to receive the payment?

People who are not required to file taxes based on their income must submit payment information on the IRS “Non-Filers” website.

In most other cases, people do not need to apply. Checks for people who filed 2019 or 2018 taxes will be sent to the bank account or mailing address that was provided.

Checks for Social Security recipients will automatically be included with their regular monthly benefits.

Where can I add or update my direct deposit information?

You can submit your direct deposit information and track the status of your payment on the IRS “Get My Payment” website.

Do I have to pay income tax for the stimulus payment?

No. You do not have to pay income taxes on your stimulus payment.

When will I get the payment?

The IRS has begun issuing payments to taxfilers who already had direct deposit information on file. The quickest way to get your stimulus check is through direct deposit. Add your banking information on the IRS website if it wasn’t included on your taxes.

The IRS expects to begin mailing paper checks in late-April, and the mailing process may take several months to complete. The IRS has indicated that it will be prioritizing low-income households first.

Check the status of your payment on the IRS “Get My Payment” website.

Will the payment run out if I file the tax return late?

No, stimulus payments will be available throughout the rest of 2020 for people who still need to submit tax returns.