Yes, probably by mid-March. Direct cash payments are part of a $1.9 trillion economic package called the American Rescue Plan that's making its way through Congress.
The House is set to vote on the bill on Friday. If it passes, it will go to the Senate, and it may be amended before a final vote.
Who qualifies for the third stimulus check?
Anyone with a Social Security number who meets the income requirements is eligible for a payment. The amount is based on the adjusted gross income on your 2019 tax return, unless your 2020 return is processed by the time payments are sent.
The bill calls for Americans with AGIs of less than $75,000 to get the full $1,400 payment — including dependents of any age. This is a break from the past two relief bills, which did not include payments for dependents age 17 and over but did include smaller amounts for children.
Head-of-household filers who make less than $112,500 would also get the full $1,400. Married couples who file jointly and have AGI of less than $150,000 would get $2,800.
Reduced payments would be made to people in the following income groups:
Single filers with AGI between $75,000 and $100,000.
Head-of-household filers with AGI between $112,500 and $150,000.
Married filers with AGI between $150,000 and $200,000.
People who aren't required to file income-tax returns could also get payments. Information collected through the IRS nonfilers tool would be used to send the checks to these recipients. Also, Social Security retirement and disability beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients who don't file taxes can get payments.
Where is my third stimulus check?
After the House and the Senate approve the legislation, President Joe Biden would need to sign it for it to become law.
The Treasury Department was able to initiate direct-deposit stimulus payments days after the latest relief bill was signed. Checks and debit cards were mailed in the following weeks.
Do I have to file 2020 taxes to get the third stimulus check?
No. In its current form, the bill says the Treasury can use 2019 or 2020 tax returns to determine someone's payment.
However, if your income was lower in 2020 than in 2019, file your 2020 return as soon as possible so you can qualify for a check that most closely matches your financial need. The IRS began accepting and processing 2020 tax returns on February 12.
What if I still haven't gotten the second stimulus check?
You'll need to file your 2020 tax return to claim any stimulus money you're owed from the first two rounds.
There will be a separate worksheet on your tax return with instructions for calculating any outstanding amount owed to you. If you file your taxes online, the provider will prompt you to enter the information and do the calculations for you.
If you do qualify for additional stimulus money, you won't get it right away. It will first be applied to your outstanding tax bill. If your bill is reduced to $0, the rest of the money will be added to your refund. The IRS delivers most refunds within three weeks.
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