What is the stimulus check?
As part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, the federal government will issue payments - by check or direct deposit - to millions of income-qualified Americans. This is what we mean by "stimulus check." The purpose of the payments is to help people cover basic necessities at a time when many have been told to stay home and have lost income.
Am I eligible to get a stimulus check?
You are eligible to get a stimulus check and will receive the FULL amount if you filed taxes and have an adjusted gross income of:
- up to $75,000 if single or you filed taxes married filing separately.
- up to $112,500 if you filed as head of household
- up to $150,000 if married and you filed a joint tax return.
How much money will I get?
You will receive up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and up to $500 for each qualifying child. See below for exceptions.
Will I still get a stimulus check if I made more than $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (married)?
Yes, your payment will be reduced by $5 for each $100 that you made above the $75,000/$112,500/$150,000. But, if you made more than $99,000 (single filers), $136,500 (head of household filers) or $198,000 (married filers) and do not have children, you are not eligible for the stimulus check.
How will I get my stimulus check?
You should have already gotten your Stimulus Check. If you think you are eligible and you did not get a check for you or your dependents, you can still get the money by filing your 2020 taxes. You may be eligible for free tax preparation help from Maine's CA$H Coalition. Look for information about help filing 2020 taxes in early 2021.
If you do not usually file a tax return and didn't get your Stimulus Check, you may be able to file a tax return this year to get your Stimulus Check. You should check with a tax professional. You can call Pine Tree Legal Assistance.
Check the IRS Coronavirus response page for the latest and most up-to-date information.
Do I get a stimulus check if I am collecting retirement, Social Security Retirement, Railroad Retirement, Disability, or Veterans Benefits?
Yes, people who collect retirement, Social Security Retirement, Railroad Retirement, Disability, or Veterans Benefits are eligible for Stimulus Checks.
I do not make enough to file a tax return or do not have an income. Am I eligible?
Yes, if you do not file a tax return and you do not get Social Security Retirement, Social Security Disability, Survivor Benefits, or Railroad Retirement Benefits, then go to www.irs.gov and click “non-filers- enter your payment info here.” If you do not usually file a tax return and didn't get your Stimulus Check, you may be able to file a tax return for 2020 to get your Stimulus Check. You should check with a tax professional. You can call Pine Tree Legal Assistance.
Who will not get a stimulus check?
- You will not get a check if you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You will not get a check if you do not have a valid social security number.
- You will not get a check if you are a "nonresident alien."
- You will not get a check if you filed a form: 1040-NR, or 1040NR-EZ, 1040-PR, or 1040-SS for 2019.
How will this stimulus check affect my future taxes?
The stimulus payments are an advance on a tax credit that will be available on taxpayers 2020 return if they do not receive stimulus payment during 2020. The stimulus payment is not taxable.
If I owe debt to someone can they take my stimulus check?
Child Support can be taken from your Stimulus Check. The CARES Act protects stimulus payments from being reduced to pay certain debts owed to federal and state governments for all other reasons. But, it does not provide clear protection from debt collectors garnishing the money from your bank account. If this happens to you, you should contact an attorney.
Will I still get my stimulus check if I am behind on child support payments?
Your stimulus check will be reduced by the amount of back child support that you owe.
Will I still get my stimulus check if I am behind on student loan payments?
Yes.
I heard some people would be getting their payment on pre-paid or debit cards. What should I know about these cards?
From the IRS:
Nearly four million people are being sent their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card, instead of paper check. The determination of which taxpayers receive a debit card was made by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, another part of the Treasury Department that works with the IRS to handle distribution of the payments.
These Economic Impact Payment Cards arrive in a plain envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services. The Visa name will appear on the front of the card; the back of the card has the name of the issuing bank, MetaBank®, N.A. Information included with the card will explain that the card is an Economic Impact Payment Card.
Those who receive Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card can do the following without any fees:
• Make purchases online and at any retail location where Visa is accepted
• Get cash from in-network ATMs
• Transfer funds to their personal bank account
• Check their card balance online, by mobile app, or by phoneThis free, prepaid card also provides consumer protections available to traditional bank account owners, including protection against fraud, loss, and other errors.
The card will come with instructions on how to activate and use it. Learn more at www.eipcard.com.
More information:
Economic Impact Payments by Prepaid Debit Card
Economic Impact Payment Card
Economic Impact Payment Information Center