Congress is failing so far on delivering a new COVID-19 relief package. However, one thing is for certain. A second round of stimulus checks will be coming sometime soon. Here are five things to make sure so that you do not miss out or have your much needed second stimulus check delayed.
1. Check on Your Mailing Address
If you have moved recently, make sure that the IRS has your new address. If you have relocated since filing your 2019 tax return, there are two things you need to do. Make sure you have changed your mailing address with the Post Office, and inform the IRS as well. Even if you got your last stimulus check via direct deposit, if your current address does not match up with the address the IRS has on file, it may delay your stimulus check.
2. Make Sure Your Bank Information Is Up to Date
Similarly to making sure your address is accurate, make sure the IRS has your current bank info. If you have not already signed up for direct deposit with the IRS, do so. Direct deposits of a second stimulus will likely go out before paper checks. You can go to the IRS “Get My Payment” online service to set up direct deposit for your stimulus payment, as well as find out the status of your check. Sign up for direct deposit was suspended in May for the first stimulus. However, it will likely be opened back up when a second stimulus is approved.
3. Make Sure You Have Filed Your 2019 Taxes
A second round of stimulus, checks when approved, will be based on your 2019 tax returns. If you did not need to file a tax return in 2019, you need to fill out a non-filers form with the IRS.
4. If You Pay Child Support, Make Sure You Are Up to Date
Make sure your payments are up to date if you pay child support. If you owe more than $150 in child support payments, your state may be entitled to garnish what you owe from your stimulus check.
Make Sure That You Are Entitled to a Stimulus Check
When Congress approves the stimulus check, not everyone will be eligible for one. However, the general qualifications for receiving a first stimulus check under the March CARES Act would likely hold true for a second.
Here’s who qualified for the first round, based on total income on 2018 or 2019 taxes:
- Single filer earning less than $99,000
- Filing as the head of a household and earning under $146,500
- Filing jointly with your spouse and earning less than $198,000
Hope remains that Congress might still pass another stimulus bill before the end of the year, but a second stimulus check may or may not be included in the final package. Upon taking office, President-elect Joe Biden has said he will make it a priority to get a second stimulus check of $1200 out to Americans who need it.