stimulus payments

The 2020 economic impact payments, also called stimulus payments were part of the CARES Act. Payments (stimulus payments) were made by direct deposit, paper check, or prepaid debit cards. For many people the payments have created confusion with tax filing.

The payments are tax credit advances based on 2018 or 2019 adjusted gross income (AGI). Individuals may receive an additional payment on their 2020 tax return.

  • Filers who did not receive either of the payments may claim it on their return.
  • Filers will use their 2020 AGI when calculating any credit owed.
    • If a filer received a partial payment (or no payment) due to a 2018 or 2019 AGI above the phaseout threshold, the filer may claim an additional payment if they had a lower 2020 AGI making them eligible for an additional payment.
    • Filers who did not receive a payment for an eligible dependent may also receive the credit on their tax return.
    • Filers who originally were not eligible because they lacked a Social Security number may be eligible under certain circumstances.

Since the payments are tax credits, they are not taxable income.

Raleigh Accounting & Tax LLC can make sure your taxes reflect the proper status to receive your stimulus payment.