There are still millions of people that haven’t received one or more stimulus checks issued by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re one of the people that are waiting, you can still receive the first, second or third stimulus checks you’re missing. The stimulus was delivered via direct deposit, by check in the mail, and by prepaid debit card that were also delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

According to the IRS, first and second stimulus payments can only be clamed on a 2020 tax return. If you’re missing the third payment, it can only be claimed on a 2021 tax return. Individuals will need to know the amount of the missing stimulus payment they’re claiming. You can find that amount by logging into your secure IRS account online. It will provide you with the amounts of all three Economic Impact Payments made to you.

You can’t claim missing first or second stimulus payments on your 2021 tax return. If you haven’t filed an income tax return for 2020, you’ll need to file one now. If you did file a return and didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, you’ll need to file an amended return.

If you filed a 2020 tax return and it hasn’t been processed yet, don’t file a second return. The IRS is still behind on processing millions of tax returns from 2020 due to errors and lack of personnel. The IRS is also expecting significant delays in processing 2021 tax returns.

People that didn’t receive their third round of Economic Impact Payments can claim it on their 2021 tax return. You must file a federal tax return to claim the funds, even if you don’t normally file or aren’t required to file. Any funds to which you were entitled will be used to reduce the amount of taxes you owe or issued as a refund.

Using online tax preparation software and filing online will help reduce errors that can delay the return and the software will also help you determine your 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit. Depending on your individual circumstances, the stimulus payment will be used to reduce the amount of taxes owed or will be issued as a refund. You can have refunds deposited to a bank account, prepaid debit card or alternative financial product. You’ll need to provide your account and routing numbers.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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Various stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic have been designed to provide relief for those struggling during job loss and lock downs. The coronavirus has affected every aspect of life, and that includes income taxes.

Payment Delays

The federal government has made three rounds of stimulus payments to individuals, even to those that typically don’t file or aren’t required to file. The distribution of those payments has encountered a number of problems. Individuals may have received one, but not the other payment, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t receive the second and third.

Others received less than the full amount and in many cases, the payments were confiscated for child support and similar court-ordered payments or the full amount wasn’t disbursed. For those individuals, they may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit, but to do so they need to file a tax return.

Tax Liability

The good news is that stimulus checks aren’t taxable. Individuals must pay taxes on income, but stimulus checks aren’t really income for tax purposes. It’s classified as an advance payment on a tax credit and a tax credit isn’t taxable either. Pay careful attention to the new tax forms, as they can save taxpayers money if they:

• Had a baby
• Were married and one spouse doesn’t have a Social Security number
• Income dropped in 2020
• Are a recent college graduate
• Didn’t receive a full round of stimulus checks
• Didn’t file a 2018 or 2019 tax return

Delivery Difficulties

The stimulus payments were first made to people that filed tax returns by e-file. Paper checks were then dispersed to those that filed paper copies of their return. It led to delays, shorted amounts, and no check at all, since distribution was based on 2019 and 2020 tax returns. That means individuals will be able to claim the amount they missed as a tax credit on their taxes.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

Contact Us Today