CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS GUIDE: DIRECT PAYMENTS

Who qualifies to receive a check and how much will I receive?

As they did earlier this spring, Americans will receive another round of direct stimulus payments. In total, approximately 3.8 million New Jerseyans will receive more than $3.9 billion in direct payments: up to $600 for individuals earning less than $75,000 and $1,200 for couples earning less than $150,000, plus $600 per child under the age of 17.

When will I get my direct stimulus check?

Payments should begin processing as soon as December 28 and the vast majority of eligible Americans should receive their payments by early January 2021.

What do I do if I never got my check last Spring?

Good news! You can still claim the payment you are entitled to by filing a tax return with the IRS for the 2020 tax year. You can find more information at this link: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

How do I know if I will get the full amount?

It depends on income. Single adults with Social Security numbers who have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will get the full amount. Married couples with no children earning $150,000 or less will receive a total of $2,400. And taxpayers filing as head of household will get the full payment if they earned $112,500 or less. Above those income figures, the payment decreases until it stops altogether for single people earning $99,000 or married people who have no children and earn $198,000.

In any given family, at least one parent must have a valid Social Security number in order to be eligible. Only members of the family with a valid Social Security number will be eligible for payment. Your adjusted gross income can be found on Line 8b of the 2019 1040 federal tax return.

Will Social Security recipients receive direct payments?

Yes, Social Security recipients (including retirement & disability) will receive the full amount they are entitled to whether they have filed a tax return or not. The government will send a direct deposit or check using the information from an individual’s Form SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit Statement or Form RRB-1099 Social Security Equivalent Benefit Statement. However, those receiving Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) do need to file their tax return for either tax year 2018 or 2019 in order to receive a payment.

How do I claim my check?

If you received a stimulus payment in the first round or you’ve filed a tax return this year or last year, you don’t need to do anything. The IRS will send payments automatically to direct deposit or to the address provided on the last tax return submitted.

Will I be taxed on this check?

No, rebates are not taxable.

Will I be eligible if I have a lien against me, but I am in non-collect status?

Yes. Rebates will not be subject to garnishment.

I’m a college student. Do I get a check?

If your parents claim you as a dependent on their taxes, you're ineligible. But if you've been working and filing taxes independently in recent years, you may qualify.

If someone receives their direct payment based on their 2018 filing, and then file their 2019 taxes (showing an increase in income), will they have to pay back anything?

No. The payment will be based on the most beneficial year for the taxpayers. So if you qualify for a full payment one year but earn more and phase out in a different year, you would still be entitled to the full payment.