Yes, some people have to return the stimulus money to the IRS. This is why and how to do it

Although approximately 147 million Americans have qualified to receive a second stimulus check, millions of people still waiting for payment until $ 600. At this point, most will have to claim the money on their 2020 taxes, although we did hear of people receiving payments earlier this week EIP card. In some cases, people may have received a check in error and not have been eligible to keep this money.

If you have received a payment that you don’t think you should have received – maybe more than the specified income limit, for example – the IRS expects you to return the money. When the first round of stimulus checks launched in 2020, the IRS said in some cases it accidentally sent payments to people who weren’t eligible. Because the second round of checks had to be pushed so fast, it is possible that the same will happen again. Depending on how you got the stimulus payment – by paper check, EIP card or direct deposit – there are specific ways to return it.

Here are the reasons the IRS would want you to return a stimulus check that says it paid in error, and how to do it. It is also important to know your dunning control rights and these key details about stimulus checks and taxes. (And here’s what happens with a potential third stimulus control, why some want to “target the payment”, how much the money the new check might bring and when it could be approved.) This story is updated frequently.

When to return your stimulus payment

“Qualifications” means how the government determines who is eligible for a second dunning check. If you fall into one of these categories and received a dunning test, it’s probably in error:

• You received a check for someone who passed away – but there is a nuance here (more below).
• You don’t have a social security number.
• You are considered a “non-resident alien” without a US citizen spouse.
• You are a non-citizen who files federal taxes.
• Your adjusted gross income exceeds the limit; for example, $ 87,000 for a single taxpayer.
• You are claimed as dependent on someone else’s taxes.

Here is more information about who is not eligible for the $ 600 incentive check.

What to do if you received a stimulus check for a deceased person

If you received a payment for someone who died in or before 2019, the IRS says you must return the entire payment “unless it was paid to joint filers and a spouse is still alive “. If you are the living spouse, you should repay half of the payment – but no more than $ 1,200 in total.

However, if the check is issued to both your name and the name of your deceased spouse (and therefore you cannot deposit the money), you will need to return the full amount to the IRS. Once the agency processes the returned payment, they will issue a new check with the correct amount to you.

If you cashed or deposited the stimulus check, here’s how to return it

1. Use a personal check or money order and release the check payable to the US Treasury. You will also need to write 2020 EIP and include the taxpayer identification number or social security number of the person whose name is on the check.

2. On another sheet of paper, tell the IRS why you are returning the check.

3. Send the check to the appropriate IRS location – it depends on the state you live in.

If you haven’t cashed or deposited a paper check, here’s how to return it

If any of the above apply to you, you may need to resend your stimulation check. Here’s how to do it for each scenario, according to the IRS.

1. Write “VOID” in the endorsement section on the back of the check.

2. Do not fold, clap, or staple the check.

3. On another sheet of paper, tell the IRS why you are returning the check.

4. Mail the check to the appropriate IRS location – this varies depending on the state you live in.

Never received your stimulus payment at all? Here is what to do

If you were one of the over 100 million people who were eligible to receive the second $ 600 incentive check and it never arrived, you may be able to claim it as a recovery credit discount on your taxes, even if you usually don’t declare tax. Otherwise, you may need to start an IRS payment trace.

If you are not you signed up for direct deposit through the IRS, now is the right time, as the third stimulus check is on the table. To do this, you will need to add your banking information when you file your 2020 taxes this year. We also encourage you to file your taxes as early as possible this year, in particular because of the stimulus checks.

To stay up to date on the latest stimulus control news, check out what happens now that the IRS has stopped sending second stimulus checks. If you are having trouble controlling stimulation, do this instead of calling the IRS. Also, here is what is currently happening with a potential third stimulus payment.