IRS extends deadline to claim a $500 stimulus check catch-up payment for your kids. What to know

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You can still file to claim your missing $500 stimulus payment for child dependents.


Angela Lang/CNET

If you missed the chance to claim your missing $500 payment for your kids from the first round of stimulus checks, don’t worry. The IRS has extended the date to Nov. 21 as the final day you can submit your claim. The deadline was originally set for Sept. 30, but the extension means you can get your payment much sooner than if you have to wait until you file your taxes in 2021.

Ideally, you should have received the $500 sum for each qualified child dependent with your first stimulus check the IRS started sending out in the spring. If you’re unsure how much money you’re owed, try using CNET’s stimulus check calculator with your adjusted gross income to work out an estimate. 

If the size of the check you received doesn’t seem as big as expected, you may need to request a catch-up payment. (If you’re curious, this is how the IRS calculates the size of your stimulus payment.)

If you’re in a child support situation where you share custody over a child dependent, you and the other parent may both be entitled to $500, which you may need to claim. In other scenarios, you may not be allotted any money, or could even have your stimulus check garnished.

Read on to learn how to claim your missing money. And as for a new stimulus check, here’s what’s happening with negotiations on another stimulus package right now. We update this story often.


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How can I claim my missing $500 dependent stimulus check?

To file for your missing $500 stimulus money, visit the Free File Fillable Forms site, select Get Started and create an account if you haven’t already. Then follow the posted instructions for filling out the form. You’ll need to provide your full name, mailing and email address, date of birth, Social Security number, bank account number (if you have one), driver’s license or state ID (if you have one), each qualifying child’s Social Security number and the child’s relationship to you.

When you’re finished, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Your information will then be sent to the IRS so they can work on getting a check sent out to you, assuming you’re eligible.

What if I miss the new Nov. 21 deadline?

The deadline to file for your missing $500 stimulus money is Nov. 21, and if you miss the deadline, you can still get your payment. When you file your taxes in 2021, you can claim the additional amount on behalf of eligible dependents. The IRS will use either your 2019 or 2018 tax return to determine how much you’re owed and is expected to post instructions online closer to tax season next year. 

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You can either have the check sent to you or have it deposited in your account.


Sarah Tew/CNET

When will the IRS send my $500 catch-up payment?

If you filed by Sept. 30, the IRS has said it will start issuing checks in October. The IRS has extended the deadline to Nov. 21 and if it follows in the same footsteps as the first deadline, you could receive your payment in December. However, if you miss the deadline, your check will be included on your 2020 tax return in 2021.

If you’d like more information, you’ll be able to track the status of your IRS payment by visiting the IRS Get My Payment webpage. From there, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, home address and ZIP code.

Am I eligible for the first stimulus payment with a dependent?

To be eligible, you must be a US citizen, a permanent resident or a qualifying “resident alien.” You must also have a valid Social Security number and can’t be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer.

Here’s where the rules get tricky. On the surface, the rules to claim a check — with our without a child dependent — including having an adjusted gross income under $99,000 (single people), $146,500 (heads of household) or $198,000 (married couples filing jointly). But, and here’s the big catch, because of the way the IRS calculates your stimulus check, you may actually be entitled to some money if you claim a child on your taxes, even if you exceed the income limit.

The CARES Act stipulates a $500 allowance per child dependent in addition to the $1,200 cap for single filers and up to $2,400 for couples filing jointly. (We’ve calculated how much money you might be able to get if rules about dependents change for a second stimulus check.)

There may be specific details you’ll want to explore if your child dependent is adopted, disabled (of any age) or a citizen of another country. Here’s how the IRS defines an adult eligible to receive their own check.

For more information about stimulus payments, here’s how fast the IRS could send out a second stimulus payment if it passes. And if you still haven’t received your stimulus check and you think it’s lost or missing, try this IRS phone number to file a report.

source: cnet.com