You can still file to claim your missing $500 stimulus payment for child dependents.
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The Sept. 30 deadline to claim the missing $500 payment for your kids from the first round of stimulus checks has been extended to Nov. 21, which still gives you a few weeks to submit your claim and receive payment much sooner than if you would have to claim it in your 2020 tax filing in spring 2021.
The first stimulus check started going out in April and you should have ideally gotten $500 for each qualified child dependent. If you need an estimate, CNET’s stimulus check calculator can help — you just need your adjusted gross income from your taxes.
Request the catch-up payment if the check you got doesn’t seem as big as it should be (here’s how the IRS decides payment amounts). And if you share custody of a child dependent and child support is in the picture, both parents may be entitled to $500, but the payments may need to be claimed. The IRS could also garnish your stimulus check for unpaid child support, a rare occurrence of that happening, but an exception nonetheless.
Below, we’ll show you how to claim your missing money. And as for a second stimulus payment, here’s where negotiations stand on what should be in the next stimulus package. This story is regularly updated.
Read more: You don’t have to be a US citizen living in America to get a stimulus check
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Next stimulus checks: What to expect
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How do 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.
When can I expect to receive my $500 catch-up payment from the IRS?
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.
You can either have the check sent to you or have it deposited in your account.
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Am I eligible for the first stimulus payment if I have 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 or 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. Also note that the White House may try to narrow who is eligible for a second round of checks to US citizens.
What can I do 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.
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.