Are You Eligible for IRS Stimulus Checks? Here's What You Need to Know

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led the U.S. federal government to issue a series of stimulus checks aimed at supporting Americans during financial hardship. Administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), these payments were distributed in three main rounds between 2020 and 2021. Although these stimulus payments have largely concluded, questions surrounding eligibility remain critical — particularly for those filing late tax returns or who may have missed a payment.

Understanding whether you qualify, how eligibility was determined, and what steps to take if you believe you missed a payment can help ensure that you're not leaving money unclaimed.

Understanding Stimulus Checks: An Overview

Stimulus checks, officially called Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), were authorized under the following legislative acts:

1. CARES Act (March 2020)

2. Consolidated Appropriations Act (December 2020)

3. American Rescue Plan Act (March 2021)

Each act issued a different amount per eligible individual, with the IRS using recent tax filings to determine eligibility and disbursement method. Individuals not required to file taxes were also given alternate options to claim their payments.

IRS Stimulus Check Eligibility Criteria

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a stimulus check, an individual had to meet a variety of criteria including income limits, citizenship or residency status, and filing status.

Here is a breakdown of the general requirements:

Income Limits for Each Round of Stimulus

1. First Stimulus Check (CARES Act - $1,200)

Eligibility Phase-Outs:

• Single: Up to $75,000 (phases out at $99,000)

• Married Filing Jointly: Up to $150,000 (phases out at $198,000)

• Head of Household: Up to $112,500 (phases out at $136,500)

2. Second Stimulus Check (December 2020 - $600)

• Single: Up to $75,000

• Married Filing Jointly: Up to $150,000

• Head of Household: Up to $112,500

3. Third Stimulus Check (American Rescue Plan - $1,400)

• Single: Up to $75,000 (completely phased out at $80,000)

• Married Filing Jointly: Up to $150,000 (phased out at $160,000)

• Head of Household: Up to $112,500 (phased out at $120,000)

Note: These thresholds refer to Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as reported on IRS Form 1040.

How the IRS Determined Eligibility

The IRS based eligibility and payment amounts on your latest processed tax return. If your 2019 return was the most recent on file during the first two rounds, it was used for calculation. For the third round, the 2020 return was primarily used.

In the case of individuals with reduced income in later years or who had children after their last tax return, Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) was made available to claim any missing amounts on subsequent tax filings.

Who May Have Missed a Stimulus Payment?

Several groups may not have received their stimulus checks automatically:

• Individuals who did not earn enough to file a tax return

• Recently naturalized citizens or residents

• Taxpayers who had children in 2020 or 2021

• Families with mixed immigration status

• Victims of identity theft or tax return errors

If you fall into one of these categories, you may still be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return.

How to Claim a Missing Stimulus Check

Steps to Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit

If you did not receive one or more stimulus payments or received less than expected, follow these steps:

1. Gather Tax Information: Make sure you have your IRS tax transcript or filed tax returns for 2020 and 2021.

2. Determine Eligibility: Use IRS tools or consult a tax professional.

3. File or Amend a Tax Return: Use IRS Form 1040 to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

4. Use the IRS Online Tools:

   • Get My Payment

   • Non-Filers Tool (no longer active, but useful for historical reference)

Common Scenarios Explained

Scenario 1: I Didn’t File Taxes But I’m Eligible

You may still claim stimulus funds through a late tax filing. You must file a 2020 or 2021 return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Scenario 2: I Had a Child After My Last Tax Filing

You can claim additional stimulus funds for new dependents by filing a return and claiming the credit.

Scenario 3: My Income Dropped in 2020 or 2021

If you were previously ineligible due to higher income, but now qualify due to job loss or reduced income, you can still receive the payment by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Key IRS Tools and Resources

The IRS has provided several tools to assist taxpayers:

• IRS Get My Payment – Check status of past payments.

• IRS Recovery Rebate Credit FAQs – Guidance for missed or partial payments.

• IRS Free File – For individuals with lower income to file returns at no cost.

Final Thoughts

While the primary rounds of stimulus checks have ended, there are still ways to claim any payments you might have missed. If you believe you qualified but didn’t receive the full amount, it’s worth reviewing your tax records and utilizing IRS tools or consulting a tax professional.

Millions of Americans received crucial financial assistance during the pandemic, and some still may be eligible without realizing it. Ensuring you've received every dollar you're entitled to starts with understanding your IRS stimulus checks eligibility.