Relief Checks Approved

At press time, COVID-19 relief checks are in the electronic mail. Initial $1,400 direct deposit payments are being sent out automatically based on 2019 or 2020 tax returns.

You can track the progress of your stimulus check using the Get My Payment tool online at irs.gov/coronavirus/get-mypayment. In addition to status, the tool will tell you which type of payment you are receiving and will give you an estimated delivery date.

Those who didn’t choose direct deposit for 2019 could go ahead and file their taxes now, choosing direct deposit. That could help move them ahead in the lineup.

Social Security and other federal beneficiaries will receive their payments the same way as they do regular benefits.

Most people will get $1,400 for themselves and $1,400 for each qualifying dependent claimed on their tax return. There’s no age limit this time.

Income limits have changed. The thresholds are $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for head of household and $150,000 for married filing jointly. Payments phase out quickly after that, ending at $80,000 for individuals, $120,000 for head of household and $160,000 for married filing jointly.

Payments will be based on the latest available processed tax return, whether from 2019 or 2020. This includes those who used the non-filers tool last year, or, alternately, submitted a simplified tax return to the IRS.

For those whose 2020 return wasn’t available, the IRS will send an additional check if there is a difference between what your payment should have been based on the new return. The 2020 return must be filed before July 15 to be eligible for that.

The IRS is also processing tax returns for 2020 along with sending out the American Rescue Plan stimulus checks. There is presently no plan to delay this year’s tax filing deadline. It remains April 15.