En español | You may be wondering when your economic stimulus payment from Uncle Sam will arrive. For many people, the answer is soon. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says it has already distributed about 90 million payments, which are valued at more than $242 billion. The maximum for an individual is $1,400; married couples will receive up to $2,800. There’s also an extra $1,400 for each qualifying dependent. You can get an estimate of the amount of your payment by using AARP’s Coronavirus Stimulus Check Calculator.
But for others, the answer to when their economic stimulus check will arrive is never. Some individuals simply don’t qualify for a payment. Are you one of those who will never see a penny from this round of federal relief? Find out.
Reasons you aren’t eligible for a stimulus payment
Your income is too high. A big reason you won’t qualify for a stimulus payment (or economic-impact payment, as the IRS calls it) is that you make too much money. You won’t get a stimulus check if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is greater than:
- $80,000, if your filing status was single or married and filing separately
- $120,000 for head of household
- $160,000, if your filing status was married and filing jointly
Your AGI is based on what’s reported on your 2020 federal tax return or, if you haven’t filed yet, your 2019 return. If you were required to file a tax return in 2019 but didn’t, you’ll need to file a 2020 return to determine your eligibility. (If you are among those who typically aren’t required to file tax returns due to income levels, check more detailed information on how you can claim your stimulus payment.)
