In late December, lawmakers passed a coronavirus relief package that provides essential economic relief for millions of workers and people with low incomes. One component of the package is a second round of economic stimulus payments. Additionally, we have general FAQs regarding the payment, “Mixed-Immigration Status Families and the Stimulus Payment,” and “Distribution of the Second Stimulus Payment.”

What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?

If you are eligible and don’t receive your first or second stimulus payment or the full amount of your payment, you can claim it when you file your 2020 tax return in early 2021. The IRS usually begins to accept returns in late January. This year, the tax form will include a section for filers to claim missed stimulus payments as a Recovery Rebate Credit.

Eligible individuals can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 Form 1040 or 1040-SR. These forms can also be used by people who are not normally required to file tax returns but are eligible for the credit.

How do I find the stimulus payment amount I received? Refer to your Notice 1444 for the payment amount you were issued, before any offsets. You’ll need to this information to determine the amount to include on the worksheet that will be included in the 2020 Instructions for Form 1040 and 1040-SR and when completing the Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR.

Who Qualifies for the Recovery Rebate Credit? The Recovery Rebate Credit is figured like the first and second stimulus payments, except that the credit eligibility and the credit amount are based on the tax year 2020 information shown on the 2020 tax return filed in 2021.

Generally, you are eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, if you were a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien in 2020, are not a dependent of another taxpayer for tax year 2020 and have a Social Security number valid for employment that is issued before the due date of your 2020 tax return (including extensions).

You can take the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return for any recovery rebate amount that is more than the stimulus payment you received in 2020 and early 2021.