I was claimed as a dependent on my parent's taxes last year, even though I filed myself. I'm 18 now and haven't received a stimulus check, I assume due to being a dependent as of last year's taxes?

[kavanah15]

Is there anyway to get the stimulus check since I'm on my own now?  Someone told me they thought there was a tax form I could fill out and receive the stimulus?

[NCperson]

@kavanah15 - I assume by 'on my own' includes NOT in school.  if so, just complete your 2020 tax return and look closely at Line 30 - you should see the stimulus (called the Recovery Credit) there  - should be the $1800.  It has the effect of increasing your refund (or reducing what you owe)

as you are still young, suggest ensuring in discussion with your parents that they CAN'T claim you.   if the CAN claim you, whether or not they do is immaterial, then you are still their dependent and not eligible for the stimulus. 

there is no special tax form..it's just part of the 2020 tax return,

[kavanah15 · Accepted solution]

Thank you for the info, I am out of school, I graduated in June and am just working now until my paperwork is done to join the military.  I have made sure I won't be claimed this year and looked at the form and saw line 30.  I should fill out line 30 in the amount you mentioned above, I am just checking to make sure, with being claimed last year I just wanted to make sure that's correct and not going to hang me up in filing?

[NCperson · Accepted solution]

are you using Turbo Tax? don't fill out line 30 directly, look at the Federal Review section and put zeros in for the stimulus payments received, THEN the $1800 will automatically show up on Line 30.  Don't try filling this out with paper and pencil - it's too complicated as there is a long worksheet that supports line 30. 

There is no reason to pay for submitting this return if you really didn't work much,  use the free version at freefile.intuit.com. Use $1 for interest so that you can electronically file.  I think the free version becomes available in a week; the IRS doesn't begin accepting returns until Jan 27, so there is no real rush. 

does that help?

[kavanah15]

I do use the free version and I just got my W-2 so I was just getting ahead.  Thank you so much for your help...I guess ultimately I miss marked a question and never even got the stimulus/relief questions you mentioned in your last comment.  I just figured it out though and appreciate your help.