My stimulus check arrived after I filed my 2020 return. Should I deposit my stimulus check now or wait for return as I noted on return that I don't have stimulus check?

[pravink83]

While filing return for 2020, there were questions regarding stimulus and I answered as not received, so the return filing considered stimulus amounts while calculating the tentative return amount. I received second stimulus check of $600 after I filed my returns. Should I deposit the check before my returns are processed or wait till the return processing is complete? If I deposit the check before return is processed, will it look like I am trying to do a fraud, whereas I am not?

[ThomasM125 · Accepted solution]

You should deposit the check. You completed your return accurately, since you hadn't received the check by the time you filed your tax return. More than likely, the IRS will deduct the $600 from your refund, since they know they sent it to you already.