Can you still get your stimulus checks if you were in prison

[Bsch4477]

Individuals will not be denied the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit solely because they are incarcerated.  An incarcerated individual may claim a 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit if all eligibility requirements are met and the individual files a 2021 tax return – even if not required to file - to claim the credit. 

[xmasbaby0]

It is too late to receive the EIP (stimulus payments) for tax year 2020.  The deadline to file a 2020 return and receive that payment was on May 17, 2024.    The IRS will not pay any refund for 2020, even if it is shown on the tax return form.    Only the one for tax year 2021 is still available if you file a 2021 return and use the recovery rebate credit to get it.   

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0... 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Refunds for tax years 2020 or earlier have been forfeited and will not be paid to you even if shown on the tax return form.  But if you owe tax due, you will still have to pay, and you will be billed later for the interest and penalties owed.  TurboTax will not calculate the penalties or  interest.   That will be done by the IRS/state after they receive your return with your payment of the tax due as shown on the tax form(s).

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

[Opus 17]

It is too late to file a return to claim the 2020 payment.  The 2021 payment can be claimed by filing a 2021 tax return, even if you did not have taxable income.  You would need to purchase the 2021 version of Turbotax, fill out the return, and print and mail your return.  

However, if a payment was issued in your name (some payments were automatic), even if you did not receive it, you won't get a payment by filing a return.  You would have to trace the previous payment.  

[xmasbaby0]

If you did not receive the 3rd stimulus check, you can get it by filing a 2021 tax return and use the recovery rebate credit in Federal Review.    The stimulus amount will show up on line 30 of the Form 1040.

Check your own bank account for deposits of the stimulus checks, and check your online account with the IRS to see what the IRS shows they sent to you.

Try checking your online account with the IRS (and if you filed a joint return—check for BOTH of you)

https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account

If you need to trace a payment that the IRS says has been issued to you, mail or fax a completed IRS Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund.