@SteamTrain - the law is very clear on this
1) the PAYMENTS were based on the 2018/ 2019 tax returns
2) the 'true up' is based on the 2020 tax return
3) there is no obligation to return the stimulus if #1 exceeds #2 (look at the last line of the Line 30 worksheet). That is specifically written into the law. Therefore there can be no such thing as 'balance due'.
that third bullet creates the situation where two non-married parents can each claim the child and not be obligated to return the stimulus.
I am not sure where the opinion or an ethical dilemma lies as Congress passed a set of laws that creates this situation. Maybe they intended for that to occur? Regardless, that is what they did - and they chose not to close that loophole with the 2nd stimulus!
