@birdgirl - @Hal_Al is correct - here is how it happens
1) the PAYMENTS were only estimates based on 2018/2019 tax return (1st stimulus payment) and 2019 tax return (2nd stimulus payment)
HOWEVER,
2) the EIP is based on your 2020 tax return only!!!
A) if #2 is greater than #1 you get the difference on your 2020 tax return as a credit which can increase your refund. This is likely if you claim an additional child
B) if #1 is greater #2, you do not have to pay back the difference. this is likely if you DON'T claim a child in 2020 that you claimed in 2019.
so work through a child of divorced parents who was claimed on dad's 2019 tax return but mom's 2020 tax return. Dad's 2020 tax return would result in B) while Mom's 2020 tax return would result in A)... CHILD was on 2019 for Dad and on 2020 for Mom, so each parent gets $$$$ under the stimulus program - because there is no requirement to return money under any circumstance! (and Congress knew that when they passed the 2nd stimulus and close not to close the loophole)
make sense?
