After you file

You will need to file a tax return for 2020 even though you aren't required to in order the claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The stimulus payment amounts issued in 2019 or in January 2020 were based upon your 2018 or 2019 income tax returns filed.

The amount of the Rebate Recovery Credit is based upon your actual 2020 income tax return you file.  Therefore, if you meet the criteria for the credit, you will receive it when you prepare your 2020 income tax return.  The credit is intended to give those who should have received a stimulus payment but never did a tax credit on their tax returns.  Any excess credit is then refunded to you if there is an overpayment on your tax return.

Please see the attached link for more information on who can claim the credit.  

Recovery Rebate Credit eligibility

When you prepare your 2020 income tax return, be sure to do the following to ensure the credit is calculated correctly on your income tax return. 

1. In the Federal section, select the Federal Review interview section at the top of the screen.
2. This will take you to the input section for the Recovery Rebate credit.
3. Be sure to indicate the actual amount of each stimulus payment you received on the page that asks if you received a stimulus payment.  Since you did not receive either of the payments, you will need to select No to indicate you did not receive either payment.

The best thing you can do to prepare your tax return is go to TurboTax.com and start answering the questions.

Enter your information from your tax forms as prompted. 

TurboTax will take your entries and calculate any credits, including the Recovery Rebate Credit, you might be entitled to.