It's great that the tax credit was provided and that it was provided as an advance during such a difficult time to many individuals. Since it was based on 2018 and 2019 for most people, especially those who filed a return for 2018 and 2019, then it could make a difference for some people who didn't get it as expected to have to wait until 2021 to file 2020 taxes. That could be another 5 months for some who, for various reasons, don't file until the last possible day.
One thing, some people lost jobs and/or were hospitalized or had family members hospitalized and needed it as it was intended, this year. It could also mean less money to wait and file in 2021 because some people who were effected had children and also didn't get the payment for them because of this TurboTax/IRS glitch, and if the child or children are 17 by the end of 2020, then that's $500 per child less money that would otherwise been received without the glitch. Some people do not receive a refund and have to pay in taxes which may exceed this credit and, while having to pay less is good, there's still no check coming in to help if that was needed.
It might not be a big deal for some people to have to wait and claim it as a credit in 2021 for 2020 taxes. But, for some it could have been a huge help instead of a huge stressor being told they would get a little help that has not come and may be less than what would have been received.
