1st/2nd Stimulus payment dependent age

3 replies
47 views

Married, 2 kids/dependents (currently 17 and 22). The 17 year old turned 17 in November, 2020

1st stimulus check $2900 ($1200x2 + $500)

No 2nd stimulus check received

3rd stimulus check $5600 (all dependents eligible)

My question is on the Recovery Rebate Credit for the 2nd stimulus. As I understand it, the the 1st and 2nd stimulus check was based on the dependent being 16 or under on the 2019 tax return. However, line 6 of the form is saying "under 17 by the end of 2020". Can someone clarify? It makes a difference of $600 and it was my understanding the the qualifications for the 1st and 2nd payments were the same. Thanks

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Sorry forget about 2018 & 2019. The Recovery rebate credit is really based on 2020. The Stimulus payments were advances on 2020. Your 17 child doesn't qualify based on 2020. But the good news is you don't have to pay back the first 500.

So if you do not qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit because of your 2020 tax situation then you will not be able to get the missed stimulus payment.

The new 3rd one they are sending out now has no age limit for dependents.

DoninGA

Level 15

The Recovery Rebate Credit uses the 2020 tax data for the credit. So the child must be under the age of 17 in 2020 to be eligible for the $600 credit.

IRS Recovery Rebate Credit website - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit-topic-b-eligibility

The eligibility requirements are the same for the Recovery Rebate Credit as they were for the Economic Impact Payments except that the credit eligibility and the credit amount are based on your 2020 tax year information.