2020 Recovery Rebate Credit After e-file

[cliu_uml]

Hi everyone,

I've completed my 2020 tax return by turbotax efile and everything seems fine. I don't fill the recovery rebate credit there (as I didn't see the option in turbotax and my 2019 tax return was still processing in IRS at that time)

However, today IRS completed my paper file for 2019 (it's taking so long for them to process, almost a year) . After some check, I'm sure I'm eligible for the 1st stimulus check, but I didn't receive it and cannot find it in the "where is my payment" tools.

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to apply for this credit? And should I refile something to amend my 2020 tax return to get this check?

I really appreciate your help!

[DoninGA]

If you did not receive either the 1st  ($1,200) or 2nd ($600) stimulus payment and you did NOT report that on the 2020 tax return, you will have to amend the 2020 tax return that was filed to receive the Recovery Rebate Credit.

An amended return, Form 1040-X, can only be printed and mailed to the IRS if the original tax return was not e-filed. The IRS will take up to 16 weeks or longer to process an amended tax return.

Before starting to amend the tax return, wait for the tax refund to be received or the taxes due to be paid and processed by the IRS.

See this TurboTax support FAQ on amending a tax return originally completed and filed using the 2020 TurboTax editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/amending/help/how-do-i-amend-my-return/01/27439

When amending the 2020 tax return for stimulus -

Enter stimulus in the Search box located in the upper right of the program screen.  Click on Jump to stimulus

[xmasbaby0]

When your 2020 tax return has been FULLY processed you can amend your tax return and use the recovery rebate credit to get the stimulus amounts for the 1st or 2nd EIP payments if you did not receive them.   There is no place to enter anything about the 3rd stimulus payment.   The IRS issued those payments separately.

Select your tax year for amending instructions:

• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017

     What does it mean to "amend" a return?

·         Do I Need to Amend my Tax Return?

The stimulus check is an advance on a credit you can receive on your 2020 tax return.  If something went wrong or you did not get the stimulus check in 2020, you can get it when you file your 2020 return in early 2021

The Recovery Rebate Credit will be found in the FEDERAL REVIEW section. ( you should see "Let's make sure you got the right stimulus amount”)  If you are eligible it will end up on line 30 of your 2020 Form 1040.

Make sure that you enter ALL of the stimulus money received for the 1st and 2nd stimulus for yourself, your spouse and your children.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-j-reconciling-on-your-...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

TurboTax cannot track your 3rd stimulus or tell you when it will arrive.  The IRS is issuing 3rd stimulus checks on its own timetable.

You can use the IRS Get My Payment site to see what is expected for your 3rd stimulus check:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions

[cliu_uml]

Hi @DoninGA  @xmasbaby0 

Thank you both for the useful advice. I was trying the link to amend my tax return, but I found some issues when searching the "stimulus" option, it seems that it's not showing in my turbotax page.

I did some search and find that this recovery rebate credit is calculated by my 2020 tax income. However, I didn't meet the requirement so I'm ineligible. However, my 2019 income does qualify, so if using my 2019 tax return record, I should be able to apply for it.

I'm not sure what I should do next, is there a way to find the option and apply for it?

Thanks,

[xmasbaby0]

@cliu_uml Sorry---the recovery rebate credit is only based on your 2020 income now.  The IRS is not going to go backwards and use 2019 income now.   If your 2019 income was low enough to get you the stimulus money you do not have to pay it back, but if you did not get it based on 2019 you do not get it based on 2019 now.