turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

figoep
New Member

I received a covid stimulus check in a foreign country. It's not an earning and regular income. Do I need to file it? If yes, how? which category does it belong? Thanks!

The check is from the foreign government to its citizens not from US gov.
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

2 Replies
JamesG1
Expert Alumni

I received a covid stimulus check in a foreign country. It's not an earning and regular income. Do I need to file it? If yes, how? which category does it belong? Thanks!

Could you clarify, please?  What country did you receive this from?  Is there a specific name for the payments that we could research?  You would report the income on a Federal 1040 tax return, correct?

 

If the payment is a form of unemployment insurance, it would likely be taxable income and reportable.

 

I am inclined to think it is excluded from taxable income per IRS Publication 525 Taxable and Nontaxable Income page 28.

 

Disaster relief payments

 

You can exclude from income any amount you receive that is a qualified disaster relief payment. A qualified disaster relief payment is an amount paid to you:

  • To reimburse or pay reasonable and necessary personal, family, living, or funeral expenses that result from a qualified disaster;
  • To reimburse or pay reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for the repair or rehabilitation of your home or repair or replacement of its contents to the extent it’s due to a qualified disaster;
  • By a person engaged in the furnishing or sale of transportation as a common carrier because of the death or personal physical injuries incurred as a result of a qualified disaster; or
  • By a federal, state, or local government, or agency or instrumentality in connection with a qualified disaster in order to promote the general welfare.

@figoep

[Edited 03/02/2021 8:31 AM PST]

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
figoep
New Member

I received a covid stimulus check in a foreign country. It's not an earning and regular income. Do I need to file it? If yes, how? which category does it belong? Thanks!

Hi James,

 

Thank you so much for the reply! The payment is from Hong Kong government called Cash Payout Scheme (related news here). If this should be reported as income, though unearned, where should I enter it through TurboTax? 

 

Thank you!

Unlock tailored help options in your account.

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question