Stimulus checks

[jhaney]

What if I didn't get any stimulus checks in 2020.  Do I still apply the ones I got in 2021 to 2020 taxes?

[MaryK4]

The first stimulus was in April or May 2020.  The second stimulus check was December 2020 or January 2021.  The third stimulus check was sent in March or April 2021.

If you did not receive the first or second stimulus, you apply for the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return.  Even if you accidentally report the wrong information, the IRS will check before they send you the stimulus money.

[jhaney]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question.  I have finally received the 1st and the 2nd.  only in the 21 tax year.  Just didnt know if i needed to apply to 20' since that was when they were for.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes the 1st and 2nd rounds go on your 2020 return or Turbo Tax will think you didn't get it and give it to you again.  And increase your refund.  Then you would be upset when the IRS takes if off and sends you a smaller refund.  Are you sure you got both the first 2 rounds?  And one of them wasn't for the new 3rd Stimulus payment? 

[NCperson]

@jhaney - i appreciate we are all conditioning to separate income by the year received for tax purposes.  But these stimulus payments are not 'income', they are 'payments' so the year received isn't important in this case.  Look at the Recovery Credit on Line 30 - it's in the 'payment' section of the tax return, not the income section.