Am I able to apply for the Recovery Rebate credit if my first stimulus check was garnished to pay back child support?

[andrew-asagra]

First stimulus $1200 check was garnished, unsure if I am able to claim it on through the Recovery Rebate credit.

[rjs]

No, you cannot claim the recovery rebate credit. You received the stimulus payment, and you used the money to pay child support that you owed. It's the same as if they had sent you a check for the stimulus payment and you then wrote a check for child support. The fact that you were forced to use it for child support does not change the fact that you received the stimulus payment.

[Bsch4477]

Enter the amount you would have received. It is considered given to you even though you never took possession of it because it went towards paying a debt on your behalf. 

[andrew-asagra]

Thank you!