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Level 7
posted Jan 3, 2021 10:20:42 AM

Can I get 2019 stimulus for baby born in 2020

We had a baby boy in March of 2020.  My wife says that she sees a lot of posts on social media saying we can get a 2019 stimulus for that baby.  It does not seem possible to me.  She is telling me that we need to file a 1040X for 2019 and add the baby to it.  Is she correct?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jan 3, 2021 10:21:46 AM

 

 

 

 

No your spouse is incorrect.  There is no reason to amend your 2019 return.  You cannot claim a child born in 2020 on a 2019 tax return.

 

 

Children born in 2020 were not included in the 1st stimulus because those checks were based on 2018 or 2019.  But on your 2020 tax return you can claim your child born in 2020 for the stimulus money, as well as the other child-related credits.  You enter your new dependent in My Info.  When you go through the screens in My Info make sure to say your child lived with you the WHOLE year.  When it asks the oddly worded question about whether your child paid for over half their own support say NO.

 

  

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 this year, you can get it when you file your 2020 return in early 2021—if you are eligible.It will end up on line 30 of your 2020 Form 1040.

 

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-j-reconciling-on-your-2020-tax-return

 

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments-for-individuals-and-families

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/how-will-the-stimulus-package-impact-me/00/1393859

 

We know that the IRS is already revising the 2020 Form 1040 to include the 2nd stimulus, but that change will entail a lot of re-programing at the IRS and for the tax software programs.  It may be at least a month — or longer— before the forms are changed.  Do NOT be in a hurry to file your 2020 tax return until more is known. Give some extra time to the IRS and the software programmers so that the software can handle the new 2nd stimulus, so that you can get it all by filing ONE time.  It is never a good idea to file too early; filing your 2020 return too soon may result in a lot of extra confusion that can be avoided if you wait and file a little later.

24 Replies
Level 15
Jan 3, 2021 10:21:46 AM

 

 

 

 

No your spouse is incorrect.  There is no reason to amend your 2019 return.  You cannot claim a child born in 2020 on a 2019 tax return.

 

 

Children born in 2020 were not included in the 1st stimulus because those checks were based on 2018 or 2019.  But on your 2020 tax return you can claim your child born in 2020 for the stimulus money, as well as the other child-related credits.  You enter your new dependent in My Info.  When you go through the screens in My Info make sure to say your child lived with you the WHOLE year.  When it asks the oddly worded question about whether your child paid for over half their own support say NO.

 

  

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 this year, you can get it when you file your 2020 return in early 2021—if you are eligible.It will end up on line 30 of your 2020 Form 1040.

 

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-j-reconciling-on-your-2020-tax-return

 

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments-for-individuals-and-families

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/how-will-the-stimulus-package-impact-me/00/1393859

 

We know that the IRS is already revising the 2020 Form 1040 to include the 2nd stimulus, but that change will entail a lot of re-programing at the IRS and for the tax software programs.  It may be at least a month — or longer— before the forms are changed.  Do NOT be in a hurry to file your 2020 tax return until more is known. Give some extra time to the IRS and the software programmers so that the software can handle the new 2nd stimulus, so that you can get it all by filing ONE time.  It is never a good idea to file too early; filing your 2020 return too soon may result in a lot of extra confusion that can be avoided if you wait and file a little later.

Level 7
Jan 3, 2021 10:27:06 AM

Thank you for replying.  I knew she was not correct, but she keeps getting this advise from Facebook and TicTok and I needed to show her that it was wrong.  

Level 15
Jan 3, 2021 10:29:19 AM

Now you can do the "told ya so" dance.....

 

Glad you asked here.....Facebook  and other social media users manage to spread lots of misinformation to each other......

Level 7
Jan 3, 2021 10:37:44 AM

I value my life and safety too much to do any dance.  But I agree that the amount of misinformation she is receiving is scary.  

Returning Member
Jan 31, 2021 6:35:38 PM

What if I already submitted my tax return on turbo tax, would i have to file an amendment or will the $1,100 be included in my return?

Expert Alumni
Jan 31, 2021 6:51:59 PM

The correct amount will be included in your tax return (1) if included the baby and (2) entered the correct stimulus amount.

 

The $1,100 ($500 first payment and $600 second payment) Recovery Rebate Credit (stimulus) will be on Form 1040 line 30.

 

If you did not print or save a copy of your tax return, you can print/preview your taxes in your TurboTax account.

 

Learn how at How do I get a copy of a return I filed this year in TurboTax Online?

New Member
Feb 15, 2021 2:48:30 AM

I’m going through the same thing and it’s frustrating. I had a baby in February of 2020 along with a college student who turned 17 in August of 2020. I got the the correct stimulus amount for me and my 17 year old but when I got to “Federal Review” it says I received the correct amount but I added my baby born in 2020 on there and still says I received the correct amount which isn’t true. So how do I get the $1,100 for my baby born in 2020 on TurboTax?

 

 

PS: Yes I put everything in correctly from SSN to my child living with me the Whole Year

Expert Alumni
Feb 15, 2021 5:20:54 AM

The payments were an advance credit for 2020.  2019 information was used in sending out the payments since 2020 tax returns had not been filed at the point the stimulus payments were sent out.  They are being reconciled when you do your 2020 return.  In some cases, people may have been given a stimulus payment based on their 2019 dependents that did not qualify based on their 2020 dependents, and vice versa. 

 

In your particular case, you received a stimulus for 1 qualified dependent based on your 2019 return.  Now that you are filing your 2020 return, your son is no longer under age 17, so he does not qualify and you only have 1 dependent that qualifies (the baby).  You received the stimulus already for 1 dependent.  

New Member
Feb 15, 2021 5:28:38 AM

Ok, so how do I receive the $1,100 credit for my baby born in 2020?

Expert Alumni
Feb 15, 2021 5:41:09 AM

Yes. When you file your return, you will show your newborn as a dependent. This will automatically increase your stimulus amount for your child and add the difference to your refund or reduce your balance due, if applicable.

 

Children born in 2020 were not included in the first stimulus because those checks were based on 2018 or 2019.  But on your 2020 tax return you can claim your child born in 2020 for the stimulus on the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet, as well as the other child credits.  

  • You enter your new dependent in My Info.  When you go through the screens in My Info make sure to say your child lived with you the WHOLE year.  When it asks the question about whether your child paid for over half their own support say NO.

IRS Recovery Rebate Credit

  1. In TurboTax Online once your return is open, select Wages & Income (to enter the tax return).
  2. Select Federal Review at the top of the page > Continue to answer the questions for Let's make sure you got the right stimulus amount
  3. TurboTax will then include any stimulus amount due on your 1040 form - either added to your refund or reduce the amount due.
  4. See the image below.

 

New Member
Feb 20, 2021 11:54:42 AM

I am having the same, frustrating issue with trying to receive the recovery rebate credit.  My wife and I had a child in November 2020.  Turbo Tax has her as a dependent, yet I am not getting any stimulus $ (verified by looking on line #30 of 1090 form).  I have a 2 year old daughter as well and received $1,800 in 2nd stimulus round.  When turbo tax calculates everything it states I do not qualify for the recovery rebate credit... which is not true! 

 

I have read several posts stating that when turbo tax asks " whether your child paid for over half their own support" then answer "No."  I have never been prompted by this question!  I have been asked if "I" support her, but not herself.

 

Any 

Level 15
Feb 20, 2021 11:58:25 AM

Go back to My Info and click Edit by the baby.  Make sure you select she lived with you THE WHOLE YEAR not just the number of months.  A child born even on Dec 31 is considered to live with you the whole year.  It even says that on the screen.   Or you don't qualify for more based on your 2020 income.  

New Member
Feb 20, 2021 1:10:58 PM

Thanks for the advice...

I did put her down for living with us the entire year.  My wife and I DO qualify for the stimulus based on our combined income.  This is why this is so frustrating as I am answering everything correctly and still no stimulus $.

Level 15
Feb 20, 2021 1:14:15 PM

Are you claiming the 2 year old on this return too?  Maybe her info is wrong.  Or if you are not claiming her then it thinks you already got the right amount.  I don't know what to do in that case.  The Stimulus is really based on your 2020 return.  

New Member
Feb 22, 2021 8:44:04 AM

I’m having the same issue and it’s so frustrating!!

New Member
Feb 22, 2021 8:47:23 AM

I did all of this put it’s still not working. All my information is correct. 

Level 15
Feb 22, 2021 9:01:42 AM

@Kortaz2016  As Cotina replied to you....you lost the credit for the 17 year old dependent and you added a baby.  So it is a wash.  The Recovery rebate credit is based and reconciled on your actual 2020 return.  You got the Stimulus payment for one dependent before but you only qualify for one now.  So you really got too much before.  You don't have to pay back the 1100 for the 17 child.  It switched to the baby.

Level 15
Feb 22, 2021 9:03:34 AM

TurboTax has lots of problems 

TurboTax i snot ready with all the covid -19 forms yet.

When those are released , try again.

Do not file an incorrect tax return.

try to avoid filing on paper because you will be delayed indefinitely.

New Member
Feb 25, 2021 10:47:44 AM

I am having the same problem as you. Did you find a work around or are you waiting?

Level 15
Feb 25, 2021 11:29:54 AM

@kate88 What "same problem" do you have?   So many different users have posted to this thread it is impossible to figure out what problem you are referring to.   

New Member
Feb 27, 2021 7:44:49 AM

I am having an issue with this too. I had a baby in June of 2020 and have twin 3 year olds as well. When I work through the stimulus section it says I received the correct amount but how is that possible when I didn’t receive stimulus for my third child? 

Level 15
Feb 27, 2021 7:46:32 AM

@Aqharris

 

Children born in 2020 were not included in the 1st stimulus because those checks were based on 2018 or 2019. No one got stimulus money for babies born in 2020 because the IRS did not know about those babies or have their SSN’s. But on your 2020 tax return you can claim your child born in 2020 for the stimulus money, as well as the other child-related credits.  You enter your new dependent in My Info.  When you go through the screens in My Info make sure to say your child lived with you the WHOLE year.  When it asks the oddly worded question about whether your child paid for over half their own support say NO.

 

  

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-2020-tax-return

 

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.

Level 15
Feb 27, 2021 7:50:11 AM


@Aqharris wrote:

I am having an issue with this too. I had a baby in June of 2020 and have twin 3 year olds as well. When I work through the stimulus section it says I received the correct amount but how is that possible when I didn’t receive stimulus for my third child? 


For a child born in 2020 you have to indicate that the child lived with you for the Whole Year.  Go back to the My Info section and carefully review each answer for the child.  Also, on the section for having Social Security number make sure that you did NOT check the box for not valid for employment.

 

After completing the My Info section then click on Federal.  Go to Other Tax Situations, scroll do the bottom of the page and click on Wrap Up.  The next screen will be on Federal Review where you enter the stimulus payment questions.

New Member
Feb 27, 2021 8:02:19 AM

I understand what you are saying. I am a CPA myself and understand how it should work but just explaining that it isn’t working correctly. In the federal review section it tells me I received the correct amount of stimulus. But the third child was not included in the amounts received since it was based on 2019 so I should be getting her portion of stimulus now when I file my tax return.