Do you file for the recovery rebate credit

[issiah1l]

I do not work and file for the Economic Impact Payment and did not receive the $1200. I want to file for the recovery rebate credit.

[Critter-3]

The stimulus checks are  an advance on a credit you can receive on your 2020 tax return.  If something went wrong or you did not get either the first or second stimulus checks the  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-...

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

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

At this point, we don't know how long the new stimulus bill means  in terms of time to change the 2020 Form 1040, software programming, software updates, etc., etc.  Do NOT be in a hurry to file your 2020 tax return until more is known.  It is never a good idea to file early, and it would be especially foolish to file an early 2020 return.

[NCperson]

as @Critter-3 details previously, it requires filling out a 2020 tax return to get any stimulus you are eligible for.  There are plenty of sites to complete the return without paying to do so.  Turbotax's free offering is available in mid-January, but I would suggest not filing until February to ensure the programming for the 2nd stimulus payment is complete. 

https://freefile.intuit.com/

[Critter-3]

If you qualify  AND   if you wait until mid January  THEN you can use one of  the 10 IRS FREE FILE options to file a fed & state return for free ... but you must be patient.    https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

IRS Free File: Closed until January 2021

IRS Free File is closed for the 2020 tax season. Check back in January for Filing Season 2021 opening details.

For Filing Season 2021, you must make $72,000 or below to use IRS Free File partner offers.