If I adopted a child during 2020, how do I receive the stimulus check for my child? I assume checks will be sent before I file my 2020 return. Thanks!

[Critter-3]

Stop and wait ... do not file until you get the second stimulus check AND they have time to update the programming (probably mid February at best)  so you can get everything at the same time.  

[andy-skrobko]

Thanks for the quick reply, but won't I receive payment (excluding my new child) before I file?  Once I file, they won't send me more money.

[Critter-3]

Yes but here is the catch ... the ink is not dry on the bill  AND  the IRS  has not issued any instructions on how to manage this new situation with the second stimulus check yet ... supposedly the second check will also be sent out using the 2019 return info that they have    and  on the 2020 return the missing amounts from BOTH stimulus payments will be included on the 2020 return.  ALSO  if you have any EIC or ACTC on the return it will not start processing before 2/15 at the earliest  so filing before this can delay your return being processed.  Better to be safe than sorry.  

[NCperson]

@andy-skrobko - read @Critter-3 CLOSELY - you could be waiting a YEAR and may have to file an amended return to get that 2nd stimulus payment for your child!!! Who knows at this point!  Best to wait until the IRS explains how people in your position are going to get the 2nd payment on their 2020 tax return! 

at a minimum this affects MOST EVERYONE who had a child in 2020 (and there are about 3.5 million birth in the US this year), MOST EVERYONE who graduated from college in 2019, MOST EVERYONE who graduated from high school in 2019 and did not go to college!  it's a lot of payments the IRS has to clarify because based on 2019 tax returns, which is what they will be using to sent out the checks, almost none of the people I've noted will receive the stimulus via a check or direct deposit..... 

All I suggest is understand how the IRS is going to know how to make sure you get that 2nd stimulus payment for your child before filing!!! It'll save you ALOT of headaches.

[Critter-3]

Yes ... best to wait a couple of weeks or a month to do it right the first time   than have to wait more than 6 months after fixing it later.  Patience will be needed by all this year since this unprecedented second stimulus check has created  more questions than answers.