J1 that is now required to file as resident because of length of stay. Did you receive a stimulus was answered by "no" because I'm not qualified, why is it in my refund?

[tinamariesaban]

I know I'm not qualified for the stimulus check and there's no question about my qualification for it to deduct it from my refund. I don't want to be audited as I am moving to my home country soon. Please help. There is also no question about my J-1 status and that makes me nervous

[ErnieS0 · Accepted solution]

Resident aliens are eligible to receive the stimulus check. The IRS says:

Generally, if you were a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien in 2020, were not a dependent of another taxpayer and have a Social Security number that is valid for employment, you are eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.  Your credit amount will be reduced if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is more than: 

• $150,000 if married and filing a joint return or filing as a qualifying widow or widower
• $112,500 if filing as head of household or
• $75,000 for eligible individuals filing as a single or as married filing separately.  

Refer to Q b1. Eligibility Requirements: What are the eligibility requirements for the credit?

[tinamariesaban]

Thank you for your response. However, when I check my account in the IRS page, it shows that my Economic Impact Payment and Additional Economic Impact Payment are both $0. This is the reason why I did not go ahead and pay for my filing today. Please advise. Thank you. 

[ErnieS0]

Check you Recovery Rebate Credit screen. Did you enter $0 for the amount you received for the first and second stimulus payments? If you did, the missing amounts should be added to your tax return. Check your entries.

1. Sign into your account and continue from where you left off
2. Click on Federal in the left-hand column, then on Federal Review on the top of the screen
3. On the next page titled Let's make sure you got the right stimulus amount, click on Continue
4. Follow the interview
5. TurboTax will determine whether you are entitled to any additional stimulus based on the amounts you entered for the first and second stimulus payments. Make sure you enter the correct amounts.

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[tinamariesaban]

Thank you, Ernie! You have been a great help!