Eligible for First and Second Stimulus Payment but not Recovery Rebate Credit - Can I still get my stimulus payments?

[taxbreak]

I met all the eligibility requirements for the first and second stimulus payments, but I did not receive them. My 2019 return was filed through Turbo Tax with all essential direct deposit information where I received my 2019 tax refund. Since I did not receive my stimulus checks, I tried to use the Recovery Rebate Credit on my 2020 return. However, since my income increased, I am not eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit based on my 2020 income.

Can I still claim for my stimulus checks based on my 2019 income? If so, how can I do that?

[xmasbaby0]

No you cannot get the stimulus money based on 2019 if your 2020 income exceeds the limit.   The stimulus checks were issued in a hurry last year based on 2018 or 2019 returns---but those payments were an advance on a credit that you get on your 2020 return.   Sorry.

[PattiF]

The stimulus payment is technically an advance on the Recovery Rebate credit which is a tax credit against your 2020 income tax. It is based on your 2020 AGI.

The IRS has been sending out the first stimulus payment based on your 2018 or 2019 AGI, and the second stimulus based on your 2019 AGI. If you have received the first and/or second stimulus payments, and your 2020 AGI turns out to be above the income threshold, you do not have to repay the payments received.

Please read this IRS document for your information.

[taxbreak]

Thank you for the reply!

I did not recieve my first and second stimulus payments based on my 2019 income even though I am eligible and have all necessary information on file. The Get Payment tool does not give any information as to why. Is there any way that I can find out why I never recieved  those in the first place? Thanks!

[ErnieS0]

No. There is not a place that explains why you did not get your payments. The IRS lists some general reasons:

• We didn’t have direct deposit information to send your payment electronically.
• We’re unable to accept bank information or requests for debit cards.
• If the post office is unable to deliver your payment, it will be returned to the IRS. If you’re eligible, you may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return even if you are not required to file.

If you are eligible – and either didn’t receive Economic Impact Payments or qualify for more than received – you may claim the Recovery Rebate Credit and must file a 2020 tax return even if you are not normally required to file.