How to file for Recovery Rebate. Credit due to 2020 change in dependency?

[klfoley]

My dependency status changed from 2019 (dependent) to 2020 (not dependent).  I did not receive the 2020 stimulus checks.  In 2021, my mother received the $1400 stimulus check for me as an adult dependent.   Can I apply for the 2020 stimulus checks since I wasn't a dependent? and if so, how?  Does my mother have to return the $1400 stimulus money (which she gave to me but I have not spent) since I will not be filing as a dependent in 2020 or 2021?  Can I then apply for the 2021 $1400 stimulus payment?

[VolvoGirl]

It should ask you how much you got for the first 2 Stimulus payments ( the 1200+600).  Enter 0 in each box.  Then it should give you 1800 on line 30.  Yes you can get it on your 2020 return even if she already got them for you.

When you go through the federal review tab it will ask how much you got if any.  Enter a 0 in the box if you didn't get one.  Or to enter your stimulus payment in TurboTax, type "stimulus" (without the quotes) in the Search box, then click the link that says "Jump to stimulus."

After you have entered your tax information and are ready for the Federal Review, it will be the first question.

If you are trying to trigger it, you can go to Other Situations, answer any questions and click Done. The next automatic selection is Federal Review and it will ask about payments received.

If you didn't get one or both of the Stimulus payments or qualify for more it will be the Recovery rebate credit on 1040 line 30.  It either adds to your refund or reduced a tax due.

[rjs]

The credit on your 2020 tax return is for the first two stimulus payments. You will get a credit for the $1,400 third stimulus payment on your 2021 tax return. Your mother does not have to return the payment that she received for you.

[klfoley]

So just to confirm . . . I indicate on my 2020 tax that I did not receive any stimulus money and the $1800 will be added to my refund.  As for 2021, if I keep the stimulus money that was sent to my mother (for me as an adult dependent), I will need to claim that as income on my 2021 taxes.  Is that correct? 

[VolvoGirl]

No.  You will not report the 1400 she got for claiming you. When you file your 2021 return next year you might be able to get the 1400 for yourself.  We don't know how it will work next year.  Like if she has to return it.  

[klfoley]

What do you mean "you will get a credit for the $1,400 third stimulus payment on your 2021 tax return".  Does that mean I will claim it as income?  Will my mother have to claim it? 

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

No.  Not as income.  You might be able to claim it as a credit and get it ADDED to your refund next year.  You can receive your own 1400 Stimulus on your tax return if you are not a dependent for 2021.  When you fill out your return you will enter 0 for it since the IRS didn't send any directly to you.

You don't enter the 1400 your mother got on your return.  She doesn't have to report it as income.  But she will need to enter that she got it just to see if she qualifies for anymore.