Recovery Rebate Confusion

[taxing102]

If someone could have been considered a "qualifying relative" (vs. qualifying child) in 2020, does that automatically disqualify them from the Recovery Rebate Credit (and the third payment too if they file and say they "can" be claimed)? If so, does this mean anyone who filed 2018 or 2019 saying they could (not necessarily would) be claimed as a dependent didn't get any stimulus? Thanks.

[xmasbaby0]

If you can be claimed as a dependent---whether as a qualifying child or qualifying relative---- you are not eligible for a stimulus check.   For the first and second checks, the parents of a child younger than 17 could get the "child" amounts of stimulus, or they can get it as a recovery rebate credit on a 2020 return.   

The recovery rebate credit is only based on your 2020 return.  If you cannot be claimed as a dependent on a 2020 return you can get the stimulus money on that return.  The IRS is not going backwards now and looking at 2018 or 2019----only 2020.   And if you can be claimed on a 2020 return you will not receive the $1400 this year.