Issue Number: COVID Tax Tip 2021-44
Here’s how the third Economic Impact Payment is different from earlier payments
The third Economic Impact Payment is different from the first and second payments in several ways.
The third Economic Impact Payment is an advance payment of the 2021 recovery rebate credit. The two earlier payments are advance payments of the 2020 recovery rebate credit. Eligible people who didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, may be eligible to claim the 2020 recovery rebate credit and must file a 2020 tax return even if they don't usually file a tax return.
The third Economic Impact Payment will be larger for most eligible people. Eligible individuals who filed a joint tax return will receive up to $2,800, and all other eligible individuals will receive up to $1,400. Those with qualifying dependents on their tax return will receive up to $1,400 per qualifying dependent.
More people qualify as dependents. Unlike the first two payments, the third payment is not restricted to children under 17. Eligible families will get a payment for all qualifying dependents claimed on their return. This may include older relatives like college students, adults with disabilities, parents and grandparents.
Income phase-out amounts are different for the third payments.
Taxpayers will not receive a third payment if their Adjusted Gross Income exceeds:
Some people may be eligible for a Supplemental Payment.
The amount of the third payment is based on the taxpayer’s latest processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019. If the taxpayer's 2020 return hasn’t been processed, the IRS used 2019 tax return information to calculate the third payment.
If the third payment is based on the 2019 return, and is less than the full amount, the taxpayer may qualify for a supplemental payment. After their 2020 return is processed, the IRS will automatically re-evaluate their eligibility using their 2020 information. If they’re entitled to a larger payment, the IRS will issue a supplemental payment for the additional amount.
Changes to earlier eligibility requirements. For taxpayers who file jointly and only one individual has a valid SSN, the spouse with a valid SSN will receive up to a $1,400 third payment and up to $1,400 for each qualifying dependent claimed on their 2020 tax return. For taxpayers who don’t have a valid SSN, but have a qualifying dependent who has an SSN, they will only receive up to $1,400 for a qualifying dependent claimed on their return only if they meet all other eligibility and income requirements. If either spouse was an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year, only one spouse needs to have a valid SSN for the couple to receive up to $2,800 for themselves, plus up to $1,400 for each qualifying dependent.
If married taxpayers filing jointly did not receive one or both of the first two Economic Impact Payments because one spouse didn’t have a Social Security number valid for employment, they may be eligible to claim a 2020 recovery rebate credit on their 2020 tax return for the spouse with the SSN valid for employment.
Here’s how the third Economic Impact Payment is different from earlier payments
The third Economic Impact Payment is different from the first and second payments in several ways.
The third Economic Impact Payment is an advance payment of the 2021 recovery rebate credit. The two earlier payments are advance payments of the 2020 recovery rebate credit. Eligible people who didn't get a first and second Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts, may be eligible to claim the 2020 recovery rebate credit and must file a 2020 tax return even if they don't usually file a tax return.
The third Economic Impact Payment will be larger for most eligible people. Eligible individuals who filed a joint tax return will receive up to $2,800, and all other eligible individuals will receive up to $1,400. Those with qualifying dependents on their tax return will receive up to $1,400 per qualifying dependent.
More people qualify as dependents. Unlike the first two payments, the third payment is not restricted to children under 17. Eligible families will get a payment for all qualifying dependents claimed on their return. This may include older relatives like college students, adults with disabilities, parents and grandparents.
Income phase-out amounts are different for the third payments.
Taxpayers will not receive a third payment if their Adjusted Gross Income exceeds:
- $160,000, if married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower.
- $120,000, if filing as head of household.
- $80,000 for eligible individuals using other filing statuses, such as single filers and married people filing separate returns
Some people may be eligible for a Supplemental Payment.
The amount of the third payment is based on the taxpayer’s latest processed tax return from either 2020 or 2019. If the taxpayer's 2020 return hasn’t been processed, the IRS used 2019 tax return information to calculate the third payment.
If the third payment is based on the 2019 return, and is less than the full amount, the taxpayer may qualify for a supplemental payment. After their 2020 return is processed, the IRS will automatically re-evaluate their eligibility using their 2020 information. If they’re entitled to a larger payment, the IRS will issue a supplemental payment for the additional amount.
Changes to earlier eligibility requirements. For taxpayers who file jointly and only one individual has a valid SSN, the spouse with a valid SSN will receive up to a $1,400 third payment and up to $1,400 for each qualifying dependent claimed on their 2020 tax return. For taxpayers who don’t have a valid SSN, but have a qualifying dependent who has an SSN, they will only receive up to $1,400 for a qualifying dependent claimed on their return only if they meet all other eligibility and income requirements. If either spouse was an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year, only one spouse needs to have a valid SSN for the couple to receive up to $2,800 for themselves, plus up to $1,400 for each qualifying dependent.
If married taxpayers filing jointly did not receive one or both of the first two Economic Impact Payments because one spouse didn’t have a Social Security number valid for employment, they may be eligible to claim a 2020 recovery rebate credit on their 2020 tax return for the spouse with the SSN valid for employment.