Since 2020, the US government has awarded three sets of checks ranging from $600-$1,400 to US residents who meet specific qualifications. Americans residing overseas are entitled to get checks, and if you have eligible children, you might receive an additional $500 to $600.
What happens when you realize you are eligible as an American US expat and wish to receive your Stimulus payment immediately? Below, we provide basic support and updates of how one US Expat can get their US Expat Taxes in order and obtain the stimulus check on an urgent basis.
Basic details about the US Stimulus Payment
First Stimulus Check
US nationals will be eligible for a check of $1,200 or more under the following conditions:
- You filed a 2018/2019 US tax return with the IRS
- You are not reliant on another taxpayer
- You have a Social Security number
- Your adjusted gross income does not exceed $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns.
If your adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds the $75,000 threshold for US Stimulus payments, you can still receive a check, but the amount will be lowered based on your AGI.
Second Stimulus Check
Beginning in January 2021, the second batch of US Stimulus cheques for US expats was distributed. These checks contained at least $600, or half the amount of the initial check. Each eligible dependent (i.e., a child under the age of 17 with a Social Security number) will get $600.
Third Stimulus Check
In general, the eligibility requirements for the third economic impact payment are identical to those for the second check. However, the cost has doubled to $1,400 for individuals and $2,800 for couples filing jointly.
What is novel about this check is that eligible dependents such as seniors, persons with disabilities, and college students can also get $1,400.
Details on Social Security Recipients
In general, SS recipients who receive monthly government deposits are not required to submit a US tax return and are not expected to take any action. You should be able to get Stimulus checks in the same way as other government perks.
Not filing a US Expat Tax Return?
If you have not yet filed your 2020 tax return, do it by July 15!- If you did not file for prior years (before to 2019): Utilizing a few resources, you can achieve IRS tax compliance. Once you are in compliance with tax laws, the IRS will send your tax refund.
- If your worldwide income was less than the filing threshold, you are not required to file taxes. You can still receive a Stimulus payment if you apply as a non-filing US citizen living abroad. Unfortunately, the IRS Non-Filer portal is closed, therefore in order to get stimulus cheques, you must submit a tax return.
If you have not yet filed your 2020 tax return, do it by July 15!A US citizen living overseas who does not qualify for the first and second checks in 2020 may do so in 2021. To be eligible for these payments, you must have claimed the FEIE or had a lower income in 2020, as the FEIE reduces your adjusted gross income. You can also utilize the Recovery Rebate Credit to collect the full amount of any missed stimulus payments.
Get Your US Stimulus Payment ASAP
As an American living overseas, our team is prepared to assist you in receiving US stimulus cheques as soon as possible. If you have not yet filed your US Expat taxes, please contact us!