How much was the first economic impact payment in 2022

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See if you qualified for a stimulus check (Economic Impact Payment) and when and how it was sent. Learn what to do if you were eligible for but did not receive a previous stimulus payment. Or find out about payments from the advance child tax credit and see if you qualify.

COVID-19 Stimulus Checks for Individuals

The IRS issued three Economic Impact Payments during the coronavirus pandemic for people who were eligible: 

  • $1,200 in April 2020
  • $600 in December 2020/January 2021
  • $1,400 in March 2021

These payments were sent by direct deposit to a bank account or by mail as a paper check or a debit card. You can check eligibility requirements for stimulus payments on IRS.gov.

Check On Your Stimulus Payment

Check the Get My Payment page from the IRS to find out if you qualified and when you should have received your payment. 

What to Do If You Didn’t Receive Your Stimulus Checks

Follow the directions from the IRS on how to claim these payments if you were eligible for but did not receive them, or if the amount you received was incorrect.

Advance Child Tax Credit

By claiming the Child Tax Credit (CTC), you can reduce the amount of money you owe on your federal taxes. The amount of credit you receive is based on your income and the number of qualifying children you are claiming. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CTC was expanded under the American Rescue Plan of 2021. The IRS pre-paid half the total credit amount in monthly payments from July to December 2021. When you file your 2021 tax return, you can claim the other half of the total CTC.

Learn more about the Advance Child Tax Credit.

Last Updated: July 20, 2022

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Guide to Filing your Taxes for the 2021 tax year

In response to the financial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, Congress expanded tax benefits which may increase the amount of money you receive through your tax refund when you file your return for the 2021 tax year.

It’s not too late to file your tax return

Although the regular tax season is over, you can still file a late tax return until October 15, 2022. If you do not file you may miss out on a refund or any tax credits for which you may be eligible.While there’s no penalty for filing late if you do not owe taxes, you could face fees and penalties if you do owe for 2021. The information below can help you navigate this process and complete your return before the final deadline.

Filing a Simple Return

There are two main reasons you may want to file a simple return in 2022:

  1. To claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (Economic Impact Payment or “EIP”)If you didn’t receive the latest EIP, you could be eligible to receive the following as part of your tax refund:
    • $1,400 for a single individual
    • $2,800 for a married couple filing jointly

  2. To claim the 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC)

    If you are eligible for this credit, the maximum amount you could receive is:

    • $3600 for each child ages 0 to 5
    • $3000 for each child ages 6 to 17

To claim any recovery rebate or child tax credits that you are eligible for, you can file a simple return online by going to GetCTC.org . This online resource is both mobile friendly and available in Spanish.

Filing a Full Tax Return

Depending on your circumstances, you may want to consider filing a full tax return. There are a few reasons to consider this option:

  1. To claim the child tax AND recovery rebate credits
  2. To claim the Earned Income Tax Credit

    If you are eligible for this credit, the maximum amount you could receive is:

    • $1,502 if you have no dependent children
    • $3,618 if you have one qualifying child
    • $5,980 if you have two qualifying children
    • $6,728 if you have three or more qualifying children

  3. To claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

    You may be eligible for this credit if you paid for childcare because you were working or looking for work in 2021.

  4. If you claimed over-withholding

    You may have had taxes withheld by an employer during 2021. If more taxes were withheld than you owe you can claim the balance by filing a 2021 tax return.

To file a full tax return online go to MyFreeTaxes.com .

Access your tax refund quickly and safely

If you think you may receive a refund, here are some things to think about before you file your return:

  • If you already have an account with a bank or credit union, make sure you have your information ready -- including the account number and routing number -- when you file your tax return. You can provide that information on the tax form and the IRS will automatically deposit the funds into your account.
  • If you have a prepaid card that accepts direct deposit, you can also receive your refund on the card. Check with your prepaid card provider to get the routing and account number assigned to the card before you file your return.

You can learn more about choosing the right prepaid card here

  • If you don’t have a bank account or prepaid card, consider opening an account. Many banks and credit unions offer accounts with low (or no) monthly maintenance fees when you have direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance. These accounts may limit the types of fees you can incur and may also offer free access to in-network automated teller machines (ATMs). You can often open these accounts easily online.

Learn more about the FDIC’s #GetBanked campaign.

Watch out for scams

Scammers are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic by attempting to con people into giving up their money. During this time of uncertainty, being aware of possible scams is a good first step toward preventing them.

Submit a complaint

Having a problem with a financial product or service? We have answers to frequently asked questions and can help you connect with companies if you have a complaint.

Submit a Complaint

What is the full amount of the first economic impact payment?

the first Economic Impact Payment was $1,200 ($2,400 if married filing jointly) plus $500 for each qualifying child you had in 2020; and. the second Economic Impact Payment was $600 ($1,200 if married filing jointly) plus $600 for each qualifying child you had in 2020.

When did the economic impact payment 3 come out?

The IRS began issuing these payments on March 12, 2021 and continued through the end of the year.

When was the 3rd stimulus check?

The government started sending the third stimulus checks on March 12, 2021. The IRS continues to send third stimulus checks as people submit their information to the IRS either by filing a 2020 tax return or using GetCTC.org. The deadline to use GetCTC.org is November 15, 2022.

What was the amount of the third stimulus check?

Third round of stimulus checks: March 2021 The third payment provided eligible individual taxpayers for a check of up to $1,400, while couples filing jointly could receive a maximum of $2,800.