I was incorrectly claimed as a dependent. How do I get my stimulus checks?
April 6, 2021

By Christine Tran, 2020 Get It Back Campaign Intern

It’s not too late to get any missed stimulus checks! You will need to file a 2020 tax return to get the first and second stimulus checks and a 2021 tax return to get the third stimulus check.

To claim your first, second, or third stimulus checks, wait until the tax season begins to get help filing your 2020 or 2021 tax return. You also may be able to claim missed stimulus checks through GetYourRefund.org.

One eligibility requirement to get the first, second, and third stimulus check is that you cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. If you didn’t receive your first or second stimulus checks because you were wrongly claimed as a dependent on a 2019 tax return, you can file a 2020 tax return to get your stimulus payment(s). You will need to file a tax return to get your stimulus payment even if you aren’t required to file taxes.

If you can be claimed as a dependent on a 2020 tax return, you will not receive the first stimulus payment of $1,200, the second stimulus payment of $600, or the third stimulus payment of $1,400 as a tax credit.

Need help filing?

Contact your local VITA site or call your local 211 to find free tax services in your area. You can file a 2020 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit to get the first and second stimulus checks through May 17, 2024. For the third stimulus check, claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when you file your 2021 tax return by April 18, 2025.

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