Stimulus Check 2026
Complete guide to stimulus payments, Recovery Rebate Credit eligibility, payment amounts, and tax implications for 2026.
Stimulus checks have been a major topic since the pandemic began. While no fourth federal stimulus payment has been passed as of 2026, understanding the previous three rounds and the Recovery Rebate Credit is important for taxpayers who may have missed payments they were eligible for.
Round 1: CARES Act (March 2020)
The first Economic Impact Payment provided up to $1,200 per adult and $500 per child dependent under 17. Full payments went to individuals with AGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 married filing jointly), with phaseouts above those thresholds. Payments were phased out completely at $99,000 (single) and $198,000 (married filing jointly).
Round 2: December 2020
The second round provided up to $600 per adult and $600 per dependent child under 17. The income thresholds were identical to Round 1: full payment at $75,000 AGI ($150,000 married), phasing out at $87,000 (single) and $174,000 (married). Dependents of all ages, including college students and adults, qualified for the first time.
Round 3: American Rescue Plan (March 2021)
The third and largest round provided up to $1,400 per person including dependents of all ages. Income thresholds were slightly different: full payment up to $75,000 AGI ($150,000 married) with phaseouts completing at $80,000 (single) and $160,000 (married). This round expanded eligibility to include dependents of all ages including college students, elderly parents, and disabled adults.
Recovery Rebate Credit
If you did not receive one or more stimulus payments you were eligible for, you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. For 2020 missed payments, claim on Form 1040 line 30. For 2021 missed payments, claim on Form 1040 line 28. You can still file an amended return to claim missed 2021 payments. The deadline for claiming 2020 payments has generally passed. Use our Where's My Refund guide to track any stimulus credit refund.
State-Level Rebate Programs
Many states have enacted their own stimulus or tax rebate programs including California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Check your state tax agency website for available programs. Amounts range from $75 to $1,050 per household depending on the state and program.
For more information on tax credits similar to stimulus payments, see our Earned Income Tax Credit guide and Child Tax Credit guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
No new federal stimulus has been passed. Several states have their own rebate programs. The Recovery Rebate Credit may still be available for missed 2021 payments.
Round 1: $1,200/adult + $500/dependent. Round 2: $600/person. Round 3: $1,400/person. Total maximum: $3,200/adult, $2,500/dependent.
No. Stimulus payments are advance payments of a tax credit (Recovery Rebate Credit) and are not considered taxable income. They do not reduce your refund.
Use the IRS Get My Payment tool at irs.gov. Need SSN, date of birth, and address. If eligible but did not receive, claim Recovery Rebate Credit.
If you are concerned about tax-related identity theft, see our IRS Identity Protection PIN guide for instructions on securing your tax account with an IP PIN.
A tax credit for people who did not receive stimulus payments they were eligible for. Claim on 2020 or 2021 tax return. File amended return if deadline passed.
All stimulus payment amounts, eligibility rules, and credit information verified against the CARES Act, December 2020 legislation, American Rescue Plan Act, and current IRS guidance.