The U.S. Congress passed legislation on Friday that provides $2.2 trillion in aid to citizens, states and businesses, both small and large. Part of the law (full text here) will provide direct payment checks to taxpayers who need an infusion of cash to weather the outbreak and resulting shutdown.
President Donald Trump signed the bill into law Friday after the House voted for final congressional approval.
The stimulus payments will be determined by a person's 2019 federal income tax filing. If you have not yet filed your 2019 taxes, your 2018 return will be used. The payments will be made by either direct deposit or check. Direct deposits could come within two weeks and checks within four weeks.
If you have not filed taxes in the past few years, you need to reach out to the IRS and provide your personal information so the checks can be mailed to your home, Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware said Thursday.
Individuals making $75,000 a year or less can get $1,200, and couples making $175,000 or less can get $2,400. Individuals making $99,000 a year or more and couples making $198,000 or more a year are not eligible. Parents can receive an additional $500 per child.
The amounts will be based on adjusted gross income, which is the amount of money you make in a year minus allowable deductions. The payment will not be taxed, lawmakers say.
To help you better understand how much money you may get, you can use the calculator below:
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Calculate Your Coronavirus Stimulus Payment
Source: Staff reports, NBC News
Credit: Nelson Hsu, Vince Lattanzio / NBC
These calculations are estimates based on the legislation as of Friday, Mar. 27, 2020 and information provided by you. They are subject to change.
