If you were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you may still be eligible for a stimulus check. The amount of the check will be reduced, but you will still receive some money. The IRS will use the information from your 2019 tax return to determine your eligibility. If you did not file a 2019 tax return, you can still file a simplified return to claim your stimulus check.
Dependent Status and Income Thresholds
If you were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, your eligibility for a stimulus check depends on your income and the income of the person who claimed you as a dependent.
Income Thresholds
| Filing Status | Income Threshold (Single) | Income Threshold (Married Filing Jointly) | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | N/A | 17 or younger |
| Single | $112,500 | N/A | Over 17 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 | $198,000 | Over 17 |
- If your income is below the threshold for your filing status and age, you may be eligible for a full or partial stimulus check, even if you were claimed as a dependent.
- If your income is above the threshold for your filing status and age, you will not be eligible for a stimulus check, regardless of whether you were claimed as a dependent.
Eligibility for Partial Payments
If you were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you may still be eligible for a partial stimulus payment. The amount of your payment will depend on your age, income, and the number of dependents you have. You may be eligible for:
- Up to $500 if you are under 18 as of December 31, 2021
- Up to $300 if you are 18 or older and not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- Up to $50 if you are 18 or older and claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
To determine if you are eligible for a partial payment, use the Interactive Eligibility Assistant on the IRS website. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. The assistant will then determine if you are eligible for a partial payment and provide you with instructions on how to claim it.
Income Limits
There are income limits that determine if you are eligible for a partial payment. The table below shows the income limits for 2021.
| Filing Status | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,000 |
| Married filing separately | $75,000 |
| Head of household | $125,000 |
Special Cases and Exceptions
Even if you were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you may still be eligible for a stimulus check under certain circumstances:
- You are a full-time student who can be claimed as a dependent but has qualifying income of your own.
- You are a qualifying child under age 19, even if you could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s taxes.
- You are a dependent of someone who is not a U.S. citizen or resident, and you meet all other eligibility requirements.
If you fall into one of these categories, you can claim your own stimulus check by filing a tax return. You will need to use the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return to claim the amount you are owed.
| Eligibility Criteria | Stimulus Check Amount |
|---|---|
| Full-time student with qualifying income | Up to $1,200 |
| Qualifying child under age 19 | $500 |
| Dependent of non-U.S. citizen or resident | Up to $1,200 |
Filing and Updates for Dependents
As a dependent, you may be eligible to receive a stimulus check even if you were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. Here are some important facts to keep in mind:
- If you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you will not be eligible for a stimulus check based on your own income.
- However, if you meet the other eligibility requirements, you may be able to receive a stimulus check based on the income of the person who claims you as a dependent.
- To receive a stimulus check based on the income of the person who claims you as a dependent, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have a valid Social Security number.
- You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or resident alien.
- You must not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You must have income below certain limits.
If you meet all of the above requirements, you can file a tax return to claim your stimulus check. You can use the IRS’s Non-Filer: Enter Payment Info Here tool to file your return. When you file your return, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name, address, and Social Security number
- The name, address, and Social Security number of the person who claims you as a dependent
- Your income
Once you have filed your return, the IRS will process your information and send you a stimulus check if you are eligible.
| Filing Status | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,000 |
| Married filing separately | $75,000 |
| Head of household | $112,500 |
Welp, folks, there you have it! Even if you’re chilling under someone else’s tax umbrella as a dependent, you might still have a shot at some stimulus cash. The government’s been working hard to get these checks out to people who need them, so if you think you qualify, go on and check out the IRS website or give them a call. And hey, thanks for hangin’ with me on this. Hope you found this useful! Feel free to come back and visit any time – I’ll be here with more money-related adventures. Peace out!