Question

My stimulus check was low, because it's based on last year's return. Can I get the rest by filing this year's return with a lower AGI?

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
April 16, 2020
1 reply
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I haven't filed my 2019 return yet, and I know my AGI is going to be much lower than my 2018 return. I want to know if and how I can get the remainder of the $1200 stimulus check after I file my 2019 tax return.

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Opus 17

Employee

Technically, the stimulus payment is an advance payment of a new tax credit that will be on the 2020 tax return. When you file your 2020 tax return, the stimulus payment will be recalculated. If you received less now then the calculation next year, the difference will be added to your refund. If you are overpaid now compared to the end of 2020 calculation, you will not have to re-pay the extra.

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englishlion23Author

Thank you for the response. I just want to make sure I am understanding you. Are you saying that once I file my taxes for this year (my 2019 tax return) my refund will be increased by the difference of the full $1200 and what I already received?

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Opus 17

Employee

No, the payment will be recalculated on your 2020 tax return, which you will file between January and April next year. That is when you would receive any extra you are owed if you were underpaid this year. It would be part of your overall refund that you will claim when you file next year’s tax return.