Economic Impact (Stimulus) Payments

As part of the CARES Act in March 2020, the Federal Government began providing Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Payments) directly to eligible Americans to assist during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Additionally, in December 2020 Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which provides for a new round of payments to eligible Americans.

For most taxpayers, payments are automatic and no further action is needed. This includes taxpayers who filed tax returns in 2018 or 2019, and most seniors and retirees. To learn more about eligibility for the new legislation, your best resource is IRS.gov/coronavirus which will be updated with relevant information as it becomes available.

Under the CARES Act:

• Eligible individuals will receive up to $1,200.
• Eligible married couples will receive up to $2,400.
• Eligible individuals will receive up to $500 for each qualifying child.

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021:

• Eligible individuals will receive up to $600.
• Eligible married couples will receive up to $1,200.
• Eligible dependents will also receive up to $600.

Generally, if you have adjusted gross income for 2019 up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns and surviving spouses, you will receive the full amount of the second payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced.

You may be eligible to receive a payment if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien.
• Cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return (for payments under the CARES Act only).
• Have a Social Security number (SSN) that is valid for employment (valid SSN).
• Exception: If either spouse is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year, then only one spouse needs to have a valid SSN.
• Have adjusted gross income below an amount based on your filing status and the number of your qualifying children.

To learn more about eligibility visit: IRS.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions

No additional action is needed by taxpayers who:

• Have already filed their tax returns this year for 2019. The IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount.
• Haven’t filed yet for 2019 but filed a 2018 federal tax return. For these taxpayers the IRS will use their information from 2018 tax filings to make the Economic Impact Payment calculations.
• Social Security and Railroad Retirement recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return do not need to take further action.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients are also part of this group who don't need to take any further action.

For questions surrounding eligibility and actions to receive a payment, visit IRS.gov/coronavirus, which will be updated with relevant information on the new legislation as it becomes available.

Your bank account and deposit information for your Economic Impact Payment is usually captured from:

• The most recently filed tax return if you received a refund by direct deposit in 2018 or 2019
• If your payment has not yet been processed by the IRS, you can update your direct deposit information at the Get My Payment.

Unfortunately, Umpqua Bank Associates do not have additional details on the status of your Economic Impact Payment. Visit IRS.gov/coronavirus to learn more.

As this is an IRS program, Umpqua Bank has no way of knowing when customers will receive their payments. For more information on your payment status, visit irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.

You can check the status of your payment if eligible on the IRS website. This site is updated daily and is your best resource on payment specific questions.

The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money. Remember, the IRS will not call, text, email or contact you on social media asking for personal or bank account information. Also, watch out for emails with attachments or links claiming to have special information about economic impact payments or refunds.