How can I claim the Recovery Rebate Credit with Expatfile?
The US government issued to each American taxpayer three stimulus checks to support them during the Corona pandemic. Due to mailing issues, lots of Americans abroad did not receive their checks.
If you still did not receive them, we have good news for you! You can still claim them in your 2021 and 2020 federal tax return. For this purpose, the IRS introduced the so-called Recovery Rebate Credit on Form 1040 specifically for tax year 2020 and 2021.
When you missed the first stimulus checks, you can claim the following refundable credit amounts:
- 1st check amounts to $1,200 (plus $500 per dependent).
- 2nd check amounts to $600 (plus $600 per dependent).
- 3rd check amounts to $1,400 (plus $1,400 per dependent).
The first two checks can be claimed through the 2020 tax return and the third check needs to be claimed through the 2021 tax return. Please note that the missed stimulus checks cannot be claimed indefinite. Please keep the following dates in mind, since after these dates you can no longer claim the Recovery Rebate Credit:
- To claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, just make sure you file your 2020 return by May 17, 2024.
- To claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, just make sure you file your 2021 return by April 15, 2025.
You can easily file your 2020 and 2021 return with Expatfile and reclaim your missing stimulus payments. Expatfile has integrated the questions on the Recovery Rebate Credit in the Credits & Payments section. You will be asked if you have received any stimulus payments so far and based on this answer, Expatfile will automatically calculate the Recovery Rebate Credit for you.
If you are ready to claim your missing stimulus payments, just log in and get started with your 2021 and 2021 tax return. If you need help or have questions, just reach out to our customer support.
For more information on recovering your stimulus checks, please check out the below articles:
Secure your missing stimulus checks as an American living abroad
Claiming your stimulus check on your 2020 tax return
Updated February 28, 2024