COVID relief stimulus payments roll out fast

You may already have yours

March 16, 2021

On Wednesday, March 10, the American Rescue Plan was approved and sent to President Joe Biden. After voting for H.R. 1319, California Rep Jared Huffman said the legislation would provide vaccines, put kids back in school and money in people’s pockets. President Biden signed the bill the following day, sending a wave of stimulus payments to Americans.

“This is a historic week for our country. Californians have been struggling for over a year in the face of this once in a century pandemic and economic collapse,” Huffman said.  “Finally – after months of Republican obstruction and political gameplay – we have passed relief that actually meets the urgency of this moment and is on its way to be signed into law.”

According to Huffman’s Office, California will receive a total of $42.63 billion in federal assistance, with $16.02 billion allocated toward local governments and $26.07 billion allocated toward state government.

Trinity County is set to receive $2.38 million.

Stimulus, abbreviated

The rollout can be confusing when it comes to determining when you will get a check, how much it will be and what factors affected the amount you receive.

“Even though the tax season is in full swing, Internal Revenue Service employees again worked around the clock to quickly deliver help to millions of Americans struggling to cope with this historic pandemic,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “The payments will be delivered automatically to taxpayers even as the IRS continues delivering regular tax refunds. We urge people to visit IRS.gov for the latest details on the stimulus payments, other new tax law provisions and tax season updates.”

“For third-round stimulus payments, eligibility and amounts are based on either your 2019 or 2020 return,” according to Kiplinger. “If your 2020 tax return isn’t filed and processed by the IRS by the time the tax agency starts processing your third stimulus payment, then the IRS will use information from your 2019 tax return.”

Where you stand

To be eligible for the full $1,400 stimulus amount, one must make below $75,000 per year and jointly filing married couples need to make below $150,000.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trinity County workers’ wages averaged out to $810 per week, or $2,440 per month, totaling $29,280 per year. While other sources vary, it’s still safe to say many Trinity County workers will fall below the $75,000 per year threshold.  

Single filers making more than $75,000 a year will lose $280 for every $1,000 over that amount, phasing it out to nothing for those making above $80,000.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Thursday that many Americans will see a stimulus check directly deposited into their bank accounts as early as the weekend of March 13.

According to Kiplinger, the fact that the IRS has already gone through a check distribution process and has the bank information of millions more Americans, makes it no surprise that the first wave of checks got sent out only a few days after the President’s approval.

“This will speed up the payment process considerably,” according to a Kiplinger report on March 11. “That’s good news for Americans who have lost income because of the pandemic and desperately need the extra cash.” The report says it’s not yet certain how long it will take to issue and distribute all the checks, but it’s hoped it will happen in weeks, rather than months.

When and how much

A release sent out by the IRS said the first batch of payments will be sent by direct deposit, which some recipients will start receiving as early as this weekend, and with more receiving this coming week.

As with the first two Economic Impact Payments in 2020, most Americans will receive their money without having to take any action, according to the IRS.

“One big change with third stimulus checks is that an extra $1,400 will be tacked on to your payment for any dependent in the family,” Kiplinger reported. “For the first- and second-round payments, the additional amount allowed – $500 for first-round payments and $600 in the second round – was only given for dependent children age 16 or younger.” In previous stimulus checks, college student children over 16 did not qualify in most instances. According to the IRS, most families will get $1,400 per person, including all dependents claimed on their tax return. Typically, this means a single person with no dependents will get $1,400, while a family of four (married couple with two dependents) will get $5,600. 

“Additional batches of payments will be sent in the coming weeks by direct deposit and through the mail as a check or debit card,” the release states. “The vast majority of these payments will be by direct deposit.”

To calculate yours, go to https://a53.asmdc.org/federal-stimulus-calculator and remember, the payments are not to be taxed.  However, the third payment cannot be used to offset or pay various past-due federal debts or back taxes.  

To check the status of your payment, go to www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment or simply check your bank account.


By:  Trinity Journal Staff
Source: Trinity Journal