Stimulus check US: Married couples filing jointly will receive $2,400
The IRS uses information from your most recent tax return to determine whether you're eligible so your tax filing status will affect how much you receive.
On 27 March President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act into law and as of mid-April the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has sent approximately 90% of the total amount of the first round of stimulus checks to millions of Americans who need financial support during the coronavirus pandemic.
Married couples filing jointly are eligible to receive a combined payment of $2,400 and if they have dependent children under the age of 17 listed on their tax return, then they will receive an extra $500 per child, up to a maximum of three.
That said two single people or married couples filing separately can receive $1,200 each. However, marital status can play a role when it comes to whether you receive the full amount you’re eligible to collect, because there are different income limits based on your marital status.
IRS sets CARES Act income criteria
The IRS has stated that the combined income for married couples filing jointly has to be less than $150,000 per year in order to get the full stimulus payment of $2,400. If combined annual income exceeds $198,000 then a couple will not qualify for the CARES Act and the only stimulus payment they are eligible for is the $500 for children under 17.
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