The Second Stimulus Check

When will I get my second stimulus check?

Soon! The IRS has already started sending out $600 payments. If the amount is later raised to $2,000, anyone who has already received a $600 second stimulus check will be sent another payment as quickly as possible for the additional amount they are owed. But, no matter what, the IRS needs to act quickly. That's because the stimulus law prevents the IRS from sending any second stimulus checks after January 15. If the IRS doesn't send you a second stimulus check by that date, you'll have to claim your money as a "recovery rebate" credit on your 2020 tax return. (The IRS is expected to start receiving tax returns in late January or early February.)

If the IRS already has your bank account information—either from a recent tax payment that you made or from a tax refund it sent you—then expect to get your second stimulus check faster. That's because the IRS will be able to directly deposit the payment into your bank account. The IRS can also make a second stimulus payment to a Direct Express debit card account, a U.S. Debit Card account, or other Treasury-sponsored account. Otherwise, you'll get a paper check in the mail.

How Much Will I Receive?

Right now, your second stimulus check will be for $600, plus $600 for each child age 16 or younger.