The latest government stimulus check rules also changed the income requirements, which affects how much higher earners can get. The government lowered the income limit, so fewer people are eligible to collect the maximum stimulus amount. The following groups meet the requirements for the stimulus check:

Single tax filers who had an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $87,000 in 2019. Heads of households who had an AGI of less than $124,500 in 2019. Married couples filing jointly who collectively earned less than $174,000 in 2019.

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Who Meets Requirements for the Stimulus Check Payout?

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However, they will not receive the full $600 or $1,200 payment. They will get a reduced amount that directly reflects how much they earned and how many children younger than 17 years old they claimed as dependents. 

Eligibility for the stimulus check’s maximum amount requires taxpayers to have earned less than:

  • $75,000 if single tax filers.
  • $112,500 if heads of households.
  • $150,000 if filing jointly.

To qualify for the additional fund for dependents younger than 17, parents must have claimed them on their 2019 taxes. Parents will not receive additional funds for children older than 16, even if they claimed them as dependents.

Along with income eligibility for the stimulus check, you must meet the basic requirements. The IRS will not send payments to you if you:

  • Earned more than the income limit.
  • Do not have a Social Security number. 
  • Are a nonresident alien.
  • Are a dependent who is older than 16.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for the stimulus check but have not received one, you can claim what you are owed. 

First round maximum income requirements:

  • Single tax filers can earn up to $99,000
  • Heads of households can have incomes up to $136,500
  • Married couples filing jointly can make up to $198,000

Second round maximum income requirements:

  • Single tax filers can earn up to $87,000
  • Heads of households can have incomes up to $124,500
  • Married couples filing jointly can make up to $174,000

Third round maximum income requirements:

– Single tax filers can earn up to $80,000

– Heads of households can have incomes up to $120,000

– Married couples filing jointly can make up to $160,000

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