More than 2.2 million Americans have received stimulus checks in the last six weeks, with payments totaling more than $4 billion, according to the IRS.
Payments tied to stimulus check 3, provided by the Biden administration's American Rescue Plan, have been rolling out in waves since mid-March. Initially, most payments went to those who were eligible for some or all of the $1,400 maximum and for whom the IRS had information on file.
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But these latest batches have gone to individuals and families who only recently filed tax returns or who qualified for so-called "plus-up" payments based on their most recent filings.
In the last six weeks, approximately 1.3 million people received their initial stimulus payments, while more than 900,000 taxpayers received plus-ups.
So far, the federal government has distributed more than 171 million checks totaling $400 billion as part of the American Rescue Plan. The IRS continues to urge people who don't normally file tax returns but who may be eligible for stimulus check 3 to submit a return as soon as possible.
If you haven't yet received your stimulus check or payment, the IRS has a web page dedicated to helping you find out where it is here, and we've got instructions on how to use that IRS "Get My Payment" page.
Child-tax-credit registration events
Filing a tax return may also help families qualify for the expanded child-tax credit, some of which is being paid out in advance.
The first round of cash went out last week (July 15), and families have until Aug. 2 to add or update their direct-deposit information or opt out of the advance payments in favor of receiving a larger credit when filing their 2021 income tax returns.
To help families file tax returns and get set up for the child-tax-credit payments, the IRS is hosting a handful of in-person events on July 23–24.
These events will take place in Birmingham, Alabama; the Bronx, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; Cleveland, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Newark, New Jersey; New Haven, Connecticut; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Paterson, New Jersey; Riverside, California; Seattle, Washington; and Tampa, Florida.
More information about event locations and hours can be found on the IRS website. Attendees will need to bring the following information to complete paperwork:
- Children's Social Security numbers
- Social Security numbers or Tax Identification Numbers for each adult (taxpayer and spouse)
- A reliable mailing address
- An email address
- Bank account information for direct deposit (optional)
