New immigrants and stimulus checks

[ProbeGT 43]

Obviously the COVID-19 stimulus bill isn't settled yet, but based on the preliminary information, would new immigrants (entered in 2020, no tax returns yet) get a stimulus check?

[Crazy Cat 39,218]

From what I have seen, eligibility centers around having filed taxes.  There is a possibility that you can claim the tax credit on 2020 tax returns. 

[Dashinka 23,238]

More than likely if you do not have a 2018 or 2019 tax record then no.

[ProbeGT 43]

1 hour ago, Lucky Cat said:

From what I have seen, eligibility centers around having filed taxes.  There is a possibility that you can claim the tax credit on 2020 tax returns. 

This is what I have heard as well.  I guess everything works out at the end (i.e., you get it now, or you get it later, assuming you are eligible)

[Ontarkie 13,915]

~~moved to the COvid-19 Forum, from Working and traveling - as this topic is being discussed here.~~

[Abcd1234 102]

So we are planning to file joint 2019 tax, wife entered in 2020. Would we be getting stimulus? Waiting on her ss card.

[Steeleballz 7,550]

1 hour ago, Abcd1234 said:

So we are planning to file joint 2019 tax, wife entered in 2020. Would we be getting stimulus? Waiting on her ss card.

 

     They can only use your 2019 return if it has been processed before the checks are issued. So probably not if you haven't filed yet. It will be based on whatever you filed in 2018.

 

     Anything you are eligible for but don't get now can be claimed as a credit on your 2020 return next year.

[ProbeGT 43]

On 3/27/2020 at 10:24 PM, Abcd1234 said:

So we are planning to file joint 2019 tax, wife entered in 2020. Would we be getting stimulus? Waiting on her ss card.

How can you file a joint 2019 tax return if your wife entered in 2020?

[geowrian 22,335]

3 minutes ago, ProbeGT said:

How can you file a joint 2019 tax return if your wife entered in 2020?

Presumably with an ITIN.

Edit: Or she has an SSN already. Then she would just use that.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/nonresident-alien-spouse

Edited March 30, 2020 by geowrian

[Crazy Cat 39,218]

6 hours ago, ProbeGT said:

How can you file a joint 2019 tax return if your wife entered in 2020?

Physical location is irrelevant.  

[Abcd1234 102]

On 3/28/2020 at 12:11 AM, Steeleballz said:

 

     They can only use your 2019 return if it has been processed before the checks are issued. So probably not if you haven't filed yet. It will be based on whatever you filed in 2018.

 

     Anything you are eligible for but don't get now can be claimed as a credit on your 2020 return next year.

So lets say she gets ss card in 2 weeks, next day we file taxes for 2019 jointly, but checks get issued a day before. Can we claim $1200 with 2020 tax returns,  would we be eligible for it?

[payxibka 10,044]

34 minutes ago, Abcd1234 said:

So lets say she gets ss card in 2 weeks, next day we file taxes for 2019 jointly, but checks get issued a day before. Can we claim $1200 with 2020 tax returns,  would we be eligible for it?

That appears to be how it will work

[Steeleballz 7,550]

8 hours ago, Abcd1234 said:

So lets say she gets ss card in 2 weeks, next day we file taxes for 2019 jointly, but checks get issued a day before. Can we claim $1200 with 2020 tax returns,  would we be eligible for it?

 

   Yes, if you file jointly in 2020 and meet all the eligibility requirements, whoever didn't get the check in advance would be able to claim it as a tax credit.