The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been authorized to distribute stimulus checks to eligible individuals and families as part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These checks are intended to provide financial relief during this challenging time. However, some individuals may be concerned about whether the IRS will offset their stimulus checks against any outstanding tax debts they may have. This article will provide an overview of the IRS’s policies regarding stimulus checks and tax debts, and will answer the question of whether the IRS can take your stimulus check.
IRS Policy on Stimulus Checks and Tax Debts
In general, the IRS will not offset your stimulus check against any outstanding tax debts you may have. This means that you will receive the full amount of your stimulus check, even if you owe taxes to the IRS. However, there is one exception to this rule: if you have past-due child support payments, the IRS may offset your stimulus check to cover those payments.
What to Do if You Owe Taxes
If you owe taxes to the IRS, you should take steps to resolve your debt as soon as possible. You can do this by making a payment plan with the IRS or by applying for an Offer in Compromise. If you do not resolve your tax debt, the IRS may eventually take collection action against you, which could include seizing your assets or garnishing your wages.
How to Get Your Stimulus Check
If you are eligible for a stimulus check, you will receive it automatically. The IRS will send your check to the address on file with them. If you have not received your check within 21 days of the IRS mailing it, you can track the status of your payment on the IRS website.
The IRS will not offset your stimulus check against any outstanding tax debts you may have, except for past-due child support payments. If you owe taxes to the IRS, you should take steps to resolve your debt as soon as possible. You can do this by making a payment plan with the IRS or by applying for an Offer in Compromise. If you do not resolve your tax debt, the IRS may eventually take collection action against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the IRS take my stimulus check if I owe taxes?
No, the IRS will not offset your stimulus check against any outstanding tax debts you may have, except for past-due child support payments.
- What should I do if I owe taxes to the IRS?
You should take steps to resolve your debt as soon as possible. You can do this by making a payment plan with the IRS or by applying for an Offer in Compromise.
- How can I get my stimulus check?
You will receive your stimulus check automatically. The IRS will send your check to the address on file with them. If you have not received your check within 21 days of the IRS mailing it, you can track the status of your payment on the IRS website.
Additional Information
Can the IRS Take Your Stimulus Check if You Owe Back Taxes?
FAQ
Can IRS take your stimulus check?
Can your stimulus check be garnished?
Do we have to pay back stimulus?
How does the IRS know where to send my stimulus check?
What if I miss a stimulus payment?
The IRS has issued all first, second and third Economic Impact Payments. Most eligible people already received their Economic Impact Payments. People who are missing stimulus payments should review the information on the Recovery Rebate Credit page to determine their eligibility to claim the credit for tax year 2020 or 2021.
Can I file a tax return if I don’t receive stimulus payments?
The IRS urges people who don’t normally file a tax return and haven’t received any stimulus payments to look into their filing options. The IRS will continue reaching out to non-filers so that as many eligible people as possible receive the stimulus payments they’re entitled to.
Did the IRS send a third-round stimulus check?
The IRS started sending third stimulus check payments in batches shortly after President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act on March 11. And, so far, the tax agency has sent over 150 million payments. But many Americans — especially those who haven’t received a check yet — still have a lot of questions about the third-round stimulus checks.
Can the IRS make a third stimulus payment?
That’s because the IRS will be able to directly deposit the payment into your bank account. The IRS can also make a third 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.