Are you a citizen of the US living abroad and wondering if you’re eligible for the second set of stimulus checks? Negotiations are in the process regarding a second stimulus check but several eligibility criteria play a role in receiving the economic package. Keep reading to clear any doubts about the second stimulus check based on where you live, tax filings, and other factors.
Eligibility for Stimulus Checks: A US Citizen Living Outside the Country
If you’re a US citizen residing outside the country, most likely you have received the first stimulus check and qualify for the second one when the bill passes. The amount allotted for filers who are single is $1200, for married couples is $2400 and $500 for dependents who qualify. If you’re dependent on somebody else’s taxes, you’re ineligible for the stimulus checks.
US citizens living outside who filed tax return 1040 or 1040-SR in 2018-2019 probably got their stimulus checks deposited in their accounts by the IRS or were mailed.
Stimulus Check Eligibility for US Territory Residents
The US territory comprises the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa. If you reside in any of these places, probably you have received your first check. Note here that the checks were distributed by the local tax heads and not IRS. So if you’re missing your payment, contact the local tax officials immediately.
Is it Mandatory That You have to be a US citizen for Receiving Stimulus Checks?
People living and working in the US having a Social Security number were qualified for receiving the stimulus checks, irrespective of not being a citizen. This includes all those people referred to as ‘resident aliens’ by IRS, workers having H-2A and H-1B and H-2A visas; and green card holders.
In case your citizenship changed after you acquired your first social security number, update the records of the IRS. You are eligible for the aid through their online nonfilers tool.
The citizens of the US who lived outside the country also received the first set of stimulus checks.
Stimulus Check Eligibility Without a Social Security Number
An individual without a social security number was not qualified for the first set and will not be qualified for the second set of stimulus checks. Filing a tax return without having a social security number is of no help.
What Happens When Your Spouse is a Non-resident Alien?
Three points come into play here. You are a Social Security number holder, you have filed taxes together but your spouse is a non-resident alien. In that case, you’re not eligible for stimulus checks.
Try filing your taxes for 2020 separately to qualify for the economic aid.
What Happens if You Live in Freely Associated States?
The Freely Associated States include the Republic of the Marshall Islands or the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. In case you are a resident or citizen of such places, most likely you’re not eligible for a stimulus check.
