A very recurring question related to stimulus checks in the United States is whether or not to collect them if the person lives in another country. Is it legally possible to obtain this financial aid if I am an American but reside abroad? Well, the answer is yes.
The fact of residing in another country does not have a negative impact or exclude you from your rights as an American citizen. In fact, the stage of the Covid-19 pandemic was a clear example of eligibility for these types of stimulus checks. Then, people who met the requirements requested their financial relief and received it in whatever country they were in. Even if you are in a similar case, you still have time to request your direct payment.
Remember that between 2020 and 2021, there were three stimulus checks. Financial aid totaled $3,400.00 USD per individual and up to $2,500.00 USD for each eligible child. Eligibility depended on your income and other factors. However, the programs were available to living Americans, both inside and outside the country.
How to claim payments?
It is very easy to do it. Essentially, to claim all three, you only have to file your 2020 and 2021 tax returns. Katelyn Minott, executive director of taxes, commented on the subject. “The IRS generally gives individuals up to three years to file the relevant returns for which the claim is being made.”
To receive the stimulus checks, taxpayers have until June 15, 2024, as the estimated date, to submit their returns. To file the 2020 federal tax return and, thereby, claim the first and second direct payments, the deadline would be May 17, 2024. Meanwhile, for the third stimulus check, you would have until April 18, 2024. 2025 to file your 2021 federal tax return.
