FAQ: What you need to know about the second stimulus check

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many families have been waiting months for a second stimulus check in hopes it will help get them through hard times caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Democrat-led House voted in favor of increasing stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000 Monday night, but Tuesday afternoon Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell blocked an initial vote on the measure.

Channel 9 knows you have questions about the second stimulus check regardless of the amount. Here are the answers to a few of them.

Q: What’s it based on?

A: Your 2019 tax return.

Q: How much is it?

A: Right now, you’d get $600. People who made more than $75,000 would get less. Children under 17 would get $600. So the most a family of four could get is $2,400.

President Trump demanded the checks be $2,000. The Democrat-led House voted in favor of that Monday night. Now, it’s up to the Republican-led Senate. The question is whether senators will support or break with the President.

Q: What if you didn’t have to file taxes in 2019?

A: You’re still eligible for a stimulus check. Fill out the IRS non-filer tool. If you already did for the first stimulus check, you don’t have to again.

Q: How will I get the money?

A: Most people would get direct deposit. After that, paper check. After that, debit card (so be careful: a lot of people reportedly threw theirs away thinking it was junk mail).

Q: Where will the IRS send the money?

A: The same place as the first stimulus check.

Q: Do I have to pay taxes on it?

A: No.

Q: When will the IRS start sending out the money?

A: Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said direct payments to Americans, which were signed into law by President Donald Trump on Sunday, could be deposited as soon as Tuesday night.

Q: Who doesn’t get a stimulus check?

A: A number of groups, including people who made a lot of money in 2019 and adult dependents.

Q: What if I owe taxes?

You still get a stimulus check (assuming you meet the other criteria).

Q: What if I still didn’t get my first stimulus check?

You may have to claim that on your 2020 tax return. More information here.

>> Have questions about the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the Carolinas? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak -- CLICK HERE FOR MORE.