American Rescue Plan Stimulus Calculator (US)
Calculate your estimated American Rescue Plan stimulus payment for 2021. Enter filing status, income, and dependents to determine eligibility for $1,400 per person stimulus with phaseout analysis and charts.
About This Calculator
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package signed into law on March 11, 2021. It authorized a third round of Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) of up to $1,400 per eligible individual, plus $1,400 per dependent of any age. This calculator helps you estimate your stimulus payment based on your filing status, adjusted gross income (AGI), and number of dependents.
The stimulus payment calculation follows these rules: single filers receive $1,400, heads of household receive $1,400, and married couples filing jointly receive $2,800. Each dependent of any age adds another $1,400 with no cap. Payments phase out above income thresholds: $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for heads of household, and $150,000 for married couples. Unlike the CARES Act's 5% reduction per dollar, the ARP uses a proportional phaseout where the payment is reduced linearly between the threshold and complete phaseout at $80,000 (single), $120,000 (head of household), or $160,000 (married). At the upper limit, the payment reaches $0 regardless of dependents.
Who should use this calculator?
Taxpayers who want to verify their stimulus payment amount, families determining their total household benefit, and anyone who received a reduced payment and wants to understand the phaseout calculation. The payments were advance payments of the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return and are not taxable income. Most eligible Americans received payments automatically based on their 2019 or 2020 tax return via direct deposit, paper check, or Economic Impact Payment card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was the 2021 stimulus payment under the American Rescue Plan?
The American Rescue Plan authorized $1,400 per eligible individual and $1,400 per dependent of any age. A married couple with two children could receive up to $5,600 total. Payments phase out at higher income levels with complete phaseout at $80,000 for single filers, $120,000 for heads of household, and $160,000 for married couples.
Who qualified for the full $1,400 stimulus payment?
Single filers with AGI up to $75,000, heads of household with AGI up to $112,500, and married couples filing jointly with AGI up to $150,000 qualified for the full payment. Above these thresholds, the payment is gradually reduced and completely phases out at the upper income limits regardless of household size.
How does the American Rescue Plan stimulus phaseout work?
The ARP uses a proportional phaseout between two income limits. For example, a single filer's payment starts reducing at $75,000 and reaches $0 at $80,000. If your income is $77,500 (halfway through the phaseout range), your payment is reduced by 50%. The same proportional method applies to heads of household ($112,500 to $120,000) and married couples ($150,000 to $160,000).
Were dependents of any age included?
Yes, the American Rescue Plan included all dependents of any age claimed on your tax return, including children under 17, college students up to age 24, and elderly dependents. This was a change from earlier stimulus rounds that limited dependent payments to children under 17.
Was the stimulus payment taxable?
No, stimulus payments under the American Rescue Plan were not taxable income. They were advance payments of a 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit on your federal tax return. You do not need to report the stimulus payment as income and it does not affect your tax refund or tax owed.
How is the ARP different from the CARES Act phaseout?
The CARES Act (first stimulus) used a 5% reduction rate where your payment decreased by $5 for every $100 above the threshold. The American Rescue Plan uses a proportional phaseout between two fixed income limits. Under the ARP, a single filer earning $80,000 receives $0 regardless of dependents, whereas under the CARES Act they would still receive a partial payment.
How do I receive my stimulus payment?
Payments were sent automatically based on your 2019 or 2020 tax return. If the IRS had your direct deposit information, the payment was deposited directly into your bank account. Otherwise, you received a paper check or a prepaid Economic Impact Payment card in the mail. If you didn't receive your full payment, you could claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.
What if I didn't file taxes or don't have a Social Security number?
Most U.S. citizens and resident aliens with a Social Security number were eligible. If you didn't file taxes but receive Social Security benefits, SSDI, SSI, or VA benefits, the IRS used information from those agencies to send your payment automatically. Nonresident aliens and individuals without a valid SSN generally did not qualify for stimulus payments.