CARES Act 2020 (US)
Calculate your CARES Act Economic Impact Payment based on filing status, AGI, and dependents under 17. Estimate your stimulus check amount with phaseout calculations.
About This Calculator
The CARES Act 2020 Calculator (US) helps you estimate the Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) you were entitled to receive under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020. This $2.2 trillion relief package provided one-time direct payments to millions of Americans to help offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The stimulus payment calculation is based on your 2019 or 2018 tax return data. Eligible individuals received $1,200 ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly) plus $500 per qualifying dependent child under age 17. The payment phases out at a rate of 5% for adjusted gross income (AGI) above $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for head of household, and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly. The payment is completely phased out at $99,000 for single filers with no dependents, $146,500 for head of household, and $198,000 for married couples.
This calculator provides an estimate of the first-round stimulus payment only. It does not cover the second stimulus ($600 per person under the December 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act) or the third stimulus ($1,400 per person under the March 2021 American Rescue Plan). If you did not receive your full CARES Act payment, you may be eligible to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return.
Regional Notes
United States: The CARES Act is US-specific legislation. Eligibility required a valid Social Security number, and the payment was based on 2019 or 2018 AGI. Non-resident aliens and individuals claimed as dependents were ineligible. Social Security recipients and SSDI beneficiaries automatically qualified without filing a tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was the CARES Act stimulus payment per person?
The CARES Act provided $1,200 per eligible adult ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly) and $500 per qualifying dependent child under age 17. The payment phased out at a rate of 5% for incomes above $75,000 (single), $112,500 (head of household), or $150,000 (married filing jointly).
What was the income limit for the CARES Act stimulus check?
Single filers with AGI up to $75,000 received the full $1,200 payment, phasing out completely at $99,000. Married couples filing jointly with AGI up to $150,000 received the full $2,400, phasing out completely at $198,000. Head of household filers with AGI up to $112,500 received the full amount, phasing out at $146,500.
Who was eligible for the CARES Act stimulus payment?
US citizens and resident aliens with a valid Social Security number who could not be claimed as a dependent on another person's tax return were eligible. The payment was based on 2019 or 2018 tax returns. Non-resident aliens and individuals claimed as dependents were not eligible.
Was the CARES Act stimulus payment taxable?
No, the Economic Impact Payment was not considered taxable income. It was an advance credit against 2020 taxes and did not need to be reported as income on your tax return. If you did not receive the full amount you were entitled to, you could claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return.
How were the stimulus payments sent out?
The IRS sent payments via direct deposit for those who had provided banking information on their tax returns. Others received paper checks or prepaid debit cards in the mail. Most eligible individuals received their payments automatically without needing to take any action.
What was the phaseout formula for the CARES Act stimulus?
The stimulus payment was reduced by $5 for every $100 of income above the threshold ($75,000 single, $112,500 HOH, $150,000 MFJ). This 5% phaseout rate meant payments gradually decreased until completely phasing out at $99,000 for single filers with no dependents.
What other relief provisions were in the CARES Act?
Beyond stimulus payments, the CARES Act included a $600 per week federal unemployment boost (FPUC), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses, expanded unemployment benefits for gig workers (PUA), student loan payment forbearance, and an eviction moratorium.
How does the CARES Act differ from later stimulus bills?
The CARES Act (March 2020) was the first stimulus with $1,200 payments and $600 FPUC. The Consolidated Appropriations Act (December 2020) provided $600 payments and $300 FPUC. The American Rescue Plan (March 2021) provided $1,400 payments and expanded the child tax credit.