State Stimulus Checks Are Still Being Sent Out By These States
In 2020, stimulus checks became a lifeline for many Americans as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the job market and household budgets. While most pandemic-related financial aid has since ended, several states continue to distribute stimulus-style payments in various forms, such as property or income tax rebates. This financial support is made possible by surpluses in state budgets, which were bolstered by federal pandemic relief funds. Here are five states where residents may still receive these payments.
Idaho
Idaho is planning to disburse approximately 800,000 rebates, totaling up to $500 million by the end of the year. The Special Session Rebate checks vary in amount, with $300 for individual tax filers and $600 for families who file jointly. Eligibility is open to anyone who resided in the state throughout 2020 and 2021. Residents awaiting their payments can track them at tax.idaho.gov/rebate.
Illinois
Around six million Illinois residents were designated to receive income and property tax rebates. The payments began in September of the previous year, with the property tax rebate capped at $300 and the income tax rebate at $50 for single filers, while couples who file jointly can receive up to $100. Families with dependents are eligible for rebates of up to $300. It may take several months for all recipients to receive their checks.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts lawmakers announced that approximately 3 million taxpayers would be granted about $2.9 billion in tax rebates, equating to roughly 13% of a resident’s 2021 state income. Payments, known as “Chapter 62F,” started to reach residents in October. Those who have not yet received their payments have until September 15 to file their 2021 state taxes to qualify for the rebates.
Montana
Governor Greg Gianforte announced that Montana homeowners will receive property tax rebate checks of up to $1,350 over the next two years. To be eligible, individuals must have lived in or owned a Montana residence for at least seven months in the previous year and paid property taxes on that property. The application process for these rebates began on August 15, and claims must be filed by October 1.
New Mexico
In New Mexico, around 26,000 low-income residents began receiving “economic relief” payments of $500 or $1,000 as part of a $15 million effort to distribute state surplus funds. These stimulus payments have already been issued. Additionally, the state sent separate income tax rebates of $500 or $1,000 to almost 1 million residents who filed a tax return in 2021. The deadline for residents who haven’t filed a 2021 tax return to do so in order to receive the rebate check is May 31, 2024.
Conclusion
As the pandemic’s economic impact continues to linger, several states have taken the initiative to provide financial relief to their residents through stimulus-style payments, often in the form of tax rebates. These measures have been made possible due to state budget surpluses resulting from federal pandemic relief funds. This ongoing support offers a financial lifeline to those in need, reflecting the commitment of these states to help their citizens weather the ongoing economic challenges.