Does anyone know how the stimulus checks work for a stay at home mom?

Question

My husband and I received $1200 600 for him and 300 for each child. I was expecting to get some for me but didnt and I assumed it was because I am a stay at home mom. However my BIL got his check today and his was for 1200 and his wife stays at home and has no kids. We both filed married filing jointly. Why did she get money and I didnt and its basically the same situation? Im trying to find out answers before I call the IRS on Monday. Thanks

Answer 1

The stimulus payment is based on your net tax liability. It doesn't matter if one spouse has no income. For a married couple the payment can range between $600 and $1200 depending on how much tax was owed before withholding and after certain credits. This amount can be determined by looking at your tax return. On a 1040 form, you add lines 57 and 52; on a 1040A add lines 35 and 32.

If the amount is $600 or less, you get $600. If it's between $600 and $1200, you get the actual amount. If it's greater than $1200 you get $1200. Your net tax liability was apparently $600 or less.

Answer 2

The stimulus for your husband wasn't $600.  It was $300 and the other $300 was for you.

You and your husband simply paid less in taxes than your brother in law and his wife.  This could be due to lower income, higher deductions or more credits.

Answer 3

It has nothing to do with your being a stay at home mom.  The $600 was for the two of you together, and it was $600 and not the maximum $1200 because your tax liability for the year was $600 or less.  Apparently you BIL's tax liability was $1200 or over, so they got the maximum $1200.

Your stimulus payment is based on your net federal income tax for 2007. If your tax was between $600 and $1200 on your joint return, you get back everything you paid. If your tax was less than $600, you get an even better deal, and get $600, even MORE than you paid in. If you paid over $1200 though, your rebate is limited to $1200.

Your net income tax liability is one of the following depending on which form you filed:

· On Form 1040, the amount shown on Line 57 plus the amount on Line 52;

· On Form 1040A, the amount shown on Line 35 plus the amount on Line 32; or

· On Form 1040EZ, the amount on Line 10.