Third Stimulus Check Calculator
See how much your third stimulus check should have been using this handy tool.
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Newsletter sign up Newsletter

In March 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act, which authorized a third round of federal stimulus checks worth up to $1,400 for each eligible person ($2,800 for couples), plus an additional amount of up to $1,400 for each dependent. The IRS issued all the third-round stimulus checks by the end of 2021, but eligible people who didn't receive a check last year can still get stimulus money by filing a 2021 tax return now and claiming the recovery rebate credit. (And some Americans will also get a state "stimulus check" this year.)
However, not everyone who is eligible for a third stimulus check got the full amount (or will get the full amount through the recovery rebate credit). As with the first- and second-round payments, the third-round stimulus checks were reduced – or eliminated – for people with an income above a certain amount.
To see how large your third stimulus payment should have been, answer the three questions in the calculator below and we'll give you a customized estimate.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Different Phase-Out Rate
Although the income levels at which third stimulus checks started to phase out (i.e., be reduced) were the same as the amounts used for the first two stimulus payments, the rate at which the phase-out occurred was different. As a result, you may not have gotten a third stimulus check even if you received payments in one or both of the first two rounds.
More Money for Certain Families
One big change with third stimulus checks was that an extra $1,400 was tacked on to your payment for any dependent in the family. For the first- and second-round payments, the additional amount allowed – $500 for first-round payments and $600 in the second round – was only given for dependent children age 16 or younger. As a result, families with older children, including college students age 23 or younger, or with elderly parents living with them, didn't get the extra money added to their previous stimulus payments. That's not the case for third-round stimulus checks.
Amount Based on 2019 or 2020 Tax Return
For third-round stimulus payments, eligibility and amounts were based on either your 2019 or 2020 return. If your 2020 tax return wasn't filed and processed by the IRS by the time the tax agency started processing your third stimulus payment, then the IRS used information from your 2019 tax return. If your 2020 return was already filed and processed when the IRS was ready to send your payment, then your stimulus check eligibility and amount was based on the information on your 2020 return. If your 2020 return was filed and/or processed after the IRS sent you a third stimulus check, but before December 1, 2021, the IRS sent you a second "plus-up" payment for the difference between what your payment should have been if based on your 2020 return and the payment actually sent based on your 2019 return. As a result, your third stimulus check may have been higher or lower depending on when you filed your 2020 tax return.
State Stimulus Checks in 2022
As mentioned earlier, many states are sending payments to their residents in 2022 to help with high inflation and other economic woes. For the most part, these payments come from a budget surplus or federal COVID-relief funds. To see if your state is sending (or has sent) a payment this year, see States Sending Stimulus Checks.
Rocky was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023. He has more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, he worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky has a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
-
How to Protect Your Cash and Investments in a Banking Crisis
A focus on FDIC insurance and Treasury-only money market or bond fund options can help safeguard investments when a banking crisis threatens.
By Peter Newman, CFA • Published
-
Maximize Charitable Giving Tax Savings and Give All Year
Thinking of December as ‘contribution season,’ paired with using tax-savvy giving tools, can help you spread the generosity all year long.
By Mark Froehlich, CPA, MBA • Published
-
Why This Tax Filing Season Could Be Ugly
Coronavirus and Your Money National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins warns the agency will continue to struggle with tight budgets and backlogs. Her advice: File electronically!
By Sandra Block • Published
-
Final Child Tax Credit Payment Opt-Out Deadline is November 29
Tax Breaks The due date for opting out of the December 15 monthly child credit payments is almost here. Missing the deadline could cost you in the long run.
By Rocky Mengle • Published
-
Child Tax Credit Payment Deadline: Get Up to $1,800 Per Child If You Act Today
Tax Breaks There's only a few hours left for people who normally don't need to file a tax return to sign up for an advance child tax credit payment.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated
-
Child Tax Credit 2022: How Next Year's Credit Could Be Different
Tax Breaks President Biden wants to extend the enhancements made to the 2021 child tax credit – but with some important differences.
By Rocky Mengle • Published
-
Your Final Child Tax Credit Payment Can Be Adjusted for Income Changes (But There's a Deadline)
Tax Breaks If your income has gone up or down this year, consider adjusting your final monthly child tax credit payment. But you need to act soon.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated
-
COVID-19 Home Test Kits and PPE are Tax Deductible
Tax Breaks You can also pay for home testing kits and personal protective equipment with FSA and HSA funds.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated
-
I Have Shared Custody of My Child: Should I Get Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments?
Tax Breaks Which parent receives monthly child tax credit payments depends on your most recent tax return. Plus, some parents who are receiving payments should opt-out of them.
By Rocky Mengle • Published
-
How to Change Your Address for Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments
Tax Breaks If you're receiving paper checks in the mail for your child tax credit payment, you can use the IRS's online portal to update your address.
By Rocky Mengle • Last updated