AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE STIMULUS PAYMENT IF I AM LIVING ABROAD?

With clients around the world, we have had many questions about how the recent Economic Stimulus Payments might apply to those clients who are not currently living in the US and those who are not US citizens. We have put together the answers to some of the most common questions: 

Q: As a US Citizen living abroad, am I entitled to an Economic Stimulus Payment? 

A: Yes, U.S. citizens living outside the country are eligible for the Payment. Anyone eligible to file Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR is an eligible person if they have a valid SSN and can’t be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer. Nonresident aliens who file or would file Form 1040-NR or Form 1040-NR-EZ are not eligible for the Payment.

Q: If I live in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Marina Islands, will I get a payment if I am eligible?

A: In many cases, the answer is yes. But special rules in the law apply to these five U.S. territories (possessions). In general, the tax authorities in each territory will make Payments to eligible residents. People in these territories with questions about the Payment should contact their local tax authority.

Q: Will I get the Payment if I am not a US Citizen, US permanent resident, or a resident of the territories above? 

A: U.S. resident aliens with a valid SSN are eligible for the Payment if they can’t be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer. If you are eligible to file Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR like U.S. citizens for 2019, including by filing a joint federal tax return with a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien spouse, file Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR with the IRS for 2019 even if your income isn’t enough to require you to file a tax return. You don’t need to take any action if you already filed a Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR for 2019 or 2018.

If you are considered a U.S. resident alien for 2020 but not for 2019, you can claim the Payment when you file Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR with the IRS for tax year 2020.

If you are considered a U.S. resident alien for 2019 but not for 2020, you won’t be required to repay the Payment we paid in 2020 based on your Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR for tax year 2019.

More information on the Economic Stimulus Payment can be found on the IRS website.

If you have questions about which form you file or your specific eligibility for this payment, our office is happy to help.