Who gave out stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a topic of interest for many Americans. These economic relief payments were designed to provide financial assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic-induced economic downturn. In this article, we will explore the entities responsible for distributing these checks and the process behind it.
The stimulus checks were authorized by the U.S. government through the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The responsibility for distributing the checks fell on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As the primary tax collection agency in the United States, the IRS was well-equipped to handle the massive task of identifying eligible recipients and sending out the funds.
To determine who was eligible for the stimulus checks, the IRS relied on information from previous tax returns. This meant that individuals who had filed taxes in 2018 or 2019, as well as those who were not required to file taxes, were considered eligible. For married couples filing jointly, the stimulus checks were $2,400, while eligible individuals received $1,200. Additionally, qualifying children under the age of 17 were entitled to a $500 payment each.
The IRS began distributing the first round of stimulus checks in April 2020. The agency used direct deposit information provided by taxpayers to send out the payments, and those who did not have direct deposit set up received paper checks by mail. To ensure the timely distribution of funds, the IRS set up a website where individuals could check the status of their stimulus check and provide updated banking information if necessary.
The process of distributing the stimulus checks was not without its challenges. Some individuals experienced delays in receiving their payments, while others did not receive the full amount they were entitled to. To address these issues, the IRS implemented a series of updates and corrections to their systems. They also worked with financial institutions to resolve any discrepancies in the payment amounts.
As the pandemic continued to unfold, the U.S. government authorized additional rounds of stimulus checks. The second round, known as the Economic Impact Payment, was distributed in December 2020, and the third round, the Recovery Rebate Credit, was included in tax returns filed in 2021. Each round of payments faced similar challenges in distribution, with the IRS working to improve the process and address any issues that arose.
In conclusion, the IRS was responsible for distributing the stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency utilized existing tax data to identify eligible recipients and sent out the funds either through direct deposit or paper checks. Despite the challenges, the IRS worked diligently to ensure that Americans received the financial relief they needed during these unprecedented times.
