Coronavirus Stimulus Checks Start Coming Next Week: Experts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Many Americans will get a $1,200 stimulus check soon, part of a larger package aimed at floating the U.S. economy through the coronavirus crisis. Details have been unclear so far, but now experts are saying the IRS will start sending stimulus payments after Easter.

TurboTax accountant Lisa Greene-Lewis told USA Today on Friday that checks will hit bank accounts starting the week of April 13. Michigan U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee told media outlets in his home state the same: The first round of direct-deposit checks should come next week, followed by another round the week of April 20.

The quickest way to get a payment is to make sure the IRS has your direct deposit banking information on file, tax experts say. The IRS recommends filing 2019 tax returns as soon as possible to make sure the banking information is up to date. The federal tax deadline has been moved to July 15.

The IRS is expected to mail paper checks, but that may not happen until May, experts say.

The payments are part of the $2 trillion CARES Act passed by Congress last month. About 80 percent of Americans should get a check. The amount will be either $1,200 for individuals, or $2,400 for married couples — but the amount will be less for people who earn more.

According to the IRS, you'll get either $1,200 or $2,400 if you earn:

• Up to $75,000 as an individual
• $112,500 for head of household filers
• $150,000 for married couples filing jointly

You'll get a smaller stimulus check if you earn:

• Between $75,000 and $99,000 as an individual or married filing separately
• Between $112,500 and $136,500 for head of household
• $150,000 and $198,000 for married couples filing jointly

Find out more about the stimulus payments on the IRS website.