How to prepare my 2020 tax return -by hand- to claim my 1st and 2nd stimulus before the May 17 deadline?

Please Note: these instructions are meant for individuals who are filing a 2020 return only to receive the first two stimulus payments. Please do not follow these instructions if you are required to report income on your 2020 tax return.

General Guidelines: 

- Your 2020 return must be postmarked by May 17, 2024 to be considered filed on time.
- To file your 2020 return you must fill out Form 1040, sign it, and mail it to the IRS - it cannot be e-filed. Access the Form 1040 here. 

You can either:
- Fill out the 1040 PDF online, then print it -OR-
- Print the 1040 and fill it out by hand

How to fill out the 1040 form: The numbered steps below are a list of instructions. The numbers do not correspond to lines on the 1040 form.

** Note - If an entry is not mentioned then you are not required to fill it out.

1. Check the box next to the Filing Status that applies to you.

2. Fill out your personal information including your name, social security number, and mailing address. If you are filing with your spouse make sure to include their information as well.

3. Check YES or NO for the question about virtual currency.

4. Age/Blindness  - Check the appropriate boxes if you/your spouse were born before 1/2/1956 or are blind.

5. Dependents - Fill out the first name, last name, social security number, and relationship to you (e.g., Son, daughter, etc) for each dependent you are claiming for 2020. Leave the check boxes blank for child tax credit and credit for other dependents. 

6. On Line 12, enter the Standard Deduction for your filing status using the information below. If you checked any of the boxes for Age/Blindness (step 4 above), use the chart on page four of the following link to determine your standard deduction.

Single or Married Filing Separately - Enter 12400; Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Widow(er) - Enter 24800; Head of Household - Enter 18650

7. Enter the same number from Line 12 on Line 14.

8. Enter 0 on Line 15 - Taxable Income. 

9. Enter 0 on Line 22, Line 23, and Line 24.

10. Line 30 - Recovery Rebate Credit - this is where you will enter the amount of stimulus payment you are owed.

Read below for how to calculate the credit:

The first stimulus is worth 1200 for the primary filer and 1200 for the spouse. In addition, it is worth 500 for each qualifying child under age 17 claimed on the return. 

For example, if you file Married Filing Jointly and claim one qualifying child, your credit would be 1200 + 1200 + 500 = 2900 total.

The second stimulus is worth 600 for the primary filer, 600 for the spouse, and 600 for each qualifying child under age 17 claimed on the return. 
For example, if you file Married Filing Jointly and claim one qualifying child, your credit would be 600 + 600 + 600 = 1800 total.

11. Once you have calculated your total for BOTH stimulus payments, you must reduce the total by any stimulus payment you already received from the IRS. To determine how much you already received, sign in to your IRS account here.

12. Add together the total for both stimulus payments, then subtract any amount already received. The remainder is the credit you are owed. Enter this number on Line 30. For a detailed breakdown of how to calculate your credit refer to the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet on page 59 in this PDF. 

13. Enter the same number from Line 30 on Line 33, Line 34, and Line 35.

14. If you want to receive your refund as a direct deposit enter the Routing Number, Account Number and check the account type (checking or savings).

15. If you want a check in the mail do not add bank account information - the IRS will mail your check to the address written in the personal information section.

16. Third Party Designee - If YES, complete the entries in the section. If NO check the box and move on to the next section.

17. Sign Here - Make sure to Sign and Date your return. THE IRS WILL NOT ACCEPT IT WITHOUT SIGNATURE. If the IRS issued you an Identity Protection PIN (IP-PIN) enter it in the box to the right. If you are filing jointly your spouse must also sign the return. 

18. You do not need to fill out any other sections.

19. Mail the return (page 1 and 2 of Form 1040) to the IRS. Refer to the this link to find the correct mailing address based on your state.