As the second half of 2023 unfolds, direct payments are increasingly rare, though some U.S. citizens may still receive additional funds later in the year. Over a year has elapsed since the U.S. government deployed stimulus checks to aid those affected by the COVID-19 crisis and rampant inflation. Subsequently, people have looked to states for financial assistance through a variety of means, including rebates, loans, tax refunds, and one-time disbursements.
Thus far, residents in states such as Alaska, California, Georgia, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Pennsylvania have received stimulus check payments during the summer. But as August begins, and most of the funds have been distributed, only Montana has remaining money to disburse to its inhabitants.
Eligibility, Application Process for this stimulus check
Montana’s legislature directed $899 million earlier this year toward income and property tax rebates, in the form of stimulus checks. While income rebates have mostly been issued, $280 million earmarked for homeowners is still in the process of distribution. Montana’s property owners may qualify for up to $675 annually for 2022 and 2023 property taxes on their primary residence, defined as a dwelling owned and inhabited for at least seven continuous months.
Eligibility extends to those relocating within the year, as long as the seven-month criterion is met.
To claim the property tax rebate, homeowners must apply through the Montana Department of Revenue’s online TransAction Portal or by mail. The department will commence accepting 2022 tax rebate applications on August 15, 2023, with an October 1, 2023, deadline. Separate submissions will be required for the 2023 rebate in the following calendar year.
Expect two mailings concerning the 2022 rebates, in June and August, states the department’s website. June will bring a postcard to 2022 residential property owners about the rebate. In August, those who owned residential property in 2022 will receive a notice detailing eligibility and claiming instructions.
Other Stimulus Checks you could claim if you live in these US states
The series of stimulus check mailings continues in the United States, and eligible residents of Alaska, New Mexico and Minnesota can claim them if they meet the eligibility criteria. But, what are these requirements? The opportunity for qualifying residents to claim their stimulus checks is still available, even if the application deadline has passed in some states.
In New Mexico, the Department of Taxation and Revenue has already distributed thousands of stimulus checks. These checks have a maximum value of $1,000 for couples who filed their taxes jointly. For individual taxpayers, the refund amount reaches $500. Eligible residents have until May 31, 2024, to claim their refund. To qualify, individuals must file their 2021 income tax return and demonstrate that they haven’t been claimed as dependents by another taxpayer.
Residents of Minnesota who meet the criteria will be eligible for stimulus refund checks of up to $780. The state has established a secure online portal that allows eligible residents to update their banking information. The check amounts will vary depending on the number of dependents, with each dependent contributing an additional $260 to the total. Couples with an adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less will receive $520, while taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will receive $260.
With respect to Alaska, qualifying residents may receive $3,284 checks through the 2022 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend. Even though the distribution started in March, 2023, those who have not yet received their payment can contact the official Dividend portal for further assistance and claim their money.
Those wise enough to choose the digital route and find themselves on the eligible payment list before the cherished date of September 22 will have every reason to smile, as their eagerly awaited dividend checks shall grace their hands on the forthcoming October 5.
Watch out: Don’t get scammed by fraudsters
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has alerted citizens to be cautious of fraudulent stimulus check schemes that purport to involve new rounds of federal payments. “This summer, scams impersonating the IRS have been targeting taxpayers aggressively,” noted IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel earlier this month. “Despite the inundation of these deceitful emails and texts, we urge people to remain vigilant against these harmful ploys.”
Those receiving messages purporting to be from the IRS and requesting personal information should not respond, open attachments, or click links. Instead, they should forward or screenshot the message to [email protected] for deletion. Reports of scams can also be made to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.