Stimulus checks3 are still being distributed in weekly batches, and the IRS sent more than 1.8 million checks totaling more than $3.5 billion between May 19 and May 26.

These latest two batches include approximately 900,000 checks sent to individuals whose 2020 tax returns have been processed, although the IRS did not previously have sufficient information to determine eligibility for the stimulus package.

The remaining 900,000 are "plus-ups," i.e., additional funds distributed to taxpayers who have already received stimulus checks3 but are eligible to receive more based on recently filed tax returns.

Since the passage of the Biden Administration's American Rescue Plan in early March, over $391 billion in stimulus funds have been awarded to 167 million individuals and families.

Although the official May 17 filing deadline has passed, the IRS continues to process returns and distribute relief checks to eligible Americans who have until October 15 to claim their stimulus funds.

Those who do not typically file tax returns, such as those with little or no income or no fixed address, are encouraged to file for 2020, especially if they can claim dependents who qualify for stimulus funds.

If you have already filed your tax return and your 2020 income was less than your 2019 income, amend your return to claim the "Recovery rebate credit" to make up the difference between the amount you would have received under stimulus items 1 and 2 if you were eligible based on your 2020 income. You may need to.

If you have not yet filed your 2020 tax return, see the instructions for Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR, line 30, to determine if you qualify for the credit.

There is another reason to complete (or amend) your tax return: the IRS will use your 2020 return to determine your prepayment eligibility for the child tax credit for 2021, which begins in July. The Biden administration's bailout expanded the child tax credit for 2021 from $2,000 per child per year to $3,000 for children ages 6-17 and $3,600 for children under age 6. Those covered by Stimulus 3 would receive half of this deduction spread over six months of direct payments that last through December.

As income increases, the child tax credit is phased out. Use this child tax credit calculator to see how much you may qualify for.