Facebook Twitter

Should people return their stimulus checks?

A new report offers a glimpse at who may want to return their stimulus checks

SHARE Should people return their stimulus checks?
Blank United States Treasury checks are shown on an idle press at the Philadelphia Regional Financial Center.

This May 8, 2008, file photo shows blank checks on an idle press at the Philadelphia Regional Financial Center, which disburses payments on behalf of federal agencies in Philadelphia.

Matt Rourke, Associated Press

Millions of Americans have already received their stimulus checks as a part of the American Rescue Plan, and several others will receive them in the coming weeks.

But there’s a case for people to return their stimulus checks to the federal government, opting out of the $1,400 payment (or more for families) that might help them in the long run.

NEXSTAR recently reported that there are groups who should consider giving back their stimulus checks.

  • Ineligible residents — Anyone who wasn’t eligible to receive the stimulus check but received one may want to send it back to the IRS, according to NEXSTAR.
  • Anyone who can’t cash the check — Some people might have received a check for a loved one or spouse, who has already passed away, per NEXSTAR. Since the check can’t be cashed, it might be worth returning.
  • People who don’t want or need the cash — If you don’t need the stimulus money, you could return it, too. This is more for people who don’t want to accept the check due to moral obligations, according to NEXSTAR.

Will there be a fourth check?

The number of questions over a fourth stimulus check have been rising in recent weeks, as I wrote about for the Deseret News.

But, per CBS Detroit, it’s unlikely there will be another stimulus check since the economy will start to roll again due to the high vaccination numbers and the cash earned by the third stimulus check.