How to Get Stimulus Payment as a US Expat
January 11, 2024 | Stimulus Checks | 3 minute read
Expat Tax Blog. Tax Tips for US Americans abroad.
Updated January 12, 2025
All blogs are verified by Enrolled Agents and CPAs
Updated January 12, 2025
The US government has allowed US citizens to get three sets of stimulus checks, but only the third one can still be claimed in 2025. Now, what happens when you figure out you are eligible as an American expat and want to get your Stimulus payment as soon as possible?
Below we showcase basic support and updates, plus a personal example of what an American abroad did to receive her stimulus check, so you can too.
Basic Information About US Stimulus Payment
Requirements for the Third Stimulus Payment
- Are not dependent of another taxpayer
- Have a Social Security number
- Have adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for head of household filers, and $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns
Generally, becoming eligible for the third economic impact payment is the same as the second check. However, the price has increased to $1,400 for US individuals and $2,800 for US couples who file jointly.
What is new for this check is that qualified dependents like the elderly, disabled adults and college students can also receive $1,400.
Social Security Recipients Information
If you are an SS recipient who receives monthly deposits from the US government, it is typically not a requirement to file a US tax return, and you need not take any action. You should be able to receive your Stimulus checks exactly how you normally receive your benefits.
Didn’t File a Tax Return?
- If you didn’t file your last tax return: Take advantage of the MyExpatTaxes software and file before June 16th, 2025!
- If your worldwide income was lower than the tax filing threshold: You can still receive the Stimulus check by applying as a non-filer as a US citizen abroad. Unfortunately, the IRS Non-Filer portal is closed, so you’ll need to file a tax return to receive stimulus checks.
Essentially, you can only receive the third stimulus payment in 2025. To see if you qualify for stimulus checks, you can check via our software!
You can also take advantage of the Recovery Rebate Credit to receive the full stimulus payments you may have missed out on.
Streamlined Procedure
The Streamlined Procedure is like a simplified deal for folks living abroad who may have missed filing their US tax returns or reporting foreign financial assets. It’s a way to catch up without getting hit with the usual hefty penalties. The idea is to make it easier for expats to get back on track with their US tax obligations in a more hassle-free manner.
This procedure allows you to make up three years of tax returns and six years of FBARs. However, you need to do this before the IRS sends you a letter because after that, you cannot use this procedure.
Get Your US Stimulus Payment ASAP
Our team is ready to help you, as an American abroad, receive US stimulus checks as soon as possible. If you haven’t filed your US taxes already, do use our expat tax software. Start for free and pay when you’re convinced!
Written by Nathalie Goldstein, EA
Nathalie Goldstein, EA is a leading expert on US taxes for Americans living abroad and CEO and Co-Founder of MyExpatTaxes. She contributes to Forbes and has been featured in Forbes, CNBC and Yahoo Finance discussing US expat tax.
January 11, 2024 | Stimulus Checks | 3 minute read