Second Stimulus Check Calculator

What This Calculator Does

This calculator estimates your potential second stimulus payment under the CASH Act (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act). It uses your filing status, adjusted gross income, and number of qualifying dependents to determine whether you qualify for a payment and how much you might receive.

The CASH Act proposed a second round of direct payments that differed from the first stimulus check under the CARES Act. This tool reflects the specific eligibility rules and payment structure outlined in that legislation.

How the CASH Act Payment Is Calculated

The CASH Act proposed a flat payment of $1,200 for eligible individuals, with an additional $1,200 per dependent. Unlike the first stimulus check, which capped dependent payments at $500, the CASH Act treated dependents of all ages equally.

The calculation follows this logic:

• Base payment: $1,200 per eligible individual ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly)
• Dependent payment: $1,200 per qualifying dependent, with no age limit
• Phaseout: Payments begin to phase out at $75,000 of adjusted gross income for single filers, $112,500 for head of household, and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly
• Phaseout rate: The payment is reduced by 5% of income above the threshold

If your income exceeds the phaseout range, your estimated payment may be reduced to zero.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Select your filing status: Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household
2. Enter your adjusted gross income from your most recent tax return
3. Enter the number of qualifying dependents you claim
4. Click calculate to see your estimated payment amount

The calculator applies the phaseout formula automatically and displays your estimated payment based on the CASH Act provisions.

Understanding Your Results

The result shows the estimated payment you would receive under the CASH Act. If the amount is zero, your income exceeds the phaseout threshold for your filing status.

Keep in mind that this is an estimate. The actual payment amount depends on the final legislation passed by Congress, which may differ from the CASH Act proposal. Factors such as changes to income thresholds, dependent definitions, or payment amounts could affect your actual payment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong filing status: Your filing status on your most recent tax return determines your eligibility and phaseout threshold. Using an incorrect status will produce an inaccurate estimate.
• Including non-qualifying dependents: The CASH Act proposed $1,200 per dependent, but dependents must meet IRS qualifying child or qualifying relative criteria. Not all household members qualify.
• Confusing with the first stimulus check: The CASH Act proposed different rules than the CARES Act. The dependent payment amount and phaseout structure are not the same.
• Using estimated income incorrectly: The calculation uses adjusted gross income, not gross income or net income. Using the wrong figure will change the result.

Limitations of This Calculator

This calculator is based on the CASH Act as proposed. It does not account for:

• Changes made during the legislative process
• Alternative stimulus proposals that may be enacted instead
• Special rules for non-resident aliens, individuals without a Social Security number, or other edge cases
• Adjustments for prior stimulus payments or tax credits

The estimate is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or tax advice. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Practical Use Cases

This calculator is useful for:

• Estimating your potential stimulus payment during legislative discussions
• Comparing proposed stimulus amounts across different bills
• Planning household finances based on a potential second payment
• Understanding how income and dependents affect eligibility under the CASH Act