Second Stimulus Check Calculator (HEALS Act)

What This Calculator Estimates

This calculator estimates the amount of a second stimulus payment under the HEALS Act proposal introduced in the U.S. Senate in July 2020. The HEALS Act was a Republican-backed proposal that differed from the earlier CARES Act in several key ways, including the structure of direct payments to individuals.

Use this tool to get a quick estimate of what your payment might have been under that specific proposal, based on your 2019 or 2020 adjusted gross income (AGI) and filing status.

How the HEALS Act Payment Was Calculated

The HEALS Act proposed a flat $1,200 payment for most individuals, with a few important changes from the first stimulus check:

• Same base amount: $1,200 for single filers and $2,400 for married couples filing jointly.
• Dependents: $500 per dependent, with no age cap. This was a significant change from the CARES Act, which only allowed $500 for dependents under 17.
• Income phaseout: The full payment was available to individuals with AGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples). The payment was reduced by $5 for every $100 of income above those thresholds.
• Phaseout cap: Payments phased out completely at $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Key Differences From the First Stimulus Check

• Dependents of any age qualified for the $500 payment, including college students and elderly dependents.
• The phaseout structure remained the same, but the income thresholds and reduction rate were identical to the CARES Act.
• The HEALS Act did not include a $600 payment for dependents as later proposals did.

How to Use the Calculator

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

The calculator applies the HEALS Act phaseout formula to determine whether you receive the full amount, a reduced amount, or no payment at all.

Understanding Your Results

The result shows the estimated stimulus payment you would have received under the HEALS Act proposal. If your income exceeds the phaseout threshold, the calculator reduces your payment proportionally. If your income is above the cap, you will see a result of $0.

This is an estimate only. Actual payment amounts depended on final legislation, which may have differed from the HEALS Act proposal. The HEALS Act was not enacted into law, and the final second stimulus payment was determined by later legislation.

Common Questions About the HEALS Act Calculation

Why does the dependent amount matter more here?

Under the HEALS Act, dependents of any age qualified for the $500 payment. This means college students, elderly parents, and other adult dependents counted toward your total, unlike the first stimulus check which limited dependent payments to children under 17.

What if my income changed between 2019 and 2020?

The IRS typically uses the most recent tax return on file. If you filed your 2019 taxes, that income was used. If you had not yet filed 2019 taxes, the IRS may have used your 2018 return. The calculator assumes you are using your most recent AGI.

Does this calculator account for non-filers?

No. This calculator assumes you filed a tax return. Non-filers may have been eligible but would need to use the IRS non-filer portal to receive a payment. The calculator does not account for that process.