Stimulus Check Calculator (40k Cap)

Calculate your eligibility for stimulus payment with $40,000 income cap

Important Notice

This calculator is based on the proposed HEROES Act with a $40,000 income cap as suggested by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in July 2020. This is a hypothetical calculator for educational purposes only. Actual stimulus payment rules and amounts may differ. Always consult official government sources for the most current and accurate information.

Calculate Your Stimulus Check

Income cap: $40,000

$

Your adjusted gross income from your 2019 or 2018 tax return

Maximum of 3 dependents can be claimed for additional payment

✓ You Are Eligible

$1,200
You are eligible for the full stimulus payment based on the $40,000 income cap.

Payment Breakdown

1 Adult × $1,200$1,200
Total Stimulus Payment:$1,200

Income Analysis

Your Income:$35,000
Income Cap for Your Filing Status:$40,000
Status:Below Cap ✓
Room Under Cap:$5,000

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Single, No Dependents

Filing Status: Single

Income: $35,000

Dependents: 0

Result: $1,200 stimulus payment

Income is below the $40,000 cap, eligible for full payment.

Scenario 2: Married with 2 Children

Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly

Income: $75,000

Dependents: 2

Result: $4,800 stimulus payment

2 adults ($2,400) + 2 dependents ($2,400) = $4,800 total

Scenario 3: Single, Income Above Cap

Filing Status: Single

Income: $50,000

Dependents: 1

Result: $0 stimulus payment

Income exceeds the $40,000 cap for single filers.

Quick Facts

Payment Amount

$1,200 per adult, $1,200 per dependent (max 3)

Income Caps

Single: $40k | Married: $80k | HOH: $60k

Dependent Age

17 years or younger qualify

Max Dependents

Up to 3 dependents for additional payment

Eligibility Requirements

Filed taxes in 2019 or 2018

Income below threshold for filing status

Have valid Social Security Number

Not claimed as dependent by another

U.S. citizen or resident alien

Important Notes

⚠️ This calculator is based on the proposed $40,000 cap mentioned in July 2020 discussions.

📋 Actual legislation may differ significantly from this proposal.

💡 Check IRS.gov for official stimulus payment information and updates.

📞 Contact the IRS or a tax professional for personalized guidance.

Understanding the $40,000 Cap Proposal

What is the $40,000 Cap?

In July 2020, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell suggested that a second round of stimulus checks might have a lower income threshold of $40,000 annually, targeting assistance to lower-income households most affected by the pandemic.

How It Differs from CARES Act

The original CARES Act stimulus had phase-out ranges starting at $75,000 for single filers. The proposed $40,000 cap would be a significant reduction, limiting eligibility to approximately 80 million American households.

Income Thresholds by Filing Status

Single Filer

Income cap: $40,000

Married Filing Jointly

Income cap: $80,000 (doubled)

Head of Household

Income cap: $60,000 (1.5x single)

Payment Calculation Formula

Step 1: Determine number of adults based on filing status

Single or Head of Household = 1 adult

Married Filing Jointly = 2 adults

Step 2: Calculate adult payment

Adult Payment = Number of Adults × $1,200

Step 3: Calculate dependent payment

Dependent Payment = min(Dependents, 3) × $1,200

Step 4: Total stimulus check

Total = Adult Payment + Dependent Payment

Step 5: Apply income cap

If Income > Cap: Payment = $0

If Income ≤ Cap: Payment = Total from Step 4

Key Changes from First Stimulus

Stricter Income Limits

Income cap reduced from $75,000 to $40,000 for single filers, significantly reducing eligibility.

Dependent Expansion

Unlike CARES Act, HEROES Act proposal included dependents 17 and under (max 3).

Same Payment Amount

Payment remained at $1,200 per eligible adult, consistent with first round.

Targeted Relief

Focus shifted to low-income households most impacted by economic downturn.