Second Stimulus Check for US Expats: What You Should Know (2025)
The second stimulus payment deadline has passed with no ongoing consequences for US expats who missed it. Here’s the peace of mind you need: missing stimulus payments creates zero penalties or tax compliance issues for Americans living abroad. The $600 second stimulus check, issued in December 2020, had a final claim deadline of May 17, 2024, but missing this payment has no impact on your current or future tax obligations.
If you’re wondering about the second stimulus check or whether missing it affects you, this guide explains everything and puts your concerns to rest.
What Was the Second Stimulus Check?
In December 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included the second round of COVID-19 relief payments for Americans. This legislation came nine months after the first stimulus check and provided smaller but still significant relief during the ongoing pandemic.
Second Stimulus Payment Details:
- Amount: Up to $600 per adult, $600 per child under 17
- Income limits: Started phasing out at $75,000 (single) / $150,000 (married)
- Complete phase-out: $87,000 (single) / $174,000 (married)
- Payment period: December 29, 2020, through January 15, 2021
Unlike the first stimulus check, the second payment had tighter income limits and reached complete phase-out at lower income levels, meaning fewer people qualified for the full amount.
Did US Expats Qualify for the Second Stimulus Check?
Yes, US citizens living abroad were fully eligible for the second stimulus payment, just like Americans living in the US. Your physical location had no bearing on eligibility.
Expats qualified if they:
- Were US citizens or qualifying residents
- Had Social Security numbers
- Met the income thresholds based on their 2019 tax return
- Were not claimed as dependents by someone else
Important Change from First Stimulus: The second stimulus legislation expanded eligibility to mixed-status households where at least one spouse had a Social Security number, correcting an exclusion from the first round.
How Was the Second Stimulus Different from Other Payments?
The second stimulus check had several unique characteristics that set it apart from the first and third payments:
- Stricter Income Limits: While the phase-out started at the same income levels, payments disappeared completely at lower thresholds than the first stimulus.
- Faster Phase-Out: For every $100 over the income limit, your payment decreased by $5, making the reduction steeper than other rounds.
- Retroactive Eligibility: Mixed-status households who were excluded from the first payment could claim both the first and second payments on their 2020 tax return.
- Different Timeline: Based solely on 2019 tax returns, unlike the first payment which could use 2018 returns in some cases.
When Did the Deadline Pass for the Second Stimulus?
- Original Payment Period: December 29, 2020 – January 15, 2021
- Recovery Rebate Credit Deadline: May 17, 2024 (through 2020 tax return)
- Current Status: All opportunities to claim this payment have expired
The second stimulus check was part of the Recovery Rebate Credit system, which allowed people who missed the direct payments to claim them when filing their 2020 tax returns. However, that deadline has now passed.
What Challenges Did Expats Face with the Second Stimulus?
Many US expats encountered specific difficulties receiving their second stimulus payment:
- Banking Issues: Expats without US bank accounts couldn’t receive direct deposits and had to wait for paper checks mailed overseas.
- Address Problems: Outdated addresses on file with the IRS meant checks were sent to old US addresses rather than current overseas locations.
- Timing Confusion: The compressed timeline between legislation passing and payments being issued left little time for expats to update their information.
- Tax Filing Delays: Some expats who needed to file 2019 returns to establish eligibility faced processing delays that affected their payment timing.
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How Did the Second Stimulus Work with Expat Tax Benefits?
The second stimulus payment worked seamlessly with standard expat tax benefits:
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: Your ability to exclude foreign earned income was completely unaffected by stimulus receipt.
- Foreign Tax Credit: Credits for foreign taxes paid remained fully available regardless of stimulus payments.
- No Tax Liability: Stimulus payments weren’t taxable income, so they didn’t create any additional US tax obligations for expats.
What If I Never Received My Second Stimulus Payment?
If you never received the second stimulus check you were entitled to, here’s what you should know:
- No Current Options: The May 17, 2024 deadline has passed, and no new opportunities exist to claim this payment.
- No Penalties: Missing the second stimulus payment has zero impact on your tax compliance status or future obligations.
- No Required Action: You don’t need to take any steps regarding missed second stimulus payments.
For comprehensive information about all three stimulus rounds, see our guide on claiming missed stimulus payments.
Should I Be Concerned About Missing the Second Stimulus?
Not at all. Here’s why you can have complete peace of mind:
- Common Experience: Millions of Americans abroad faced challenges receiving the second stimulus due to tight timelines and overseas logistics.
- No Ongoing Impact: Your current and future tax obligations are identical whether you received the payment or not.
- Focus on Current Benefits: The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion now allows you to exclude up to $130,000 for 2025, providing ongoing tax relief.
What Should I Focus on Instead of the Second Stimulus?
Rather than worrying about missed opportunities from 2020, concentrate on current priorities that can benefit you today:
Keep Your Tax Filings Current
- File annual returns by June 15 automatic expat extension
- Submit FBAR forms if you have foreign accounts over $10,000
- Report foreign assets on Form 8938 if thresholds are met
Catch Up on Past Returns if Needed
If you’re behind on tax filings, the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures help you get current without penalties, provided your non-compliance was non-willful.
Maximize Current Tax Benefits
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: Exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income for 2025
- Child Tax Credit: Claim up to $2,000 per qualifying child
- Foreign Housing Benefits: Exclude or deduct qualifying housing expenses
What Lessons Can Expats Learn from the Second Stimulus Experience?
The second stimulus payment process revealed important insights for expats:
- Maintain Current Information: Keep your address and banking details updated with the IRS to avoid missing future opportunities.
- File Returns Promptly: Current tax filings ensure the IRS has your latest income information for any benefits calculations.
- Stay Connected: Following expat-focused resources helps you learn about opportunities before tight deadlines pass.
- Professional Support Helps: Working with expat tax professionals ensures you don’t miss benefits due to the complexity of overseas compliance requirements.
Are There Other Tax Benefits I Should Know About?
Absolutely! While the second stimulus opportunity has passed, expats still have access to valuable ongoing benefits:
Current Year Benefits:
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (up to $130,000 for 2025)
- Foreign Tax Credit for taxes paid to other countries
- Child Tax Credit for qualifying dependents
- Foreign housing exclusions and deductions
Compliance Programs:
- Streamlined Filing Procedures for catching up without penalties
- Delinquent FBAR submission procedures for missed foreign account reporting
What’s My Next Step?
Your path forward is simple: focus on current compliance and benefits rather than missed opportunities from 2020.
- If You’re Current on Taxes: Continue filing annually and optimize your use of available expat tax benefits.
- If You’re Behind: Consider the Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures to catch up penalty-free.
- If You Have Questions: Professional guidance ensures you’re making the most of current opportunities while staying compliant.
How Can Greenback Help with Your Current Tax Needs?
While the second stimulus deadline has passed, your ongoing tax compliance and optimization remain crucial. Greenback Expat Tax Services is an American company founded in 2009 by US expats for expats. We’ve helped over 23,000 expats file over 71,000 returns while maintaining a 4.9-star average on TrustPilot.
Whether you need help with annual filing, catching up on past returns, or optimizing your current strategy, we’re here to ensure you have peace of mind knowing your taxes are done right.
The second stimulus opportunity is behind us, but your tax compliance journey continues. Let us help make it straightforward and stress-free.
Contact us, and one of our customer champions will gladly help. If you need specific advice on your tax situation, click below to get a consultation with one of our expat tax experts.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or financial advice. The second stimulus payment deadline has expired with no ongoing consequences. Focus on current tax compliance and consult with qualified professionals of continuing tax needs.
