MARYLAND, USA — After an expensive summer and a lengthy back-to-school shopping list, another stimulus check probably sounds pretty nice right now! That’s what one graphic a VERIFY viewer sent in promises, but it’s based on old news.
THE QUESTION
Is there another stimulus check on the way for Maryland residents?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Not if you’re up to date on your taxes, since qualifying taxpayers should have received the additional payments in early 2021.
WHAT WE FOUND
If your coffee isn’t perking you up today, perhaps the sound of stimulus will, especially if you live in Maryland, where a recent article on a well-known finance site claims you can expect a fourth stimulus check soon. If you qualify, you’ve probably had the money for some time already.
The article and graphic highlighting Maryland's forthcoming stimulus check cites the Maryland Relief Act of 2021: “In Maryland, anyone who filed for Earned Income Tax Credit on their 2019 taxes can get stimulus checks worth $500 per family or $300 per individual.”
However, the Maryland Relief Act made way for these automatic payments, meant to be an economic boost to families and businesses dealing with pandemic fallout, last year, hence: “The Maryland Relief Act of 2021.”
The Comptroller’s Office says more than 420,000 Marylanders were eligible based on their earnings, and most of those payments were processed within days of Governor Larry Hogan signing it into law in February 2021.
Technically, you could still have money on the table if you’ve yet to file taxes back through 2019 and are qualified for additional stimulus, a spokesperson for the Comptroller’s office tells us. But if you’re up to date, don’t waste time refreshing your bank account page looking for an additional stimulus check this year. If you are on the list for a fourth payment, you should have gotten it last year.
If you live in Virginia, it’s a different story.
Lawmakers approved a one-time tax rebate for Virginia taxpayers who owed money last year: Up to $250 for an individual, or $500 for a couple. Those will be issued beginning next month, according to the State Department of Taxation, as either a direct deposit or check in the mail.