16 US states offering stimulus checks and tax rebates as inflation continues to rage
Americans in some parts of the country are getting extra cash to help offset still-blistering inflation, with at least 16 states offering financial relief to residents grappling with higher food, gas and rent.
Although consumer prices cooled slightly in July, they still rose 8.5% last month from a year ago — near a four-decade high and more than quadruple the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%. Here’s what governors and state lawmakers are going to offer help to taxpayers in their states.
California
The state’s $308 billion budget includes $9.5 billion in direct refunds of up to $1,050 to 23 million residents, the governor’s office announced at the end of June (See here for eligibility information.)
Colorado
Coloradans 18-years and older who lived in the state for all of 2021 are due tax rebates of $750 for individuals and $1,500 for joint filers by September 30, 2022, according to the state’s Department of Revenue.
Delaware
Relief payments of $300 are being issued this summer to offset higher grocery and fuel prices to residents who filed their 2021 state tax returns on time, according to Delaware’s Department of Finance.
Florida
State officials tell about 59,000 families should be getting checkss for $450 for each child provided they meet the criteria to be eligible by July 1.
Georgia
Refunds of up to $500 are being mailed to taxpayers who filed their returns by the April 18 deadline due to a state revenue surplus, according to the state’s revenue department.
Hawaii
Checks of as much as $300 will be issued in late August, with the amount of the refunds based on income, tax filing status and exemptions, says Hawaii’s Department of Taxation.
Idaho
People who lived in Idaho in 2020 and 2021 are entitled to tax rebates of either $75 or 12% of their 2020 state taxes, according to Idaho’s State Tax Commission.
Illinois
The state’s family relief plan includes suspending a 1% sales tax on groceries through next June, briefly slashing sales taxes for back-to-school shopping and freezing the state’s motor fuel tax for six months. Illinois is also sending $50 rebates to residents who make less than $200,000 a year, and another $100 for up to three eligible dependents. State revenue officials say the checks will start mailing in September.
Indiana
Indiana residents who filed their 2020 and 2021 tax returns are due a total of $325 by direct deposit or check. State officials also warn against potential scams via texts, emails or calls regarding the refunds.
Maine
Single filers in Maine are entitled to $850 and couples to $1,700 provided they make under $100,000 or $150,000, respectively, according to the state’s revenue services agency.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts residents are likely to get a share of about $2.5 billion in surplus cash collected by the state, with people expected to receive a refund equivalent to 7% of their 2021 state income tax payment.
New Jersey
About 800,000 parents are eligible to get $500 rebate checks under the New Jersey budget approved in June. It also provides relief to 1.1 million homeowners and 900,000 renters, although details are still in the works.
New Mexico
Taxpayers who earn less than $75,000 a year could get up to $750 in combined state rebates to help residents “cope with the rising price of gas, groceries and other household expenses,” officials say.
Oregon
Oregon used federal pandemic aid to send $600 payments to more than 236,000 low-income households, with direct deposits made or checks mailed between June 23 and July 1, 2022, according to state officials.
South Carolina
Residents who file tax returns by October 17, 2022, can expect rebates of up to $800, with checks expected to be delivered in November and December, say South Carolina revenue officials.
Virginia
Residents who owe taxes for 2021 are eligible for as much as $500 as long as they file their tax returns for last year by November 1, notes the Virginia Department of Taxation.