Get a $1,300 Rebate Stimulus Check – Know the Timeline and How to Claim Yours

In August, Minnesota residents were presented with a welcome opportunity—a $1,300 rebate stimulus check. This initiative, spearheaded by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, aims to return unclaimed tax refund money to taxpayers. The program comes on the heels of a discovery that approximately 128,000 checks, originally issued last year as part of a tax refund effort, went uncashed. To ensure that the intended recipients get their due, the department has decided to reissue these checks.

Purpose

So, what exactly is the $1,300 rebate stimulus check? Essentially, it’s a second chance for taxpayers who, for various reasons, did not cash their original refund checks. The deadline for submitting the Minnesota Property Tax Refund (M1PR) application is August 15, but late applications will be accepted until August 15 of the following year. Refunds for those who meet the August 15 deadline will be processed by late September or early October, while late submissions will see refunds processed within 60 days.

Delivery

Where do these checks go? They’re sent to the most recent addresses that residents provided on their tax returns. If you’re eligible for this rebate, your check is valid for two years from the date it’s issued, giving you ample time to cash it.

So far, the program has been quite successful. About 2.1 million payments have been issued, totaling close to $1 billion. The initiative is part of legislation passed in May 2023, based on tax data from the 2021 fiscal year. Payments began in November 2023, but because so many checks went uncashed, the Department of Revenue decided to reissue them in February 2024. The current focus is on reissuing checks to those who missed out, covering around 128,000 payments.

Refunds

The rebate amount is $1,300 for individual filers. If you’re married and filing jointly, you can receive an additional $520. Plus, you can get an extra $260 per dependent, up to a maximum of three dependents. However, it’s crucial to note that these checks are taxable. Recipients will receive an IRS Form 1099-MISC to include in their 2023 tax returns, ensuring compliance with federal tax laws.

Missing Checks

If you haven’t received your check yet, what should you do? First, make sure your address is up to date with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. You can contact them directly to verify the status of your refund. For a quicker refund, consider submitting your application electronically. This could lead to faster processing and might result in receiving your refund within 60 days of submission.

This rebate provides much-needed financial relief, particularly by helping to offset the burden of property taxes. It’s a significant boost for many families across Minnesota, offering extra support during challenging times.

Other States

Minnesota isn’t the only state rolling out rebate programs. Several other states have launched similar initiatives, with payments ranging from $250 to $1,700 per person. For example:

• Maine: Taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) under $100,000 are eligible for $850 payments, with joint filers receiving $1,700.
• Massachusetts: Proposed one-time rebates of $250 for individuals and $500 for married couples are based on 2021 income. Additionally, $500 stimulus checks were issued to low-income workers.
• New Mexico and Alaska: These states are providing payments from their oil revenues.

In total, 19 states have approved rebate legislation, each with its own criteria and benefits.

As Minnesota residents continue to receive their checks, it’s essential to stay informed about deadlines and requirements to ensure that no one misses out on this financial opportunity. Whether it’s through updating your address or filing your M1PR on time, taking the right steps can make all the difference.

FAQs