Who Issued the Stimulus Checks- Unveiling the Beneficiaries Behind the Economic Relief

Who gave us stimulus checks? This question has been on the minds of many Americans as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt lives and economies. Stimulus checks, also known as economic impact payments, were introduced by the government as a means to provide financial relief to individuals and families affected by the crisis. Understanding who authorized and distributed these checks is crucial to appreciating the role of the government in mitigating the economic impact of the pandemic.

The concept of stimulus checks was initially proposed by the Trump administration as part of the CARES Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The act was a response to the urgent need for economic relief amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The stimulus checks were designed to inject cash directly into the hands of American taxpayers, aiming to stimulate consumer spending and, in turn, boost the economy.

The responsibility for authorizing and distributing the stimulus checks fell to the U.S. Treasury Department, in collaboration with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Treasury Department manages the financial operations of the federal government, including the distribution of funds to individuals and businesses. The IRS, on the other hand, is responsible for tax collection and enforcement, as well as the administration of various federal assistance programs, including the stimulus checks.

To ensure that the stimulus checks were distributed efficiently and accurately, the IRS used the tax information provided by taxpayers on their 2019 or 2020 tax returns. For those who did not file taxes, the IRS relied on information from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other government agencies. This process allowed the IRS to identify eligible recipients and calculate the appropriate amount of each stimulus check.

In addition to the initial round of stimulus checks, the government authorized two more rounds of payments, known as the second and third stimulus checks. The second stimulus check was authorized by the Economic Aid to Families, Education, and Health Care Act, which was signed into law on December 27, 2020. The third stimulus check was part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021.

As the pandemic persists, the government’s role in providing economic relief through stimulus checks remains a crucial aspect of the response. Understanding who gave us stimulus checks is essential for recognizing the efforts of the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS in supporting American families during these challenging times.