Stimulus Check Louisiana: What To Know in 2024

There are no new stimulus updates for Louisiana residents in 2024. However, low-income Americans facing hardship can take advantage of the federal government’s many financial assistance programs.

While you won’t be getting a stimulus check in Louisiana this year, you may still be able to get more money in your pocket if you utilize the state’s tax credits in addition to any federal tax credits you qualify for. Read on to learn more about which tax credits you can apply for, eligibility requirements, and how much you can qualify for.

Is There a Louisiana Stimulus Check in 2024?

The state has not recently introduced any new stimulus packages, and there are no older programs through which you can get stimulus checks from the state of Louisiana in 2024.

While there are many social media posts sharing news about the fourth Economic Impact Payment from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and programs like the $6,400 subsidy, the information is misleading and completely false since the federal government hasn’t introduced any such programs. 

The provisions that were introduced during the coronavirus pandemic through the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan have already expired, and Congress is not planning to send out fourth stimulus checks.

“The IRS, has made it clear that people who missed out on a stimulus payment during the COVID pandemic (or got less than the full amount they were eligible for in 2020 and 2021) may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax returns,” explains Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC.

“However, this rebate is only available to them if they file a U.S. federal income tax return (or an amended federal return) that correctly claims the credit,” Reichert adds. 

The last chance deadline for filing your income tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit (if you qualify for it) is May 17, 2024.

Louisiana Stimulus Check 2024

While there are no Louisiana stimulus checks in 2024, you may still be able to claim the state’s tax credits to lower your tax bill and get a higher refund this year.

Louisiana doesn’t have a state-level Child Tax Credit (CTC), but it does have a Child and Dependent Tax Credit (CDCTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If you qualify for the federal EITC and CDCTC, you may qualify for these tax credits.

“The IRS has also made it clear that people who missed out on a stimulus payment during the COVID pandemic (or got less than the full amount they were eligible for in 2020 and 2021) may be eligible to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 or 2021 federal tax returns,” explains Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC.

“However, this rebate is only available to them if they file a U.S. federal income tax return (or an amended federal return) that correctly claims the credit,” Reichert adds. 

The last chance deadline for filing your income tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit (if you qualify for it) is May 17, 2024.

How do Louisiana Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits allow eligible taxpayers to lower their net income tax obligations (i.e., their taxes due amount) or, if due a refund, get a larger tax refund. These aren’t stimulus programs, so you won’t get a direct payment from the government.

Instead of a paper check or direct deposit that’s sent to you from the Louisiana State Department of Revenue, you’ll need to file your state income taxes to claim the tax credits, which will be reflected in your state tax return and payable as a refundable tax credit.

Who Is Eligible for Louisiana’s Stimulus Checks?

All Louisiana taxpayers who qualify for the federal EITC and CDCTC are automatically eligible for the state’s tax credits. Here are the general eligibility requirements to qualify for both tax credits:

• You must qualify for and claim the federal EITC and/or CDCTC
• You must be a resident of Louisiana for the tax year
• You must have earned income during the tax year
• You must be between the ages of 25 and 65, more specifically, over the age of 24 but also not older than 64 by December 31st of the tax year.  Tax filers who turned 65 anytime before December 31st of the calendar tax year are not eligible.
• The qualifying child, if you have one or more, should not be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer
• Your adjusted gross income (AGI) should not exceed the specified limits
• You must have a valid Social Security number

How Much Do You Receive and When

The Louisiana Earned Income Tax Credit (which is a fully refundable tax credit) is 5% of the federal EITC. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit is partially refundable. The exact amount you qualify for will depend on your filing status (single, married couples filing jointly/separately, head of household), income, and number of dependents.

Here are more details about the Louisiana CDCTC:

• State CDCTC is 50% of the federal CDCTC
• Credit is only refundable for tax filers with an earned income of less than $25,000
• For other eligible taxpayers, the credit is non-refundable
• Credit is 30% of the federal CDCTC for filers with income of $25,000 to $50,000
• Credit is 10% of the federal CDCTC for filers with income of $50,000 to $60,000
• Credit is 10% of the federal CDCTC for filers with an income of $60,000 and must not exceed $25

How To Track the Status of Louisiana’s Stimulus Checks

Since you won’t be receiving a direct Louisiana stimulus check even if you qualify for the tax credit, you can’t track the status. The credit will be reflected on your state tax return once you file for it.

If you’re eligible for a tax refund, you’ll receive it either through a paper check or as a direct deposit in your bank account. It may take the Louisiana Department of Revenue up to four weeks for returns filed electronically and as long as eight weeks for paper returns.

You can check the status of your refund online through the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point.

How To Apply for Louisiana’s Stimulus Checks

You can claim the tax credits you qualify for by filing your state income tax returns. There are a number of ways to file your taxes, depending on what you’re comfortable with. A cost-effective way to file your income taxes yourself is by using popular tax preparation software programs. Tax preparation service providers can also file federal and state taxes and help you maximize your returns.

If you’re a low-income individual, you may qualify for the IRS’s free tax filing options like Free File, VITA, and TCE.

Check Which Assistance Programs You Qualify for in Louisiana

While a Louisiana stimulus check may offer you some much-needed temporary relief, it’s not a long-term solution. We recommend taking advantage of senior assistance programs or benefits targeted towards low-income individuals you qualify for if you’re facing hardship.

The state offers several financial assistance programs that you and your family may qualify for. Additionally, enrolling in a Louisiana debt relief program can help you tackle large amounts of unsecured debt like high-interest credit cards or mounting medical bills.

Visit our Mississippi stimulus checks, Arkansas stimulus checks, and Texas stimulus checks pages if you’re looking for information about what’s available in these states.