North Carolina Stimulus Check: What To Know in 2024

If you’re waiting for news on new North Carolina stimulus checks, know that there are many ways of receiving government assistance if you need help. While there are no new stimulus updates for 2024, you can also take advantage of state tax credits like the Child Tax Credit.

You won’t get a direct check with a tax credit, but it can lower your tax obligations, and you may get a bigger tax refund if you’re eligible. Read on to learn more about the Child Tax Credit in North Carolina, eligibility requirements, and how much you can qualify for.

Is There a North Carolina Stimulus Check in 2024?

No new North Carolina stimulus checks are coming in 2024. The state or federal governments have not recently introduced any new stimulus packages. The Coronavirus relief programs that were introduced through the American Rescue Plan and CARES Act have expired.

However, if you were eligible for the Economic Impact Payments issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during the pandemic, you can still file your taxes and claim the benefit before the deadline of May 17, 2024.

“It's really important to understand what deductions you should be taking to have less tax liability,” says Teresa Dodson, a financial expert and the founder of Greenbacks Consulting. “This could equal a bigger refund,” she adds. 

North Carolina Stimulus Check 2024

While there are no new North Carolina stimulus checks in 2024, you can still take advantage of the state’s tax credits when you file your income tax return for the year 2023.

North Carolina doesn’t currently have a state-level Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The state had introduced a refundable EITC in 2007, but it was eliminated in 2014. A bill was introduced in 2017 to restore the state EITC, but it hasn’t been passed yet.

North Carolina taxpayers may still qualify for the state’s non-refundable Child Tax Credit, which offers up to $125 per qualifying child. Tax credits can help you reduce your taxable income and won’t impact your eligibility for benefit programs like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, or health stimulus programs like Medicaid.

How do North Carolina Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits won’t provide you with direct payment, but they can reduce the amount of taxes you owe. This means that you may qualify for a larger tax refund. Tax credits are issued by the government to households with low to moderate income and are not stimulus programs. You can qualify for these credits by filing your state tax return.

Who Is Eligible For North Carolina’s Stimulus Checks?

North Carolina families may get tax relief through the state’s non-refundable CTC if they qualify for the federal Child Tax Credit.

Another important qualification requirement to keep in mind is that your adjusted gross income (AGI) should not exceed these thresholds:

• $100,000 for married couples filing joint returns
• $80,000 for individuals filing as head of household
• $50,000 for married filing separately and single filers

How Much Do You Receive and When

Keep in mind that if you qualify for tax credits, you won’t receive a North Carolina stimulus check. Tax credits are reflected in your tax return and will reduce the amount of taxes you owe.

Here’s how much you can qualify for based on your income and filing status:

• $125 per qualifying child if you’re married, filing jointly, and have an AGI of up to $40,000.
• $100 per qualifying child if you’re married and filing jointly, and your AGI is between $40,000 to $100,000.
• $125 per qualifying child if you’re filing as head of household and your AGI is up to $32,000.
• $100 per qualifying child if you’re filing as head of household and your AGI is between $32,000 and $80,000.
• $125 per qualifying child if you’re married and filing separately or single, and your AGI is up to $20,000.
• $125 per qualifying child if you’re married and filing separately or single, and your AGI is between $20,000 and $50,000.

How To Track the Status of North Carolina’s Stimulus Checks

You can’t track the status of North Carolina stimulus checks since the state government will not issue a direct payment if you qualify for the tax credit.

Once you file your state tax returns, you’ll see the credit reflected in it. If the tax credit reduces your tax obligation, and you’re eligible to get a tax refund, you’ll receive it as a direct deposit in your bank account or through a paper check.

If you're filing your return electronically, it may take three to six weeks to get a refund from the North Carolina Department of Revenue. For paper returns, the process can take up to 12 weeks.

How To Apply For North Carolina’s Stimulus Checks

You can apply for the tax credit by filing your taxes. There are a number of options when it comes to filing taxes. You can either file them on your own through tax preparation software, get help from a tax professional, or get free tax help from the IRS.

The IRS offers many free tax filing options like VITA, TCE, and Free File for those with low to moderate income. Check to see if you’re eligible online or visit a VITA site.

Get Financial Assistance in North Carolina

There are no North Carolina stimulus checks in 2024. However, Americans facing financial hardship may qualify for several government assistance programs for seniors and low-income families.

Check to see if you qualify for HUD’s housing vouchers, unemployment benefits, SNAP benefits, and healthcare assistance programs like Medicaid and CHIP. State agencies and nonprofit organizations may also have a number of financial assistance programs in place.

If unsecured debts like high-interest credit card balances and medical bills are impacting your finances, consider enrolling in a North Carolina debt relief program to help you tackle your debt burdens.

Visit our guides on South Carolina stimulus checks, Virginia stimulus checks, and Tennessee stimulus checks for more information on stimulus programs in those states.