Is There a Stimulus Check for Utah in 2024?

If you’re finding it difficult to make ends meet, a stimulus check in Utah may seem like an attractive option. There are no new stimulus updates for Utah residents for 2024, but you can still apply for federal stimulus and assistance programs like food stamps, subsidized housing, unemployment benefits, and more.

Another option is to apply for the state’s tax credits, which can help you lower your tax bill and get a larger refund. Read on to learn more about which credits you can claim, eligibility requirements, and credit amounts.

Is There a Stimulus Check in 2024 for Utah?

There are no new stimulus checks for Utah residents coming this year. The Economic Impact Payments and other relief measures that were introduced during the coronavirus pandemic through the American Rescue Plan and the CARES Act have long since expired.

You can still file your federal income tax returns by April 15, 2025, to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

Utah Stimulus Check 2024

Utah doesn’t have a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), unlike other states like Colorado, for relief. However, you may still be able to claim the federal credit.

You can also claim the Utah State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Both of these credits can help you lower your tax obligation and provide some tax relief.

How do Utah Stimulus Checks Work?

Tax credits can lower your tax bill on a dollar-for-dollar basis. While they’re not the same as senior stimulus programs, they’re used by federal and state governments to provide relief to qualifying low-income taxpayers.

Tax credits can be refundable or nonrefundable. A nonrefundable credit can reduce your tax bill to zero, but no further–you won’t get a check for the surplus. With a refundable credit, once your tax liability is reduced to zero, you can still receive any surplus tax credits left over in the form of a tax refund, which can be mailed to you in the form of a paper check or deposited in your bank account once your taxes are filed and processed by the state’s Department of Revenue.

Brad Reichert, founder and managing director of Reichert Asset Management LLC, explains tax credits further:

“As an example, if you were eligible for a non-refundable tax credit in the amount of $1,500, but your income tax payable is only $1,000, only your taxes payable would be reduced to zero, no further benefit would be received, and you would forfeit the additional $500 tax credit benefit with the additional $500 lost or left unused,” Reichert shares.  

“With a refundable tax credit of the same $1,500 amount, your income tax payable of $1,000 would also be reduced down to zero, but the leftover $500 would also be yours to receive as a tax refund,” he says.

Who Is Eligible for Utah’s Stimulus Checks?

You may claim the Utah EITC if you qualify for the federal EITC. You’ll have to meet these basic eligibility requirements to qualify for the federal credit:

• You must have earned income during the year.
• You must have lived in the U.S. for at least six years.
• Your investment income should not exceed $11,000.
• You must have a valid Social Security number.
• You shouldn’t be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.

You must also meet the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) earned income and adjusted gross income thresholds to qualify for the federal EITC:

• No qualifying children: $17,640 (single, head of household, widowed) $24,210 (married couples filing jointly)
• 1 qualifying child: $46,560 (single, head of household, widowed) $53,120 (married couples filing jointly)
• 2 qualifying children: $52,918 (single, head of household, widowed) $59,478 (married couples filing jointly)
• 3 or more qualifying children: $56,838 (single, head of household, widowed) $63,398 (married couples filing jointly)

You may claim the Utah Child Tax Credit (CTC) if you meet these eligibility requirements:

• Qualifying children must be at least one year old but under four years of age.
• If your filing status is single, your income should be $43,000 or less.
• If your filing status is married filing separately, your income should be $27,000 or less.
• If your filing status is married filing jointly, your income should be $54,000 or less.  

How Much Do You Receive and When

The Utah Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is 20% of the federal credit and is non-refundable. Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill on March 22, 2023, that expanded the state tax credit from 15% to 20% of the federal EITC.

The state’s first Child Tax Credit (CTC) was signed into law on March 22, 2023, when Gov. Spencer Cox signed H.B.170. This non-refundable credit is $1,000 per eligible child. The credit takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2024.

How To Track the Status of Your Utah Stimulus Checks

You won’t get a separate Utah stimulus check when you claim tax credits. The credits can and should be applied to your state income tax liability for the year in which you claim the tax credit. You’ll receive a refund through a paper check or direct deposit for any excess amount of tax credit that’s left over, assuming that you’re eligible and the tax credit is refundable.

The Utah Tax Commission may take up to 90 days to process tax returns. You may be able to get your refund within 21 days if you file electronically. You can use the Taxpayer Access Point to check the status of your refund.

How To Apply for Utah’s Stimulus Checks

You’ll need to file your Utah state income tax returns to claim these income tax credits that are provided by the state. Use tax preparation software or have a professional file your returns to maximize your refund amount.

The IRS also has a number of free tax prep options for eligible low-income filers, such as VITA, TCE, and Free File.

Apply for Financial Assistance in Utah

With no new stimulus checks for Utah residents in 2024, we recommend taking advantage of federal and state tax credits to get a larger refund and some temporary relief.

The federal government, local agencies, and nonprofits also offer a wide range of financial assistance options for those in need of food, housing, and healthcare.

For those dealing with overwhelming unsecured debts, Utah debt relief programs, such as debt settlement and credit counseling, can help reduce the debt load significantly.

Visit our Colorado stimulus checks, Arizona stimulus checks, and Nevada stimulus checks pages for information about programs you can apply for in those states.