I filed as a resident in 2018. I have since left the US. I received the CARES payment. What should I do?

I filed as a resident in 2018. I have since left the US. I received the CARES payment. What should I do?

📅 May 14, 2020 · 3 minute read

💵 In response to COVID-19, the U.S. government launched the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act — a stimulus program providing $1,200 to workers earning less than $75,000 per year.

The payment was meant only for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and tax residents (those who meet the Substantial Presence Test), who:
✅ Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
✅ Filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return
✅ Will be resident aliens for the 2020 tax year

However, many international students and scholars who filed as residents (correctly or by mistake) also received this payment.

❓ Am I entitled to keep the payment if I filed as a resident in 2018?

Not necessarily. Filing once as a resident doesn’t automatically make you eligible.

✈️ If you left the U.S.

If you have since left the United States, you will not be considered a qualifying resident alien for 2020.
➡️ You must return the payment to the IRS as soon as possible.

🧾 If you made a filing error

Many international students accidentally file as residents when they should have filed as nonresidents.
If you received the $1,200 payment, double-check whether your 2018 or 2019 return was correct.

If you realize it wasn’t, you must amend your tax return using Form 1040X and return the payment separately to the IRS.

💳 How to return a CARES stimulus payment received in error

It’s very important to return the payment if you weren’t eligible.
The IRS asks that you send it separately from any other tax payments or amendments.

🧍‍♂️ If you received a paper check and have not cashed it:

  1. Write “VOID” in the endorsement section on the back of the check.

  2. Mail the voided check immediately to the correct IRS address for your state.

  3. Do not staple, bend, or paper clip the check.

  4. Include a note explaining why you’re returning it.

💰 If you cashed the check or received the payment by direct deposit:

  1. Send a personal check or money order to the IRS.

  2. Make it payable to “U.S. Treasury”.

  3. Write “2020EIP” and your Taxpayer ID number (SSN or ITIN) on it.

  4. Include a short explanation stating the reason for the return.

  5. Mail it to the appropriate IRS address listed on the IRS website.

⚠️ What if I don’t return the payment?

If you received the stimulus payment in error, you must return it.
Keeping it could cause problems with future U.S. visa or Green Card applications.