Over $49 million stimulus checks already issued
The Department of Finance has already issued over $49 million worth of the economic impact payments, popularly referred to as “stimulus checks,” in the CNMI.
Speaking at a radio news briefing yesterday, Finance Secretary David Atalig disclosed that the department has disbursed over $49 million from the stimulus program, and that there is still about $6 million more to be issued. The remaining amount is for taxpayers that have had some issues in terms of their tax returns, or for those who needed to verify or confirm their dependents.
“We’re releasing weekly once taxpayers’ returns are rectified and cleared. We are releasing stimulus checks on a weekly basis, every Friday. Data is being uploaded and checks are printed on Friday afternoon and in the mail by Saturday morning,” he said.
He also advised members of the community who have yet to receive their stimulus checks, or are having any issues related to it, to contact the Finance Department.
“If you have any issues, you have not received your stimulus checks or you feel there’s an error in your stimulus checks, please contact [Revenue & Tax at 664-1067, 664-1000, or 664-1019], or you can email stimulus@dof.gov.mp and we will respond as soon as quickly as we can,” he added.
People can also visit the Department of Finance’s office at the Joeten-Dandan Building. They are open from 7:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Stimulus checks provide up to $1,200 for each eligible individual, $2,400 for joint returns, and $500 for each qualifying child.
As far as those hoping for a second batch of stimulus checks, Atalig said that that will be all up to the federal government.
“About a second stimulus, that is all up to the U.S. federal government, Congress, and the President should sign a new bill. We understand that there’s a HEROES Act that was passed by the U.S. [House of Representatives] but it’s in the Senate and, until we hear anything further, we’re not planning on any second stimulus,” Atalig said.