Need That Economic Impact Payment?

Non-filers still have time to register to receive their Economic Impact Payment this year.

Are you wishing you had that stimulus check about now but you typically do not file a tax return? There is still time.

Non-Filers Can Still Get a Payment

Later this month, the IRS will begin mailing a special letter to an estimated 9 million Americans who typically do not file federal income tax returns but may be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment. The letters will urge recipients to register at IRS.gov by October 15, 2020, to receive their payment by the end of the year. Individuals can receive up to $1,200, and married couples can receive up to $2,400. People with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child.

The letters are being sent to people who have not filed a return for either 2018 or 2019. These are people who don’t typically have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes, based on Forms W-2, 1099s, and other third-party statements available to the IRS. But many in this group are still eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment.

If you receive a letter and have not done so already, this letter urges you to register for a payment by October 15, 2020, using the free Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool. Available in both English and Spanish, the Non-Filers tool is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples and $12,200 for singles. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. More than 7 million people have used the Non-Filers tool so far to register for a payment.

The letter, officially known as IRS Notice 1444-A, is written in English and Spanish and includes information on eligibility criteria and how eligible recipients can claim an Economic Impact Payment on IRS.gov. The mailing, which will begin around September 24, will be delivered from an IRS address. To help address fraud concerns, a copy of the letter is available by following this link.

Though more than 160 million Americans have already received their Economic Impact Payments, anyone with little or no income who is not required to file a tax return may still be eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment. This is true regardless of whether they get a letter.

It is important to know that receiving a letter is not a guarantee of eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment. An individual is likely eligible if he or she is a U.S. citizen or resident alien, has a work-eligible Social Security number, and can’t be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return. However, there can be a variety of situations that could affect an individual’s eligibility. For more information on eligibility requirements, recipients should read the Economic Impact Payment eligibility FAQs on IRS.gov.

The Deadline is October 15, 2020

The registration deadline for non-filers to claim an Economic Impact Payment through the Non-Filers tool is October 15, 2020. Those unable to access the Non-Filers tool may submit a simplified paper return. People can also wait until next year and claim it as a credit on their 2020 federal income tax return by filing in 2021.

It is important to remember that anyone required to file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return should file the tax return and not use the Non-Filers tool.

Relief for the Those Who Don’t Work

If you don’t work or have no earned income, you may still qualify for a payment. But low- and moderate-income workers and working families eligible to receive special tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, cannot use this tool. They will need to file a regular return as soon as possible. The IRS will use their tax return information to determine and issue any Economic Impact Payment for which they are eligible.

How You Can Receive Your Payment

Anyone using the Non-Filers tool can speed up the arrival of their payment by choosing to receive it by direct deposit. Those not choosing this option will get a check.

Beginning two weeks after you register, you can track the status of your payment using the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov.

Watch Out for Scams

Be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. In particular, watch out for scams using email, phone calls, or texts related to these payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website, or share personal or financial information. The special tools mentioned here are only available on IRS.gov. They are not available on any other website.

A Final Note

If you are unsure about your eligibility to receive an Economic Impact Payment or are not comfortable maneuvering the tools on IRS.gov, contact your trusted local tax professional.