Economic Impact Payments

What You Need to Know
About Stimulus Payments

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have announced that the distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.

However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.

Am I Eligible for The Economic Impact Payment?

Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment.

For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds.
Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.

Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples.

Parents also receive $500 for each qualifying child.

How Will the IRS Know Where to Send My Payment?

The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.

For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount.

For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment.

The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.

What Can I Do If the IRS Does Not Have My Direct Deposit Information?

In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online. This will allow individuals to receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail.

Can I Still Receive My Payment If I Am Not Typically Required to File A Tax Return?

Yes. People who typically do not file a tax return will need to file a simple tax return to receive an economic impact payment.

Low-income taxpayers, senior citizens, Social Security recipients, some veterans, and individuals with disabilities who are otherwise not required to file a tax return will not owe tax.

How Can I File The Tax Return Needed To Receive My Economic Impact Payment?

Information will soon be available on IRS.gov/coronavirus instructing people in these groups on how to file a 2019 tax return with simple, but necessary, information including their filing status, number of dependents, and direct deposit bank account information.

You may also contact a local tax professional.

Can I Still Receive an Economic Impact Payment If I Have Not Filed My Tax Return For 2018 Or 2019?

Yes. Anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 is urged to file as soon as possible to receive an economic impact payment. You should include direct deposit banking information on the return.

How Long Are the Economic Impact Payments Available?

For those concerned about visiting a tax professional or local community organization in person to get help with a tax return, these economic impact payments will be available throughout the rest of 2020.

Where Can I Get More Information?

If you need more information regarding economic impact payments, feel free to contact your local tax professional. Also, key information is updated on IRS.gov/coronavirus.