Economic Impact Payments for Non-Filers

One new tool and one on the way help taxpayers who otherwise would not file a return get their stimulus payments.

The physical and mental toll the COVID-19 pandemic is inflicting on humankind is indisputable. Next comes the economic toll. It is not surprising that the two questions many Americans are asking are How? and When? How do I get my stimulus payment and when will I get it?

By now, it should be clear that for most taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2018 the payments are automatic without any action required by the taxpayer. Economic Impact Payments will be distributed automatically to most people starting next week.

Recap

In last week’s post, we reported how qualified non-filers can receive their stimulus payments. The IRS will use the information on Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate Economic Impact Payments of $1,200 to Social Security and railroad retirement recipients even if they did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019. Automatic payments will go out in the near future to those individuals.

Recipients will receive these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients are also part of this group who do not need to take action.

This left other individuals who aren’t required to file a tax return such as low-income workers and certain veterans and individuals with disabilities wondering if they are eligible. The short answer is yes, but the payment is not automatic. These individuals must take action. Here’s how:

New Tool to Help Non-Filers Register for Economic Impact Payments

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service launched a new web tool that allows quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for those who do not normally file a tax return.

The non-filer tool provides a free and easy option designed for people who don’t have a return filing obligation, including those with too little income to file. If you are in this group of qualifying non-filers, the feature is available only on IRS.gov. You should look for Non-filers: Enter Payment Info Here to take you directly to the tool. This tool allows you to enter basic information in order to receive your Economic Impact Payments.

How Do I Use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Tool?

For those who don’t normally file a tax return, the process is simple and only takes a few minutes to complete. First, visit IRS.gov, and look for Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here. Then provide basic information including your Social Security number, name, address, and dependents. The IRS will use this information to confirm eligibility, calculate, and send an Economic Impact Payment. Using the tool to get your payment will not result in any taxes being owed. Entering bank or financial account information will allow the IRS to deposit your payment directly into your account. Otherwise, your payment will be mailed to you.

Who Should Use the Non-Filers Tool?

This new tool is designed for people who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who don’t receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI) or survivor benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits. Those who should consider the Non-Filers tool as an option include:

Lower income: Among those who could use Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool are those who haven’t filed a 2018 or 2019 return because they are under the normal income limits for filing a tax return. This may include single filers who made under $12,200 and married couples making less than $24,400 in 2019.
Veterans beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients: The IRS continues to explore ways to see if Economic Impact Payments can be made automatically to SSI recipients and those who receive veterans disability compensation, pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and who did not file a tax return for the 2018 or 2019 tax years.
- People in these groups can either use Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info option now or wait as the IRS continues to review automatic payment options to simplify delivery for these groups.
Social Security, SSDI and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries with qualifying dependents: These groups will automatically receive $1,200 Economic Impact Payments.
- People in this group who have qualifying children under age 17 may use Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info to claim the $500 payment per child.
Students and others: If someone else claimed you on their tax return, you will not be eligible for the Economic Impact Payment.

**Coming Soon: Get My Payment Shows Economic Impact Payment Date and Helps with Direct Deposit**

To help everyone check on the status of their payments, the IRS is building a second new tool expected to be available for use by April 17. Get My Payment will provide people with the status of their payment, including the date their payment is scheduled to be deposited into their bank account or mailed to them.

An additional feature on Get My Payment will allow eligible people a chance to provide their bank account information so they can receive their payment more quickly rather than waiting for a paper check. This feature will be unavailable if the Economic Impact Payment has already been scheduled for delivery.

Other Non-Filers

If you have a tax filing obligation and have not filed your 2018 or 2019 federal tax return, you have until December 31, 2020, to get current to be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment.

Stay safe. Stay well. Stay home.