Stimulus check in United States: What happens to 'non-filers’?
The following scenarios can help you decide if you need to use the IRS's Non-Filers: Enter Payment Information tool to get your Economic Impact Payment.
With May’s bills due soon, many people are still waiting to get their $1,200 stimulus payment as part of the trillions in federal assistance meant to help Americans suffering from the financial fallout of the coronavirus.
On Friday, the Treasury Department and the IRS reported that 88.1 million payments worth nearly $158 billion had been issued in the program’s first three weeks. Yet there are tens of millions worried about when they’ll get their money.
Because agencies keep separate systems, it took some effort to figure out how to automatically send payments to people receiving certain federal benefits, such as Social Security. The IRS launched two portals to collect information from individuals who have not filed a tax return in the last two years and for others who have filed but did not give the IRS direct deposit information.
People eligible for the stimulus payment who are not required to file a tax return and don’t plan to file for 2019 should use the 'non-filer' tool on the IRS website. Non-filers can also provide direct deposit information, which will send an electronic payment to a bank account rather than having to wait for a mailed check.
Non-filers can apply through the IRS website
The following scenarios can help you decide if you need to use the IRS's Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool to get your Economic Impact Payment. You can find this tool only on IRS.gov.
This new tool is designed for people eligible for the Economic Impact Payment who did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and who don't receive Social Security retirement payments, disability or survivor (SSDI) benefits, supplemental security income (SSI), or Railroad Retirement benefits.
You can use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool to provide simple information so you can get your payment. You should use this application if you meet all these requirements:
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- You had gross income that did not exceed $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) for 2019, and did not file a return for 2018 or 2019 and were not otherwise required to file a federal income tax return for 2019.
- For each of these scenarios, assume that you and your family members are U.S. citizens, each with a Social Security number that is valid for employment.
The Internal Revenue Service has extended the time-limit to apply for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. They have extended the date from 22 April to 5 May and you can apply through the IRS website.