Stimulus check: 15 October is last day to claim payment
As talks continue for a new relief bill, here's when and how to register for coronavirus relief payments if you don't normally file tax returns.
Debates on the details of the latest stimulus check bill rage on between Democrats and Republicans in Congress here is all you need to know about how and when to register for existing Coronavirus income support if you are a non-filer.
Register for check before October 15
While most eligible U.S. taxpayers have automatically received their Economic Impact Payment, some may need to provide their information by October 15 if they have not received their payment yet.
Millions of stimulus checks already sent by IRS
As part of the CARES Act, a $2.2tn coronavirus relief bill passed in March, stimulus checks of up to $1,200 have been sent out to qualifying individuals, with married couples receiving up to $2,400. Households have also been able to claim extra credits of $500 for dependents under 17.
Since then the IRS has sent over 160 million stimulus checks to those who qualify under the bill.
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After distribution of the checks began in April, most eligible people who filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return in the US received their payment automatically. However, low earners who do not normally submit a tax declaration have typically been required to apply for their check.
The IRS announced last week that it had contacted almost nine million people who have not yet registered for payments, but are entitled to relief.
Am I a non-filer?
A non-filer is anyone who is not planning to file a federal income tax return for 2019 for any reason; including that your income is less than $12,000, you’re married with a joint income of less than $24,000 or that you have no income.
For more information on whether you need to file a tax return this year, there’s a handy tool on the IRS site which will personalise advice based on your circumstances.
If you have children, you may be eligible for a $500 catch-up payment. Use the non-filers tool by September 30 if you have not provided your qualifying child’s information. For information about qualifying children, visit the IRS Economic Impact Payment Information Center.
Begin filing your claim by 15 October here.
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