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Didn’t get a stimulus check this year?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is beginning an outreach program to Americans who typically don’t file federal income tax returns and may be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP, more commonly known as a stimulus check) but have not yet registered to receive one.
As part of the program, the IRS will mail letters to roughly nine million Americans who have been identified as potential check recipients but did not have a requirement to file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 because of their income levels. The information is based on an internal analysis of forms, like Forms W-2, 1099s, and other third-party statements sent to the IRS each year but have not been matched with tax returns. Typically, this means those Americans who have an annual income of $24,400 or less for married couples and $12,200 or less for single folks.
About Notice 1444-A
The letters are officially known as IRS Notice 1444-A and will be sent out in English and Spanish. They are slated to be mailed out later this month, around September 24, 2020. The letter advises non-filers that they should register at IRS.gov by October 15, 2020, to receive a check by the end of the year. If you miss the date, you will have to wait until next year and claim the credit on your 2020 federal income tax return (the one that you’ll file in 2021) to receive a check.
And yes, it can be scary to receive a letter from the IRS out of the blue. That’s especially true in the current climate when fraudsters and thieves are trying to take advantage of those who may be desperate for their checks.
To help you confirm that the letter is authentic, you can match it against a copy of the letter available on the IRS website.
It looks like this:
IRS
Remember that the stimulus checks are up to $1,200 for single folks and up to $2,400 for married couples. Additionally, those who have qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child. Other rules also apply (you can find out more here).
How To Register To Get A Stimulus Check
To register for your payment, you simply click over to the IRS website and use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool. There is no cost to register, and you should access the tool directly through irs.gov. You can speed up your check’s arrival by choosing to receive it by direct deposit; if you don’t opt for direct deposit, you’ll get a paper check by mail.
If you cannot use the tool or don’t have adequate access to the internet, you can file a federal income tax return for 2019 with the IRS even if you receive non-taxable income or do not make enough money to normally have to file a tax return. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider, or IRS Free File.
“The IRS has made an unprecedented outreach effort to make sure people are aware of their potential eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment this year,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig.
“Millions who don’t normally file a tax return have already registered and received a payment. We are taking this extra step to help Americans who may not know they could be eligible for this payment or don’t know how to register for one. People who aren’t required to file a tax return can quickly register on IRS.gov and still get their money this year.”
Be Careful And Watch For Scams
Remember that the letter will come by mail. The IRS doesn’t initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information – even related to your stimulus check.
Keep your personal information safe by remaining alert – and when in doubt, assume it’s a scam. For tips on protecting yourself from identity theft-related tax fraud, click here.