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Millions of Americans who were shut out of $1,200 coronavirus stimulus payments this year are about to get one more chance at a check.
Later this month, the IRS will begin mailing letters to about 9 million people who normally don’t file a federal income tax return but may be eligible for a payment.
Individuals who receive the letters must register at IRS.gov by Oct. 15 in order to receive their payment by the end of 2020.
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A considerable amount of money is at stake. Individuals are eligible for up to $1,200 in stimulus payments — or $2,400 for a married couple — as well as $500 for each qualifying child under age 17.
The IRS will be sending the letters to people who haven’t filed a return for either 2018 or 2019. Nevertheless, they’re entitled to a stimulus check.
Generally, these households aren’t required to file a tax return because they have low incomes — under $12,200 for 2019 if single or $24,400 if married and filing jointly — or they have no income. An individual is likely eligible if he or she is a U.S. citizen or resident alien, has a work-eligible Social Security number and can’t be claimed as dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return, according to the agency’s website.
This round of letters from the IRS is the latest attempt by the agency to make payments to families who may have missed out on a check earlier this year.
Late last month, the IRS announced that 50,000 people would receive catch-up payments for money that was withheld due to their spouse’s unpaid child support.