Failure to meet the November 21st registration deadline for a stimulus check does not mean you will not receive one … [+]
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November 21 was the IRS deadline for people who would not normally file a federal tax return to register for a stimulus review through the non-filer portal. While the date has passed, those who haven’t registered shouldn’t despair as they will still be able to claim their economic impact payments in 2021.
Here is how.
9 million non-filers are eligible for stimulus checks valued at $ 1,200
160 million Americans received their first stimulus check-up months ago, many with little to no effort. Most of these people received their payments based on federal income tax returns filed in 2018 or 2019. For those who don’t normally file federal tax returns, the IRS has created a non-filer tool on their website to allow eligible individuals to quickly register and receive their stimulus checks. In a recent report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that as of September 30, 2020, more than 5.4 million non-applicants had successfully registered and received stimulus checks. Up to nine million more may be eligible for an economic impact payment but did not register to receive it.
IRS has created a tool to check stimuli without a filer
To streamline the process, the IRS created a non-filer tool that individuals can use to register for their stimulus payments for free. Individuals had to enter information and could receive their payment electronically by direct deposit or as a check in the mail. The tool is specifically designed for Americans who typically fail to file a tax return because they filed as an individual with an income less than $ 12,220, filed a marriage with an income less than $ 24,400, or because they had no income.
The IRS originally set a deadline of October 15, 2020 to register using the non-filer tool, but eventually extended the deadline to November 21, 2020 to give individuals more time to apply. Letters are also being sent to the roughly nine million people asking them to use the tool and receive their stimulus payment. “The IRS has made unprecedented efforts to ensure that people are aware of their potential eligibility for an economic impact payment this year,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said in a press release. “We took this step [sending letters] to give those who have not yet received payment more time to register in order to receive their money, including those in low-income and underserved communities, “he added.
The GAO report, released Nov. 30, recommended that the IRS and Treasury track and publicly report the number of people who received a letter and subsequently requested and received a stimulus payment. The report finds that the Treasury Department approved the recommendation.
Request your stimulus payment now
There is good news and bad news for eligible Americans who missed the November 21st deadline. The good news is that you can still claim your stimulus payment. The bad news is that you’ll have to wait until 2021 and take additional steps to receive your payment.
To apply for economic stimulus payments, which the IRS calls Economic Impact Payments or Recovery Rebate Credit, individuals must file a tax return in 2021. Specifically, the IRS has stated that individuals should file a 2020 Form 1040 or 1040SR to apply for Recovery Rebate recognition.
Most people who missed the November 21st deadline to register for the IRS Non-Filer Tool can file their 2020 tax returns using the IRS Free File program. The program enables individuals to prepare and file their federal income tax online for free. Individuals can use the IRS Free File program for their 2020 taxes if they earn less than $ 72,000.
Some people who have had to register for stimulus reviews using the non-filer tool may not have much experience or be uncomfortable navigating the IRS Free File program. These individuals may be able to take advantage of the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where volunteers help prepare free tax returns for qualified individuals. “VITA / TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trustworthy source for preparing tax returns,” according to the IRS. “All VITA / TCE volunteers preparing for returns must complete and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards.” While many VITA locations have been temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak, hopefully some will be safe to reopen in time for their tax return in 2021.
The result
Failure to meet the November 21st registration deadline for a Stimulus Check does not mean you will not receive payment. Individuals can still claim their economic impact payments but will have to wait and file a tax return until 2021.