You can definitely get your stimulus check even if you do not need to file your tax returns. And you can also claim your Economic Impact Payment, even if at present you are a person with no fixed address. Here is all you need to do to claim your stimulus check under the above circumstances.
Many Americans do not need to file returns every year, especially if they are under any federal program such as Social Security or veteran beneficiaries. You also do not need to file a return if your income is below the threshold limit.
There are other factors, including filing status, disability, or age that could exempt you from the requirement under federal laws to file a tax return. So can you claim your third stimulus check if you are a non-filer? And what if you have missed out on the first and second stimulus payment?
Getting Your Third Stimulus Check Even As A Non-Filer
If you are a part of various federal programs like the SSI and SSDI, or if you are a veteran, you will receive your stimulus check automatically. But if the IRS doesn’t have your details like your bank particulars, your current address, etc., you will need to file your current tax returns to claim your stimulus payment.
This will not only give the IRS all the personal information it requires, but it will also help you to update all information on dependents. This includes any child welcomed into your home in 2020. Every dependent can also get you as much as $1,400.
If the authorities have your records till 2019, it will base your stimulus check on these pieces of information. This also goes for those who have used the non-filer tool in the past for the stimulus payments in 2020. This facility is no longer available for the third stimulus check though.
Your stimulus payment could arrive as a direct deposit to your bank. You could also receive it through the US postal service as a pre-loaded debit card or a check.
Getting Your Missing Stimulus Payment If You Are A Non-Filer: Is The Process Free?
The IRS mailed information to 9M non-filers, to claim their stimulus money in the first round paid in 2020. You had the option to make use of the non-filers tool that was open till November 21 of last year. But you still have time to claim your past payments through the RRC that is part of the 2020 tax return.
Here are some more details for those who require assistance. You need to file an annual income tax return in form 1040 (1040 SR for senior citizens), to qualify for the RRC. Be sure to keep the Notice 1444 that you received along with your EIP.
The notice contains the amount, a phone number to call up, where you can get information on irs.gov about the payment, and the mode of payment; check direct deposit or pre-loaded debit card.
The payment amount noted in this letter will be necessary while filing your next return. File for the RRC along with the return. The IRS began processing returns on February 12, but the deadline has been extended till May 17. There is also time to file for an extension.
Getting Started With Your Tax Filing: Is The Free File Tool For Me?
To begin with, you are eligible for the free filing tool if your earnings are below $72,000 in 2020. You are eligible for a free tax return, federal and at times, even state.
You can go through the step-by-step process that will guide you on the process to file your tax return for free.
Getting Your Stimulus Check If You Are Without A Permanent Home
If you are without a permanent home or bank account at present, there is still time to get your third stimulus payment. The authorities have been reaching out through various agencies and groups to people who are experiencing homelessness to support them get their Economic Impact Payment.
It is preferable to use a relative, friend, or a shelter’s address. This will help the IRS send a check if they cannot make a direct payment. The IRS will also help people open a bank account at low or zero cost.
Getting All The Three Stimulus Payment Even If You Are A Non-Filer
Most non-filers will be entitled to the maximum amount for each of the three stimulus checks: $1,200 for the first, $600 for the second, and $1,400 for the third stimulus check. This is because their income usually comes within the income limit set by the IRS.
Those who receive support under SSDI or SSI should have normally received both the initial stimulus payments.
Defining A Non-Filer And The Set Of Rules To Be Followed By Them
The group of people defined as non-filers is those who did not need to file returns in 2018 and 2019. They include people under the SSDI or SSI program.
Single persons under 65 with income below $12,200, or those married under 65 earning under $24,400 also fall in this category.
For those above 65, the figures are $13,850 for single and $27000 for married people.
Retired Railroad workers and Veterans also come under this category.
Young adults aged between 17 and 24 do not need to file returns if they are claimed by somebody as a dependent. But they aren’t eligible for the first and second stimulus payments.
But if you receive any regular health care tax subsidy or credit, you will have to file your returns to continue receiving them.
If you need to claim any refunds, you still have to file a tax return this year.
How Does A Recovery Rebate Credit Help You?
The RRC is a tax credit that will decrease the tax you owe or increase your refund check. You will be guided through the process in the returns instruction sheet. But you need to be sure of the amount you are owed as stimulus payments.
Hold on to the two notices, 1444 and 1444-B for the two stimulus payments paid in 2020. The information in them will help you to fill up the RRC sheet or other software you may use.
Will It Take Long To Get Your Third Stimulus Payment After You File Your RRC?
The tax return process for 2020 started on February 2. The deadline has since been extended to May 17. The IRS is now focused on sending out the stimulus payments that the recipients would be hopeful of receiving without any further delay.
If you have filed for your Recovery Rebate Credit along with your present returns, you can look up your status. But we aren’t clear about the revised timeline set by the IRS for processing the returns submitted after the middle of March.
