Nothing in life is certain right now except COVID-19 and taxes, but you may be eligible for a boost from Uncle Sam to soften the blow of economic setbacks.
The Internal Revenue Service will begin mailing letters to some 9 million Americans who typically don’t file federal income tax returns, but may be eligible for (but have not registered to claim) an Economic Impact Payment of up to $1,200, and married couples, $2,400.
If you have not filed a return for either 2018 or 2019, you may be eligible for a payday. The letter, written in English and Spanish, includes information on eligibility criteria and how eligible recipients can claim an Economic Impact Payment on IRS.gov.
An Economic Impact Payment is reserved for those who don’t typically file a tax return because they have very low incomes. By sending out the letters, the IRS is taking an extra step to help Americans who may not be aware they could be eligible for this payment or don’t know how to register to receive it.
Receiving a letter is not a guarantee of eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment. However, 7 million Americans have already used the free Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool to receive an Economic Impact Payment, so it’s worth a try. U.S. citizens, permanent residents and qualifying resident aliens who have a valid Social Security number, could not be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer, and had adjusted gross income under certain limits are urged to apply.
If you fit the criteria, submit your information online by October 15 using the Non-Filers tool. Act quickly and you may receive the money before the end of this turbulent year.
