Color of Money
After criticism about the short deadlines, which blocked many parents from claiming stimulus funds for their dependents, the IRS backtracked and reopened the registration, setting a new deadline of Sept. 30.
In an effort to get payments to non-filers before the end of the year, the IRS has set an Oct. 15 deadline. Here’s what you need to know.
If you don’t normally file a tax return and haven’t received a stimulus payment — up to $1,200 in aid for individuals and $2,400 for married couples — you have until Oct. 15 to use the non-filers tool at irs. gov to get the funds by year’s end.
Those who don’t have access to the online nonfilers tool can submit a simplified paper return, which needs to be postmarked by Oct. 15. Go to irs.gov and search for “File a Simplified Paper Tax Return.” You will find step-by-step instructions on filing a simplified return. You’ll need to download either Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors if you’re over 65.
The instructions also explain how to claim the additional $500 payment for each dependent child under 17. Something to keep in mind: If someone else can claim you as a dependent on their return, you don’t qualify for a stimulus payment. If you won’t be claimed as a dependent for this tax year, you may be able to claim the stimulus credit when you file a 2020 return next year.
To speed up payment, elect to have your money sent by direct deposit. Otherwise, you’ll get a check.
Do not use the non-filers tool if you still plan to file a 2018 or 2019 tax return.
People who’ve already used the non-filers tool to provide information on qualifying children don’t need to do anything else. The IRS said it will automatically send you a payment.
The IRS says it is mailing letters this month to an estimated 9 million Americans who have not yet gone online to determine whether they’re eligible for a stimulus payment. The letters are being sent to people who haven’t filed a federal return for 2018 or 2019.
So far, more than 7 million people have used the non-filers tool to register for a stimulus payment, according to the IRS.
If you still haven’t received a stimulus payment, you may be able to get help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), an independent organization within the IRS. TAS is assisting people in resolving certain issues related to their relief payments.
To find out if TAS can help, go to taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov, click the link for “News & Info” and read the post for Aug. 10. There is a list of the five stimulus payment problems that the TAS is helping the IRS resolve.
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