Many are missing out on virus relief cash

The coronavirus relief money, which began rolling out in April, has been sent to 159 million Americans, according to the Internal Revenue Service on Wednesday.

The payouts totaled almost $ 267 billion. The IRSnoted that 120 million Economic Impact Payments were sent via direct deposit, 35 million payments were made by paper check and 4 million payments were made in the form of a prepaid debit card.

Did everyone who qualified receive the money? Not yet. The IRS said millions of low- income people, homeless people and others who aren’t required to file a tax return may still be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment. But they will need to take some action to give the IRS information on where to send the money.

The IRS said people who don’t normally need to file a return can register and use a “Non- Filers” tool at IRS. gov. ( You would not use that tool if you filed a 2018 return or if you will file a 2019 return. The IRS said using the tool instead of filing your 2019 return will slow down processing of your tax return and receiving any tax refund.)

The Non- Filers tool is designed for people with incomes typically below $ 24,400 for married couples, and $ 12,200 for singles.

The money is significant, particularly for lower- income people who qualify for the maximum payment. Married couples could qualify to receive up to $ 2,400, and others can qualify to receive up to $ 1,200. People with qualifying children ages 16 and younger can get up to an additional $ 500 for each child.

The IRS said eligible nonfilers who use the tool by Oct. 15 would be able to receive payment by the end of the year.