If you recently got a letter from the IRS (Notice 1444-A) about the Coronavirus Economic Impact Payment (EIP) you have until November 21, 2020 (3pm EST) to claim your money. These payments amount to up to $1,200 for single people, $2,400 for married couples, and $500 per each eligible child who is under 17 years old. Whether you got the notice or not, this article should be of interest to you if you are non-filer or know of one. Prisoners and their families should also claim their stimulus payment by this deadline, thanks to a recent ruling by a Federal judge.
Who is a non-filer?
You most likely received this letter because you are a tax non-filer who hasn’t applied for or received a stimulus payment so far. For purposes of getting a Coronavirus stimulus payment, there are two categories of non-filers.
First, you may be a non-filer for the following reasons:
- you had no income at all
- you had income below $12,200 (single person), $18,350 (single parent), or $24,400 (married couple)
- you are a retiree whose social security income was below the taxable limit
- you are self-employed/ gig worker or you work part-time
In each case, you weren’t required to file a tax return in 2018 or 2019. You still qualify for a payment in 2020, especially if you meet the additional requirements discussed below. You should use the IRS Non-filers tool to enter your information so that you can receive the payment. Your funds will arrive faster if you opt to have it deposited into your bank account. Otherwise you will receive a check. The tool is working well for most people. However, if you don’t have internet access or are encountering technical difficulties with the site, you are allowed to file a simple tax return solely for the purpose of getting a stimulus payment. We can help you to electronically file such a return before November 21, 2020.
Second, you can be a non-filer because you ought to have filed a tax return in 2018 and/or 2019. In this case, you can only get the payment by preparing and filing your unfiled tax return. It’s worth remembering that the IRS has lots of data collected from employers, financial institutions, state tax authorities, etc., about your income and assets. We can help you prepare your missing back year tax returns quickly and accurately so that you can get your Coronavirus payment. Our tax experts will also help you through any tricky situations if you owe any back taxes.
Keep in mind that your coronavirus payment can’t be diverted from you to pay any taxes you owe. It is your money to spend or save as you please.
Additional requirements for eligibility
It is worth noting that although you received Notice 1444-A, you must also meet the following requirements to receive your EIP:
- Be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or a qualifying resident alien
- Have a Social Security Number that allows you to work in the U.S. (even if you are a foreign citizen)
- Not be claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return
If you have any question about your Coronavirus stimulus payment, feel free to book an appointment here. We’ll be happy to help you figure out your eligibility and to claim your money quickly.
Abraham Kyele King’oo, EA, MBA
6400 Georgia Avenue NW, Suite 11
Washington, DC 20012
Tel. 202-291-4404
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