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Spread the Word! Help Non-Filers Receive Unclaimed Stimulus Payments by May 17

 

Congress has approved three rounds of stimulus payments to help dampen the impact of the economic fallout of COVID-19, and more could still be coming. Most people have already received their payments.

But as many as 8 million people who make so little they do not file taxes have not claimed their payments. This group includes very low-income families with children, people disconnected from work opportunities for a long period, many low-income adult-only households, and low-income individuals who receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income.

Help spread the word that for non-filers to receive their full Economic Impact Payments, they must file a 2020 tax return by May 17 and claim the Rebate Recovery Credit.

Filing a tax return can enable people to claim the first $1,200 stimulus payment, the second $600 one, the third $1400 payment, expected future payments, and any missing amounts for dependents. The fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund and to get any future stimulus payments quickly is to request direct deposit.

For those who are unbanked, the Cities for Financial Empowerment’s Bank On program has a list of safe, low-fee accounts that can be opened remotely. Requesting direct deposit of a regular tax refund will also give the IRS information that can be used for direct deposit of future stimulus payments, if any.

Visit the IRS Economic Impact Payment Information Center for answers to common questions.

Resources

Questions about stimulus payments are on the IRS website in the Economic Impact Payment Information Center (in English and Spanish) and for those on Social Security or retired railroad workers and veterans. CBPP has resources to support EIP outreach work, including flyers, press release templates, FAQs, and additional outreach tools. Please also spread the word that people who received an EIP prepaid card should activate it or replace it to receive their money.

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