Eligibility for Stimulus Checks and the Impact of Unfiled Tax Returns
Stimulus checks have been a lifeline for many Americans during challenging times. However, the process of receiving these checks can be complicated, especially for those who have not filed their taxes in recent years. In this article, we will explore the eligibility requirements, the impact of unfiled tax returns, and steps you can take to ensure you receive your stimulus check.
Why You May Not Receive a Stimulus Check if You Have Unfiled Tax Returns
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) relies on tax returns to determine eligibility for various benefits, including stimulus checks. Unless you file your 2020 tax return, you will not receive a stimulus check. The IRS is currently sending checks to individuals who filed either a 2019 or 2020 tax return. If the last time you filed was in 2019 for 2018, your bank account and address information are likely outdated and cannot be used by the IRS.
Additionally, if you were supposed to file taxes in 2020 but did not, you may not have received the second stimulus check, which was based on having filed in 2019. To claim this second check, you will need to file your 2020 tax return.
However, if you receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, the IRS already has your bank account information. In such cases, they can still send the check to you. If you do not meet these criteria and have not filed under any other circumstances, your eligibility is contingent upon filing your 2020 tax return as soon as possible.
How and When to File to Ensure Eligibility
It is crucial to avoid any delays in filing your taxes if you want to receive a stimulus check. Here are the key steps:
Check Your Eligibility: Not everyone qualifies for a stimulus check. If you were required to file taxes and did not, you will not receive a check. If you were not required to file and were not receiving VA or SS payments, you may need to file the non-filer form on the IRS website. The deadline for filing this form was Nov. 21, 2020. File Your 2020 Tax Return: If you qualify to receive a stimulus check, file your 2020 tax return as soon as possible. You can file even if you owe nothing, as it will allow you to claim the credit and receive a refund. Use the Non-Filers Tool: If you missed the Nov. 21, 2020 deadline, you can use the IRS Non-Filer tool to register for the Recovery Rebate Credit. This tool was designed for individuals who did not receive the second stimulus check but meet the eligibility criteria. Go to IRS.gov: Visit the official IRS website at IRS.gov. Here, you can find more resources and guidance on how to file your taxes.Additional Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a stimulus check, you must meet certain income requirements. For example, if you earn less than $75,000 per year, you may qualify. You can use the ‘Get My Payment’ tool on the IRS website to check your eligibility. Simply provide your Social Security Number (SSN) and other necessary information to verify your identity.
Conclusion
While the window for receiving a stimulus check has closed, it is still important to stay informed about tax filing deadlines and eligibility criteria. By ensuring you file your taxes, you can potentially claim a refund and avoid any legal implications. Remember to visit the IRS website regularly for the most up-to-date information and tools to help you with your tax filings.