How do i get stimulus check without filing taxes

As it continues to disburse the third round of stimulus payments to eligible Americans, the IRS is encouraging those who don't have a permanent address or a bank account to take certain steps to make sure that they receive the money they are owed.

Most of the economic impact payments (EIP) are made automatically: The IRS either deposits them into bank accounts it has on file or mails a paper check to a taxpayer's address.

But if a person is experiencing homelessness, doesn't have a bank account or earns too little to file taxes, it is more difficult for the IRS to get them the money automatically. That is why the IRS created the non-filers tool when the first EIP went out last year.

However, not everyone who is eligible for a stimulus check knew about or could access the non-filers tool, and it is now closed. Millions of Americans could be missing out on, potentially, thousands of dollars in stimulus money.

But if you have a Social Security number and are not claimed as a dependent on someone else's taxes, you are owed a stimulus payment. Here's what you can do to get the money.

Those who usually don't file a tax return need to do so this year

Even if you had no income last year, or too little to file a return, you should file a basic 2020 tax return this year, the IRS says. That is the only way for the agency to get the information it needs to disburse a payment.

When you file that basic return, the IRS will send the check to the address provided on the form.

"People do not need a permanent address or a bank account. They don't need to have a job," the IRS writes. "For eligible individuals, the IRS will still issue the payment even if they haven't filed a tax return in years."

The quickest way to receive a stimulus payment is via direct deposit. Still, that can be inaccessible for some Americans. Millions operate outside of the banking system in the U.S.

The IRS is encouraging those without a bank account to set one up — for free — at a local bank. To help, the FDIC has launched a campaign that highlights 75 banks and credit unions that are offering no- or low-cost accounts specifically for the unbanked. You can read more information about that and search for local accounts on the FDIC's website.

Otherwise, payments will be mailed to the address provided on each return. A person experiencing homelessness who is unable to receive a direct deposit payment can put the address of a friend, relative or someone else he or she trusts, the IRS says. The individual may also put the address of a shelter or a drop-in day center, where he or she will be able to collect mail. The payment will be mailed as a check or debit card to the address on the return.

Claim a Recovery Rebate Credit

How do i get stimulus check without filing taxes

Non-Filer or Social Security Income Recipient

Generally, social security income (SSI) recipients or individuals with little or no income do not have to file a tax return. As a result of the 2020 Coronavirus crisis, many individuals qualify for stimulus check payments. Find out if you qualify for one or all stimulus payments and what you need to do to claim them if you have not received them. The third stimulus payment during 2021 can be claimed as Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2021 tax return during 2022.

How do i get stimulus check without filing taxes

During 2020: This created a misconception that a Non-Filer, Stimulus, or Simple Tax Return was required by every taxpayer to receive a Stimulus Check. That was not so as a regular 2019 Tax Return and/or 2018 return on file with the IRS was sufficient to receive the Economic Impact Payment. However, many taxpayers filed non-filer returns prior to filing regular tax returns.

During 2021: 2020 Tax Returns were due in 2021. On the 2020 1040 tax form, the IRS added a line item - line 30 - called the Recovery Rebate Credit as well as the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet. If you did not receive your 1. Stimulus Payment or EIP during 2020, you can claim this through the Recovery Rebate Credit. In addition, if you did not receive the 2. Stimulus Payment during late 2020 or early 2021, this is also claimed through the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 Tax Return. Note: if you did not receive a portion of either payment, you can also claim this. For example, if you were supposed to receive an additional $500 or $600 for a qualifying dependent, indicate this on your return. File 2020 Taxes now.

During 2022: 2021 Tax Returns will have similar implications from the 2020 Form 1040 in order to claim any missing payments for Stimulus 3. This is all done through the eFile Tax App - sign up for a free eFile.com account now. You can answer a few questions about the payment and the app will report it and add your credits owed to your tax refund. Since the Recovery Rebate Credit is a refundable tax credit, you will receive the full amount owed, even if you are already receiving a refund.

  • Non-Filer, Zero Income: If you have zero or no income and are not normally required to file a tax return, you can just file a 2021 Tax Return to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit and be done. Instructions on how to file a zero income 2021 Tax Return to claim the third stimulus payment. To claim the first or second, file a 2020 Return on paper and mail it in.
  • Social Security, Disability, Veterans' benefits, etc. Income: Generally, if you only have this type of income, you do not have to file a tax return. See details on Social Security Income and Tax Returns. However, if you want to claim your missing stimulus payment, you have to decide between a non-filer return, zero income return, or whether to also list the income type listed here. If you have other taxable income, you would have to list that. Do not file a simplified return if you have taxable income.

Filing Requirements

Do I have to file taxes if my only income is Social Security? Disability or SSDI? Veterans benefits? Find out now:

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