The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and with them, an equally unprecedented response from the U.S. government in the form of Economic Impact Payments, widely known as stimulus checks. These payments, designed to provide crucial financial relief, reached millions of Americans. However, for a significant number of individuals, especially those who don’t typically file income taxes, the process wasn’t straightforward, and many still haven’t received the money they were entitled to.
If you didn’t file taxes in 2019 and are wondering how to get your stimulus check (or checks), you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the history of these payments, why some people missed out, and the current, most effective pathways to claim the money you’re owed.
Understanding the Stimulus Checks: A Brief Overview
The first round of stimulus checks, authorized by the CARES Act in March 2020, provided up to $1,200 for eligible individuals, $2,400 for married couples filing jointly, and an additional $500 for each qualifying child under age 17. Subsequent rounds followed, but the focus of this article is primarily on that initial payment, often the one most missed by non-filers.
Who was generally eligible?
- U.S. citizens and resident aliens.
- Individuals with a valid Social Security number.
- Not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- Income below certain thresholds (e.g., Adjusted Gross Income of $75,000 for individuals, $150,000 for married couples). The payments phased out above these limits.
The IRS primarily used 2019 tax returns (or 2018 returns if 2019 hadn’t been filed) to determine eligibility and send payments. This is where the challenge arose for many.
Why Didn’t You File Taxes in 2019? Common Scenarios
There are several legitimate reasons why someone might not have filed a federal income tax return for 2019, all of which could have led to them missing their stimulus payment:
- Income Below Filing Threshold: Many people earn less than the minimum income required to file a tax return. For instance, in 2019, the standard deduction for a single person was $12,200. If your gross income was below this amount, you generally weren’t required to file.
- Receiving Federal Benefits: Individuals receiving Social Security retirement, survivor, or disability benefits (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement benefits, or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits often don’t have other taxable income that necessitates filing a tax return. While the IRS eventually worked with these agencies to get payments to many recipients automatically, some still fell through the cracks, especially those with qualifying dependents.
- Non-Taxable Income Only: Your income might have consisted solely of non-taxable sources, such as certain disability payments, child support, or specific types of scholarships.
- Simply Unaware or Forgot: Some people might have simply been unaware of the requirement or the importance of filing, especially if their income fluctuated or they were new to the workforce.
Regardless of the reason, the good news is that not filing a 2019 tax return does not disqualify you from receiving your stimulus money. It just means you need to take a specific step to claim it.
The Primary Avenue (Now Closed for Initial Claims): The IRS Non-Filers Tool
When the first stimulus checks were rolled out, the IRS recognized the predicament of non-filers. They launched a dedicated online tool called "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here." This tool allowed individuals who were not required to file a tax return to quickly provide the IRS with their basic information (name, address, Social Security number, number of dependents) and bank account details for direct deposit.
Important Note: As of late 2021, the IRS "Non-Filers" tool is no longer available for new submissions related to the first or second Economic Impact Payments. If you missed this window, don’t despair! There is still a highly effective method to claim your money.
The Current & Most Effective Method: Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on Your 2020 Tax Return
For most individuals who did not file a 2019 tax return and did not receive their stimulus payments automatically (or received less than they were entitled to), the path forward is to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 federal income tax return.
What is the Recovery Rebate Credit?
The Recovery Rebate Credit is essentially how the IRS allowed people to claim any missed stimulus money from the first two rounds of payments (CARES Act and the December 2020 relief package). It was specifically designed for individuals who were eligible for the stimulus checks but did not receive them or received less than the full amount.
Why the 2020 Tax Return?
Even if you didn’t file for 2019, filing a 2020 tax return allows you to:
- Establish Eligibility: Provide the IRS with the necessary information to determine your eligibility for the stimulus payments.
- Claim the Credit: Directly claim the missed stimulus money as a refundable tax credit, which means it will be paid to you even if you owe no tax or if the credit is more than any tax you owe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit:
Gather Your Information:
- Social Security Number (SSN): For yourself and any qualifying children.
- Birthdates: For yourself and any qualifying children.
- Current Mailing Address: Where you want any correspondence or paper check sent.
- Bank Account Information (Optional but Recommended): For direct deposit of your refund.
- Any IRS Notices (Letter 6475 or 1444-C): If you received any letters from the IRS about Economic Impact Payments, these can help you determine how much (if any) you already received. If you didn’t receive any stimulus, you’ll enter "0" for the amount received.
Determine How Much Stimulus You Are Owed:
- If you received no stimulus payments, you would claim the full amount you were eligible for ($1,200 for an individual, $2,400 for a married couple, plus $500 per qualifying child for the first payment, and potentially more for the second).
- If you received some stimulus payments but not the full amount, you would claim the difference. The IRS’s "Get My Payment" tool (irs.gov/getmypayment) might provide a record of payments sent to you, but it’s not always comprehensive for non-filers. The most reliable way to confirm what the IRS thinks they paid you is by requesting an IRS Tax Transcript (specifically a "Record of Account Transcript") for 2020.
Choose Your Filing Method for Your 2020 Tax Return:
IRS Free File Program: If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in 2020 was below a certain threshold (it changes annually, but was generally around $73,000 for 2021, and similar for 2020), you can use the IRS Free File program. This allows you to use commercial tax software for free. The software will guide you through the process, including the Recovery Rebate Credit section.
- How to Access: Go to IRS.gov/freefile. Do not go directly to a tax software company’s website, as you may be charged. You must access it through the IRS portal to ensure it’s free.
- Important: Even if you had $0 income in 2020, you can still file a return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. The software will guide you to enter "0" for income.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): These programs offer free tax help to qualified individuals, including those with low to moderate income, the elderly, and people with disabilities. IRS-certified volunteers can prepare your return, including claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- How to Access: Search for "VITA near me" or "TCE near me" on the IRS website (IRS.gov/vita).
Tax Software (Paid): If you prefer, you can use popular tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, etc. You will likely have to pay a fee, but they also guide you through the Recovery Rebate Credit section.
Tax Professional: A certified public accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA) can prepare your 2020 tax return and claim the credit for you. This is the most expensive option but can be helpful for complex situations.
Navigate the Recovery Rebate Credit Section:
- When you prepare your 2020 tax return (Form 1040), you will find a section (usually on Line 30) for the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- The tax software or volunteer will ask you how much stimulus you received in 2020 for the first and second rounds. Be honest and accurate.
- Based on your eligibility and the amount you entered as received, the software will calculate the difference and add it to your refund.
Submit Your Return:
- E-file (Electronic Filing): This is the fastest and most secure way to submit your return. If you use Free File or commercial software, you’ll be prompted to e-file.
- Paper Filing: If e-filing isn’t an option, you can print and mail your 2020 Form 1040. Be sure to sign and date it, and keep a copy for your records. Paper returns take significantly longer to process.
What if You Already Filed Your 2020 Return and Didn’t Claim It?
If you filed your 2020 tax return and later realized you were eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit but didn’t claim it, you can file an amended tax return using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form allows you to correct or change information on a previously filed return. Follow the instructions carefully, explaining why you are amending and how much Recovery Rebate Credit you are now claiming.
Special Considerations for Certain Groups
- SSI, SSDI, VA Recipients with Dependents: While many recipients of federal benefits received their individual stimulus payments automatically, those with qualifying children often did not receive the additional $500 per child unless they used the Non-Filers tool or filed a tax return. If this applies to you, you absolutely need to file a 2020 tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit for your dependent(s).
- Deceased Individuals: If a person passed away but was eligible for a stimulus payment, their executor or next of kin may be able to claim the payment on behalf of their estate by filing a 2020 tax return for the deceased individual.
- Homeless Individuals: If you are experiencing homelessness, you can still claim your stimulus payment. You will need a reliable mailing address (e.g., a friend’s or family member’s address, a post office box, or a general delivery address if allowed by your local post office) to receive correspondence or a check. VITA/TCE sites are particularly helpful for this population.
What If You Encounter Problems or Have Questions?
- IRS Website: The official IRS website (IRS.gov) is your primary resource for information, FAQs, and forms.
- IRS "Get My Payment" Tool: While not perfect for non-filers, if you do file a 2020 return, this tool can help you track the status of your refund, which would include your Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): This independent organization within the IRS helps taxpayers who are experiencing significant problems with the IRS. If you’ve tried to resolve an issue through normal channels and failed, TAS might be able to help. Visit taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov.
- Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs): LITCs provide free or low-cost assistance to low-income individuals who have tax disputes with the IRS or need help understanding their taxpayer rights. They can also help with filing past-due returns. Find one at IRS.gov/LITC.
- Beware of Scams: The IRS will never call, text, email, or contact you on social media asking for personal or financial information, or demanding payment via gift cards or wire transfers. All legitimate communication will typically come through official mail.
Don’t Give Up!
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed by tax matters, especially when you’re a non-filer. However, the stimulus money was intended to help, and you are entitled to it. By taking the step to file your 2020 tax return and correctly claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit, you can still get the financial relief you missed out on. Seek help from the free resources available, and don’t hesitate to claim what’s rightfully yours.