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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has now processed 159 million Economic Impact Payments (EIPs, sometimes called stimulus checks), totaling almost $267 billion. That includes 120 million direct deposits, 35 million paper checks, and 4 million pre-paid debit cards.
(You can find out how out many payments went to your state here.)
But the IRS isn’t done yet. Millions of low-income people and others who aren’t required to file a tax return may still be eligible for a stimulus check. Those folks can register for a payment by using the Non-Filers tool on the IRS website.
“IRS employees worked around the clock to deliver the Economic Impact Payments and new tools to help taxpayers in record time,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Even with these unprecedented steps, there remain people eligible for these payments who need to take action. Registering to receive the payments is easy, and millions of non-filers have already taken this step. We urge everyone to share this information widely to help more people receive these payments.”
Some non-filers might have overlooked registration because of confusion related to an early version of the CARES Act. In the March version initially proposed in the Senate, taxpayers needed to be working or receiving Social Security or pension income to qualify for a check. However, the final version of the CARES Act – the one that is now law – does not require earned income, nor the filing of a tax return to qualify for a check.
Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2018 will receive payments automatically. Automatic payments will also be sent to those receiving Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries who didn’t file a tax return in the last two years.
But what about folks with little to no income who aren’t usually required to file a tax return? The IRS encourages those folks to register soon to get a payment. The Non-Filers tool will remain available through the summer and fall. However, to receive your payment by the end of the year, you must register by October 15,
Keep in mind that the Non-Filer tool is only for those who do not have a tax filing obligation. If you’re simply looking for information, use Get My Payment to check on your payment status.