IMPORTANT COVID RELIEF UPDATE
The IRS is distributing a third round of COVID stimulus payments of $1,400 per person. The payments are based on 2019 and 2020 tax returns. People who get Social Security, SSI, VA, or RR benefits should receive these payments automatically.
Have questions? Read the FAQ below! Or, watch our Facebook Live on Tuesday, March 16th at 11am. Attorneys Omeed Firouzi and Julia Simon-Mishel will be discussing how the new COVID Relief Package impacts unemployment and taxes. Tune in at facebook.com/philalegal!
HOW CAN I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY PAYMENT?
You can use the IRS’ “Get My Payment” to find out when you’re receiving your stimulus payment: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment. The IRS also has more details on their website on this round of payments: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/more-details-about-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The payments are $1,400 for each member of your household, including adult dependents. Anyone with a Social Security number authorized for work who makes less than $75,000 if single, $150,000 if a married couple, and $112,500 if a head of household filer is eligible for the full payment. Families where one or both parents don’t have Social Security numbers can still get the payment for their dependents who have Social Security numbers.
IS THERE ANY ACTION I NEED TO TAKE?
If your income went down in 2020 such that you’re eligible for additional stimulus than your 2019 return would make you eligible for, you should file your 2020 return ASAP. The IRS should issue you further payment after your 2020 return is processed.
If you used the Non-Filer Portal last year, that portal created a 2019 return that makes you eligible to receive these payments as well.
If you didn’t get the 1st and 2nd round of stimulus payments because you did not use the Non-Filer tool, you’re not a beneficiary recipient, and you have no reason to file a 2020 return, we’re still awaiting guidance as to whether a similar portal will be available for such individuals to file a simplified 2020 return to get the payment.
But, in the meantime, you can claim the 1st and 2nd round payments and get in the system to receive the 3rd round by filing a regular tax return for 2020, even if you didn’t have any income. You can get free help doing this by making an appointment at Campaign for Working Families: https://cwfphilly.org/
CAN THE PAYMENTS BE TAKEN FOR PAST DEBT?
The $1,400 payments cannot be offset for any debts for federal or state taxes, federal agencies, child support, Social Security, or unemployment. The payments are not protected from garnishment by private debt collectors once they’ve been deposited into your bank account.
HOW WILL I GET THE PAYMENTS?
If your 2019 or 2020, whatever is more recent, refund was issued via direct deposit, you should get the payment as direct deposit but if not, you will receive it as a paper check or card. If your 2019 direct deposit account or card has been closed, and you haven’t yet filed your 2020 return, the payment should be mailed to the address on your 2019 tax return. Beneficiary recipients should get the payments the same way they get their benefits.
