Stimulus checks are coming, including for those who don’t typically need to file tax returns

The recently-passed CARES Act gives the IRS authority to automatically send the Economic Impact Payment to Americans who qualify at certain income thresholds.  Most will be evaluated as meeting the income criteria* as evidenced by their 2018 or 2019 income tax filing; however, this stimulus program includes Social Security recipients, many of whom do not need to, and therefore have not, filed a tax return in 2018 and 2019.

The IRS has posted the Treasury notice that Social Security recipients will automatically receive payments. “Social Security recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return do not need to take an action, and will receive their payment directly to their bank account,” said Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin.  They will receive their payment in the same manner in which they receive the Social Security checks.  Non-filers can change their payment destination here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.  

*Individuals are due up to $1,200 and couples will receive up to $2,400 — plus $500 per child. But payments start phasing out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000. The amount will then be reduced by $5 for every additional $100 of adjusted gross income, and those making more than $99,000 will not receive anything. The income thresholds would be doubled for couples.

To check on the status of your stimulus check, both filers and non-filers can visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.