Coronavirus stimulus checks: IRS releases new “simple tax return”

This form is intended to assist the federal government in knowing where to send the cash for those who don’t normally file. 

WASHINGTON — People who don't normally file tax returns but want to receive a coronavirus stimulus payment finally have a clear way to get their information to the federal government.

The IRS released a new "simple tax return" tool Friday that can be filled out online, geared toward low-income people and others who aren't required to file tax returns. The stimulus bill based eligibility for the checks or direct deposits on federal tax returns, sparking widespread confusion about how non-tax filers would qualify and how the IRS would know where to send the cash.

Anyone who already filed a federal tax return for 2018 or 2019 doesn't need to fill out the form. People who get Social Security retirement or disability benefits, as well as Railroad Retirement benefits, also do not need to fill out the form. It remains unclear whether those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) need to submit the form, but tax experts recommend they do so just in case.

People who are not on Social Security but make too little to owe taxes, or otherwise don't have to file tax returns, should submit the "simple tax return." That includes people who are homeless or recently incarcerated who may not have recent information on file with the IRS.

Filing the simple tax return requires far less detailed financial information that the typical Form 1040 that most Americans use to file income taxes.

You start by creating a username and password. You need to provide your full name, email and mailing address, along with your date of birth and your driver's license, if you have one. You also need a valid Social Security number, which is required to qualify for a payment, as well as the name and valid Social Security number of any child you are claiming as a dependent.

If you have a bank account, you'll be asked for the account number, type of account and routing number, so the government can send you the payment by direct deposit.

After submitting the form, you'll get an email telling you whether or not it was successful and how to fix it if it wasn't. The information will be relayed to the IRS, which will determine whether you qualify for a payment and sent it to you if you do.

Who is eligible for the Economic Impact Payment?

U.S. citizens or resident aliens who:

• Have a valid  Social Security number,
• Could not be  claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer, and
• Had adjusted  gross income under certain limits.

Who will receive the Economic Impact Payment automatically without taking additional steps?

Most eligible U.S. taxpayers will automatically receive their Economic Impact Payments including:

• Individuals  who filed a federal income tax for 2018 or 2019
• Individuals who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor  benefits
• Individuals who receive Railroad Retirement benefits

Who should use Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info to provide additional information to receive the Economic Impact Payment?

Eligible U.S. citizens or permanent residents who:

• Had gross income that did not exceed $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) for 2019
• Were not  otherwise required to file a federal income tax return for 2019, and      didn't plan to

You can provide the necessary information to the IRS easily and quickly for no fee through Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info. We will use this information to determine your eligibility and payment amount and send you an Economic Impact Payment. After providing this information you won’t need to take any additional action.

Information You will Need to Provide

• Full name, current mailing address and an email address
• Date of birth  and valid Social Security number
• Bank account   number, type and routing number, if you have one
• Identity   Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) you received from the IRS earlier this year, if you have one
• Driver’s license  or state-issued ID, if you have one
• For each qualifying child: name, Social Security number or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number and their relationship to you or your spouse

What to Expect

• Clicking “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” above will take you from the IRS site to Free File Fillable Forms, a certified IRS partner. This site is safe and secure.
• Follow these steps in order to provide your information:
• Create an  account by providing your email address and phone number; and establishing  a user ID and password.
• You will be  directed to a screen where you will input your filing status (Single or Married filing jointly) and personal information.

Note: Make sure you have a valid Social Security number for you (and your spouse if   you were married at the end of 2019) unless you are filing “Married Filing      Jointly” with a 2019 member of the military. Make sure you have a valid  Social Security number or Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number for each dependent you want to claim for the Economic Impact Payment.

• Check the “box” if someone can claim you as a dependent or your spouse as a  dependent.
• Complete your bank information (otherwise we will send you a check).
• You will be  directed to another screen where you will enter personal information to  verify yourself. Simply follow the instructions. You will need your driver’s license (or state-issued ID) information. If you don’t have one,  leave it blank.
• You will receive an e-mail from Customer Service at Free File Fillable Forms that either acknowledges you have successfully submitted your information, or that tells you there is a problem and how to correct it. Free File Fillable forms will use the information to automatically complete a Form 1040 and transmit it to the IRS to compute and send you a payment.

Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

Sources: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/coronavirus-stimulus-checks-irs-releases-new-simple-tax-return-help-n1181241

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here