Even if you don’t normally file taxes, you should file for a stimulus payment right away. You could get money from the IRS even if you don’t have earnings!
The IRS has sent out two stimulus payments to help people get through the COVID-19 pandemic. It will send out a third payment soon. The IRS has sent out $1,800 to most people so far: $1,200 in 2020 and $600 at the beginning of 2021. It will soon send out $1,400, plus more money for children and dependent adults.
Most people with Social Security Numbers qualify for this money, but lots of people haven’t received all of the money they should have.
If you file your taxes this year, it will help you get all of money you and your family are owed. It will also help you get future payments.
File now: the filing deadline is May 17, 2021.
Here’s why you should file for a stimulus payment as soon as possible:
- If you don’t usually file taxes because you don’t have earnings from work or you get disability benefits, you might not have gotten all of the money you and your family are owed. You can get your stimulus payments by filing taxes now.
- The rules about who can get stimulus payments keep changing. Even if you did not qualify for a stimulus payment before, you might qualify for one now. You should file taxes to see if you are owed money, and to make it easier to get money in the future.
- If you lost your job or your income dropped in 2020, you should file taxes so the IRS has your recent income information. You might qualify for more money based on your lower income.
- If you have children living with you, you may be eligible for additional payments later payment in 2021 as part of the expanded Child Tax Credit. You can qualify for this money by filing your 2020 taxes.
- If you make less than $72,000 a year, you can file your taxes for free using the IRS free filer tool.
- Free tax help is available. Use this link to find a free tax site near you. If you live in Philadelphia or the surrounding area, you may be eligible for free tax services from Campaign for Working Families. Go to their website to schedule either an in person or virtual appointment, or call them at 215-454-6483
- If you are aged 50 or over, use this AARP tool to find free tax help near you.
