In response to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States government issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), commonly known as stimulus checks. These payments were intended to provide financial relief to individuals and families struggling during the crisis. However, many people, including those with no taxable income, were unsure if they were eligible to receive these payments. This article will explore the eligibility criteria for stimulus checks and provide guidance on how individuals with no income can file taxes to claim their payments.
Eligibility for Stimulus Checks
To be eligible for stimulus checks, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or non-resident alien with a valid Social Security number
- Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- Meet the income limits set by the IRS
Income Limits for Stimulus Checks
The income limits for stimulus checks vary depending on the year the payment was issued. For the first and second stimulus checks, issued in 2020, the income limits were as follows:
- Single filers: $75,000 or less
- Married couples filing jointly: $150,000 or less
- Head of household: $112,500 or less
For the third stimulus check, issued in 2021, the income limits were reduced to:
- Single filers: $75,000 or less
- Married couples filing jointly: $150,000 or less
- Head of household: $112,500 or less
Filing Taxes with No Income to Claim Stimulus Checks
Individuals with no taxable income who meet the other eligibility criteria for stimulus checks can still file taxes to claim their payments. Here’s how to do it:
1. Gather Necessary Documents
Before you begin, gather the following documents:
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Bank account information for direct deposit (optional)
2. Use the IRS Non-Filer Tool
The IRS Non-Filer Tool is an online portal that allows individuals with no filing requirement to submit their information and claim their stimulus checks. To access the tool, visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info.
3. Enter Your Information
Follow the instructions on the IRS Non-Filer Tool to enter your personal information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and bank account information if you want to receive your payment via direct deposit.
4. Calculate Your Recovery Rebate Credit
If you didn’t receive the full amount of the first or second stimulus checks, you can calculate your Recovery Rebate Credit using the instructions provided on the IRS website.
5. Submit Your Information
Once you have entered all the required information, review it carefully and submit it to the IRS.
6. Track Your Payment
After submitting your information, you can track the status of your payment using the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.
Filing taxes with no income can be a straightforward process, especially with the help of the IRS Non-Filer Tool. By following the steps outlined in this article, individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can claim their stimulus checks and receive the financial assistance they need.
Why You Should File Taxes Even If You Don’t Have To
FAQ
Can you receive a stimulus check if you had no income?
Can I still get a stimulus check if I didn’t file taxes?
Can you get a tax refund with no income?
How do I file a zero income tax return with the IRS?
Can I get a stimulus check if I didn’t file a tax return?
If you’re eligible for a stimulus check ( not everyone will get one ), the IRS will grab the information it needs to process your payment from your 2018 or 2019 tax return. But what if you didn’t file a tax return for those two years? After all, not everyone is required to file a return.
Can I get a tax credit if I owe Stimulus money?
You’ll need to file the standard 1040 federal tax return form, or the 1040-SR tax return for people 65 or older, to get your missing stimulus money in the form of a tax credit that will either lower the amount of tax you owe or increase the size of your refund.
Are stimulus payments a tax credit?
Technically, stimulus payments are an advance on a tax credit for the 2020 tax year. The IRS calls this credit the Recovery Rebate Credit. Unlike a tax deduction, which reduces your taxable income (and therefore your tax payment), a tax credit reduces the amount of tax you owe, dollar for dollar.
Can a non-filer get a stimulus check?
Economic stimulus payments are generally based on information from 2018 or 2019 tax returns, but non-filers can still get a check. Here’s how. If you’re eligible for a stimulus check ( not everyone will get one ), the IRS will grab the information it needs to process your payment from your 2018 or 2019 tax return.