Nov. 21 deadline nears to register online for Economic Impact Payment; Some people can claim special

Nov. 21 deadline nears to register online for Economic Impact Payment; Some people can claim special credit next tax filing season

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today reminded anyone who doesn’t normally file a tax return that they have until 3 p.m. EST this Saturday, Nov. 21, to register with the IRS for an Economic Impact Payment.

The only way remaining to get a payment in 2020 is to register using the Non-Filers: Enter Info Here tool on IRS.gov before the Saturday deadline.

The only people who should register are those who don't typically file a tax return, are not required to do so and have not yet registered, or for certain benefit recipients who got an EIP for themselves but need to provide information about a non-beneficiary spouse or qualifying child. Anyone else who normally files a tax return, including low- and moderate-income workers and families claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or other tax benefits, cannot use the tool.

In partnership with the U.S. Treasury Department, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Social Security Administration and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and software industry partners, the IRS has issued about 160 million Economic Impact Payments totaling approximately $270 billion. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the IRS will continue issuing these payments during the final weeks of 2020, and some people may be eligible to claim them when they file their 2020 tax returns in 2021.

Anyone can check the status of their payment by using the Get My Payment application, available only on IRS.gov. The Get My Payment application will show “Payment Status Not Available” until the payment is scheduled to be issued. This response does not mean a person is not eligible or will not receive a payment.

Economic Impact Payments aren’t taxable

Economic Impact Payments received in 2020 are not taxable for federal income tax purposes. Taxpayers can claim the recovery rebate credit on their tax year 2020 tax return in 2021 if they didn’t receive a payment or if their payment wasn’t the correct amount.

Didn’t receive a payment? Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing a tax return next year

When people file their 2020 taxes next year and they weren’t eligible for an Economic Impact Payment this year, they may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is figured like the Economic Impact Payment, except the amounts are based on tax year 2020, instead of tax year 2019 or tax year 2018, information. The eligibility criteria are the same, and the maximum credit is $1,200, or $2,400 if married filing jointly, plus $500 for each qualifying child. This means anyone who received the full Economic Impact Payment amount during 2020 for both themselves and their qualifying children cannot get the credit.

The credit can be claimed on either Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. The 2020 instructions for these forms will include a Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet to help determine eligibility and figure the credit.

Visit the IRS Economic Impact Payment Information Center for answers to questions about eligibility, payment amounts, payment timing and more.