IRS launches website for Americans to update information to get coronavirus stimulus checks
Seniors and low-income people who do not file tax returns can finally submit their information to the Internal Revenue Service to receive their coronavirus stimulus checks, but others who need to update their information from their latest tax returns will have to wait longer.
The IRS launched a web page Friday where people who did not file a 2019 or 2018 tax returns can enter their direct deposit information to receive coronavirus stimulus checks.
The IRS is sending out stimulus checks of $1,200 to most Americans, as well as $500 for most child dependents. Most Americans will receive the checks via direct deposit, with the IRS using the bank account information of their 2019 or 2018 filed tax returns.
Most people do not need to send additional information to receive the money. Others who did not file tax returns over the past two years, or whose banking information changed, have been waiting for the IRS to provide updates on the process. The IRS has told people not to call and that a portal would be made available online.
While that portal is now up for non-filers, Patricia McLaughlin, a Treasury Department spokeswoman, said this does not apply those who filed tax returns and need to update their banking information for direct deposits. She said a portal would be out next week to help people with that problem.
It’s been two weeks since President Donald Trump signed a bill into law that would provide the checks to Americans, meant to help them during the coronavirus pandemic.
“People who don’t have a return filing obligation can use this tool to give us basic information so they can receive their Economic Impact Payments as soon as possible,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig in a statement. “The IRS and Free File Alliance have been working around the clock to deliver this new tool to help people.”
The IRS has targeted early next week for sending the first round of direct deposit checks to people who filed tax returns in 2019 and 2018.
The IRS said the new tool should be simple to use. It requires those people who need to change their information to provide their full name, current mailing address, email address, date of birth, social security number, bank account information, driver’s license or state-issued ID number and certain information for every qualifying child dependent.
If you did not file a tax return in 2019 or 2018 and need to provide your information, you can find the new portal available at: www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.
