Stimulus Check Alert: Social Security Recipients with Children Must Act Now to Get Extra $500
The IRS announced a new deadline for people receiving Social Security benefits who have dependents. Immediate action is required!
Americans who receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits will automatically get a $1,200 electronic stimulus payment even if they didn't file a 2018 or 2019 tax return (assuming they are otherwise eligible for a check). However, if non-filing Social Security or RRB recipients have (or care for) children 16 years old or younger, they have to use the IRS's "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" tool to get an extra $500 per child added to their $1,200 payment. (Go to irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here to access the tool.)
If that's you, the IRS needs to know about each dependent before your payment is issued. As a result, you must use the online tool by noon Eastern time, Wednesday, April 22, in order to have the additional $500 per child included in your stimulus check payment.
If the IRS doesn't have the dependent information in time, your stimulus payment will be for the standard $1,200 amount. However, you will be able to claim the additional $500 per child amount when you file your 2020 tax return next year.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
People who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Administration (VA) benefits have some additional time beyond April 22 to add their children, since their $1,200 automatic payments will be made at a later date. SSI recipients will receive their automatic payments in early May, while the payment schedule for VA beneficiaries has not yet been determined. Nevertheless, if they have children and aren't required to file a tax return, both groups should use the Non-Filer tool as soon as possible. Once their $1,200 payment has been issued, they will no longer be able to use the online tool to add children. Their stimulus payment will be $1,200, and they'll have to wait until next year to claim the extra $500 per child payment.
(Use our Stimulus Check Calculator to see how much you will get. For stimulus check FAQs, see Your 2020 Stimulus Check: How Much? When? And Other Questions Answered.)
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
Stock Market Today: S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Losing Streaks
The two indexes have closed lower for five straight sessions.
By Karee Venema Published
-
Save Over $40 on Audible With Amazon's Latest Deal
Amazon’s latest promotion lets you score three months of Audible for just $0.99 a month.
By Erin Bendig Published
-
'Instant' EV Tax Credits Are a Hit: $580M Paid This Year
EV Credits Claiming federal electric vehicle tax credits at the point of sale is a new and popular option in 2024.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Retirees Face Significant Tax Bills Due to Fraud
Fraud A new report sheds light on how older adult scam victims end up with big tax bills and lost retirement savings.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Tax Day: Is the Post Office Open Late?
Tax Filing Tax Day means some people need to mail their federal income tax returns.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
High Earners: Beware of These Illegal Schemes to Lower Taxes
Tax Schemes The IRS says high-income filers are targets for several illegal tax schemes.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
Mailing Your Tax Return This Year? What to Know Before You Do
Tax Filing There are plenty of reasons not to mail your tax return this year, but here’s what you should know if you are.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
A Bunch of IRS Tax Deductions and Credits You Need to Know
Tax Breaks Lowering your taxable income is the key to paying less to the IRS. Several federal tax credits and deductions can help.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
IRS Warning: Beware of Smishing and 'Helper' Tax Scams
Scams Tax season is a time to look out for email and text message scams.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Most Expensive States to Live in for Homeowners
Property Taxes High property tax bills make the places on this list the most expensive states for homeowners to live in.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated