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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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.)
-
The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
With Buffett Retiring, Should You Invest in a Berkshire Copycat?Warren Buffett will step down at the end of this year. Should you explore one of a handful of Berkshire Hathaway clones or copycat funds?
-
New Tax Rules: Income the IRS Won’t Touch in 2025Income Taxes From financial gifts to Roth withdrawal rules, here’s what income stays tax-free under the new Trump 2025 tax bill, and some information on what’s changed.
-
Three Popular Tax Breaks Are Gone for Good in 2026Tax Breaks Here's a list of federal tax deductions and credits that you can't claim in the 2026 tax year. Plus, high-income earners could get hit by a 'surprise' tax bill.
-
Tax Brackets 2025 Quiz: How Much Do You Know?Quiz Test your knowledge of IRS rules that impact how much money you keep in your wallet.
-
Retirees Face a Growing Capital Gains Tax Trap: What's Next?Home Sales A changing housing market and unchanged IRS exclusion amounts can add up to a headache for many homeowners. Will Congress offer a fix?
-
New York Inflation Refund Checks Are Coming Soon: What to Know NowTax Relief Inflation relief checks are on the way for over 8 million New York taxpayers. Here's a full breakdown of who gets a payment and when you may expect yours.
-
Mortgage Refinance in 2025? These Tax Breaks Can Boost Your SavingsTax Breaks Refinancing your mortgage comes with tax implications, but also opportunities to deduct certain expenses on your return.
-
IRS Phasing Out Paper Checks: What Happens After September 30?Tax Changes Avoid delays when IRS tax refunds and Social Security paper checks are cut off. Here’s what to know.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly States for Investing in 2025 (Hint: There Are Two)State Taxes Living in one of these places could lower your 2025 investment taxes — especially if you invest in real estate.
