If you're a veteran who receives compensation and pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you'll automatically get a $1,200 electronic stimulus payment if you didn't file a 2018 or 2019 tax return. (If you did file a return for one of the last two years, the amount of your payment will be based on information contained on your most recent return). However, non-filers who receive VA benefits, and have (or care for) children under 17 years of age, can get an extra $500-per-child added to their stimulus check—if they act before May 5.
To get the additional stimulus payment, use the IRS's "Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info Here" tool to send the IRS information about your dependent children. (Go to irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here to access the tool.) But you need to do this by May 5 in order to get the extra $500-per-child added to your stimulus check.
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.
Non-filers who receive VA benefits should receive their automatic payments by mid-May, according to the IRS.
-
Small Businesses Are Racing to Use AIThe Kiplinger Letter Spurred on by competitive pressures, small businesses are racing to adopt AI. A recent snapshot shows the technology’s day-to-day uses.
-
The Me-First Rule of Retirement SpendingFollow the 'Me-First" rule and you won't have to worry about running out of money when the stock market goes south.
-
The Final Countdown for Retirees with Investment IncomeRetirement Tax Don’t assume Social Security withholding is enough. Some retirement income may require a quarterly estimated tax payment by the September 15 deadline.
-
Standard Deduction 2025 Quiz: How Much Do You Really Know?Quiz Test your knowledge of IRS rules that impact how much money you keep in your wallet.
-
New Bill Would End Taxes on Social Security Benefits in 2026: What Retirees Should KnowTax Law Congress could look to high earners to help offset lost revenue and possibly shore up the Social Security program.
-
IRS in Turmoil: GOP Budget Cuts and Staff Shake-Ups Threaten Taxpayer ServicesIRS Republican lawmakers advance a controversial budget bill that would gut IRS funding further, risking your 2026 tax filing season.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
21 Last-Minute Gifts for Grandparents Day 2025 to Give Right NowHoliday Tips Last-minute gifting is never easy. But here are some ideas to celebrate Grandparents Day.
-
New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction: What It Means for Taxpayers Age 65-PlusTax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
Claiming the Standard Deduction? Here Are 10 Tax Breaks For Middle-Class Families in 2025Tax Breaks Working middle-income Americans won’t need to itemize to claim these tax deductions and credits — if you qualify.
