2020 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS TOOLKIT
The U.S. Department of Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are attempting to increase awareness about the Economic Impact Payments (EIP) under the CARES Act to low-income individuals who typically do not file income tax returns. The Economic Mobility Council is working to identify Americans who have not received payments with a collaborative approach between agencies to reach affected Americans and disburse their funds. This toolkit serves as a guide for HUD grantees to reach all eligible Americans.
The following offices are HUD program offices that have communities with Americans who may not have received Economic Impact Payments. While this is not an all-inclusive list, it is an effort to identify the large number of low-income, non-tax filing individuals and families to ensure disbursement of Economic Impact Payments. This guide is a means to identify the most vulnerable impacted Americans within HUD programs and services but is not an all-inclusive list of impacted Americans.
CPD will assist with reaching low-income individuals and families, particularly individuals and families experiencing homelessness. CPD recommends state and local stakeholders in the Continuum of Care serving persons experiencing homelessness that administer HUD services distribute the contents of the toolkit, specifically the IRS non-filers tax tip and EIP flyer.
PD&R will assist with identifying opportunities for HUD assistance, and specifically, reaching Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) tenants. For these tenants, PD& R recommends state housing finance agencies (HFAs) that administer the LIHTC distribute the contents of the toolkit, specifically the IRS non-filers tax tip and EIP flyer.
MFH will assist with reaching low-income individuals and families who are tenants of HUD assisted Multifamily affordable rental housing. MFH will reach out to owners and project managers of these properties to request that they share with residents the contents of the toolkit, specifically the IRS Non-filers Economic Impact Payment flyer, which will be available for download on the Multifamily Housing webpage on HUD.gov.
PIH seeks to maximize information to public housing agencies (PHAs) and all areas of Native American housing. Specifically, PIH would like to maximize communication to tenants utilizing housing choice vouchers.
2020 Economic Impact Payments Toolkit
CFPB's Helping Consumers Claim the Economic Impact Payment: A guide for intermediary organizations
IRS Tax Tip: Low-income people are eligible to get an Economic Impact Payment
Low-income individuals who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or qualifying resident aliens with a work eligible Social Security number are eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment. Those who do not have a regular filing requirement can use the free, online tool NonFilers: Enter Payment Info to quickly and easily register to receive their payment. There is also a Spanish language version of the tool available.
The Non-Filers tool is for married couples with incomes below $24,400 or single people with income below $12,200. This includes couples and individuals who are homeless. Usually, married couples qualify to receive $2,400 while single people qualify to get $1,200. People with dependents under 17 can get up to an additional $500 for each child.
Even if a person doesn't work, they can still qualify for an Economic Impact Payment. However, if they were claimed as a dependent by someone else, they are not eligible. If a person is not required to file a federal income tax return, they generally qualify for an Economic Impact Payment. Since the IRS does not know who these people are, the only way they can get the Economic Impact Payment is to register with the IRS.
For those who don't normally file a tax return, the process is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, visit IRS.gov and look for Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here. Then provide basic information including Social Security Number, name, address, and dependents. The IRS will use this information to confirm eligibility and send the Economic Impact Payment.
No tax will be due as a result of receiving the payment. Entering bank or financial account information will allow the IRS to quickly deposit the payment directly in a savings or checking account. Otherwise, the payment will be mailed. Information entered on this site is secure.
Who should not use the tool?
Anyone who already filed either a 2018 or 2019 return does not qualify to use this tool. Similarly, anyone who needs to file a 2019 return should not use this tool, but instead they should file their tax returns. This includes anyone who files a return to claim various tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-and moderate-income workers and working families.
How to use this tool:
Visit IRS.gov, and look for "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here." Provide your Social Security number, name, address, and dependents. The IRS will use this information to confirm your eligibility and calculate and send you an Economic Impact Payment.
Using the tool will not result in any taxes being owed. Entering bank account information will allow the IRS to deposit your payment directly into your account. Otherwise, your payment will be mailed to you.
Visit IRS.gov/coronavirus for more information on tax relief related to coronavirus.