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Recently, the IRS revealed that a significant number of eligible individuals have yet to properly claim their COVID relief funds. Tax returns are used to assess eligibility for both stimulus checks and child tax credits, but unfortunately, those in dire need—such as individuals with lower income, limited internet access, or those experiencing homelessness—are often the least likely to file their taxes. Here's what you can do to act before the deadline for claiming your payments this week.
If You Didn’t File Your Taxes in 2022
You may have skipped filing a federal tax return last April if your income was under a certain threshold. However, in order to qualify for any refundable tax credits, filing is required.
You have until Thursday, Nov. 17 to submit a simplified tax return to claim your missing stimulus or child tax credit funds. The IRS Free File website will remain available until that date.
This week's deadline applies to individuals who typically don’t have to file taxes—for instance, if you make under $12,550 annually and file as a single taxpayer. For those who usually file taxes, the extended deadline was on Oct. 17, meaning you should have already submitted your return. If you reside in an area with Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations, the deadline is extended to Tuesday, Nov. 15 (today). If a recent natural disaster, like Hurricane Ian, affected you, you have until Feb. 15, 2023 to file your return.
How much are you eligible to receive?
The Nov. 17 deadline is for claiming both missing stimulus checks and eligible child tax credit payments. Here’s a breakdown of pandemic stimulus amounts:
First stimulus check: $1,200, sent in April 2020.
Second stimulus check: $600, sent in December 2020.
Third stimulus check: $1,400, sent in March 2021.
The child tax credit—a program designed to assist taxpayers in supporting their families—was significantly enhanced for the 2021 tax year under the American Rescue Plan Act. Eligible families were expected to receive up to $3,600 per child, or up to $1,800 per child if they received monthly payments in 2021.
Here’s everything else you may need to know about claiming your child tax credit. For further answers to questions, such as what to do if you don’t have a bank account or share custody of a child, refer to this explainer from The 19th and the IRS’s child tax credit fact sheet.
If you filed your taxes but are still missing payments
If you filed your taxes in 2021, you should have already received payments from the first two rounds of stimulus checks. If you filed and still haven't received your stimulus or child tax credit payments, here are some reasons why those payments might not have arrived:
You don't have a bank account set up.
This was your first time filing taxes.
You have a mixed-status household.
You haven't updated your address with the IRS or USPS.
You are experiencing homelessness.
You have limited or no access to the internet.
If you’re missing your payment, you can file a payment trace with the IRS by either calling 800-919-9835 or submitting Form 3911 by mail. Here’s our guide to actually reaching a real person at the IRS so you can claim the money you're owed.
