Since the U.S. government started distributing coronavirus economic impact payments in April, millions of people have been anxiously checking the status of their own payment. But for those who are still waiting, you may need to take action in order to get your payment. And there’s a deadline for doing that.
If you aren’t required to file a tax return, you may need to register by October 15 to receive a payment.
People who receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Affairs benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits do not need to take any action to get a payment.
But if you don’t receive any of those benefits and make less than $12,200 per year (or $24,400 for a couple filing jointly), you need to submit some information to get a payment.
Doing so ensures you get your $1,200 payment per adult, plus $500 per dependent age 17 or younger.
To register for your payment, use the IRS Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here portal to provide basic information including your Social Security number, mailing address, bank account information (if you have one), and information for any qualifying children.
As long as you submit your info before October 15, the IRS says you’ll receive your payment by the end of the year.
If you don’t supply bank account information, you might receive your payment by check or prepaid debit card. The U.S. Treasury has distributed 120 million payments by direct deposit so far, with another 35 million by check and four million by debit card, according to the IRS.