Personal Finance

These 9 million Americans haven’t received a stimulus check. How they can get one

Key Points
  • Later this month, the IRS will begin mailing letters to about 9 million Americans who normally don’t file federal income tax returns, notifying them that they may be eligible for a stimulus check.
  • These individuals must register on the agency’s website by Oct. 15 in order to get their check by the end of the year.
  • Individuals can receive up to $1,200, while married couples may be eligible for up to $2,400. Families can receive up to $500 for each qualifying child under age 17.
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Millions of Americans who were shut out of $1,200 coronavirus stimulus payments this year are about to get one more chance at a check.

Later this month, the IRS will begin mailing letters to about 9 million people who normally don't file a federal income tax return but may be eligible for a payment.

Individuals who receive the letters must register at IRS.gov by Oct. 15 in order to receive their payment by the end of 2020.

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A considerable amount of money is at stake. Individuals are eligible for up to $1,200 in stimulus payments — or $2,400 for a married couple — as well as $500 for each qualifying child under age 17.  

The IRS will be sending the letters to people who haven't filed a return for either 2018 or 2019. Nevertheless, they're entitled to a stimulus check.

Generally, these households aren't required to file a tax return because they have low incomes — under $12,200 for 2019 if single or $24,400 if married and filing jointly — or they have no income. An individual is likely eligible if he or she is a U.S. citizen or resident alien, has a work-eligible Social Security number and can't be claimed as dependent on someone else's federal income tax return, according to the agency's website.

How to tell if you are one of the many Americans still owed stimulus money
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How to tell if you are one of the many Americans still owed stimulus money

This round of letters from the IRS is the latest attempt by the agency to make payments to families who may have missed out on a check earlier this year.

Late last month, the IRS announced that 50,000 people would receive catch-up payments for money that was withheld due to their spouse's unpaid child support.