IRS is launching a new online tool for people to track their $1,200 tax stimulus payments

See the article at the following link for more helpful information, including tax filing deadlines, including for states.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/04/13/irs-is-launching-new-online-tool-people-track-their-1200-tax-stimulus-payments/

By Michelle Singletary
April 10, 2020 at 5:05 p.m. EDT

The 2020 tax season has been upended by the novel coronavirus, forcing the IRS to extend more filing deadlines for individuals and businesses. The agency has also launched an online tool to help non-filers get their tax stimulus payment sooner. Another Web-based tool is scheduled to debut next week that will allow people to track how soon they’ll receive their stimulus money.

•••••

There has been a lot of concern that many people who aren’t required to file a tax return will have to wait for their payments. The covid-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders have made it difficult for people to meet with tax professionals to help them prepare their returns. For example, AARP Foundation suspended its free Tax-Aide service until further notice out of concern of spreading the coronavirus. Nearly 60 percent of all taxpayers turn to a tax practitioner to prepare and file their returns, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

•••••

To get their stimulus payments, non-filers have to file a tax return. But now they can use the new online tool, developed with the IRS-backed Free File Alliance, to answer a few basic questions to get their money. The tool is based on the Free File Fillable forms available on the IRS website.

To get to the portal, go to IRS.gov and look for “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here.” The link will take people to a page where they have to provide such information such as their Social Security number, address, and dependents. Non-filers can also provide direct deposit information, which will reduce the time it takes to receive their money.

The new feature is targeted to people who typically don’t have to file a federal return, which may include filers earning under $12,200 and married couples earning less than $24,400 last year.

•••••

Taxpayers in states that don’t move filing deadlines to match the federal extension may find they still have to file by April 15. You may need to file your federal return before you can file your state return.