On Jan. 14 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced guidance for individuals who qualified for a stimulus check and didn’t receive one, and U.S. Rep Salud Carbajal’s (D-Santa Barbara) office can lend a hand to those trying to navigate through the process with the federal agency.
According to a statement, the IRS said more than 100 million economic impact payments were direct-deposited into eligible recipients’ accounts, however some recipients may have had their payment directed to the temporary bank account established when their 2019 tax return was filed.
“The IRS and tax industry partners are taking immediate steps to redirect stimulus payments to the correct account for those affected. The IRS anticipates many additional taxpayers will receive payments following this effort,” the statement read.
Due to the CARES Act and the COVID-19 related Tax Relief Act, the IRS paid out recovery rebate credits or economic impact payments to residents who qualified under the legislation (less than $75,000 in adjusted gross income for single taxpayers, less than $112,500 for heads of household, and less than $150,000 for couples). Congress authorized direct relief payments in the amount of up to $1,200 in 2020 and $600 in 2021.
Eligible individuals who didn’t receive the full amounts or didn’t receive one or both stimulus payments by Jan. 15 can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their taxes via the 2020 Form 1040 or 1040-SR. To claim the funds, an individual must file one of those forms even if they aren’t normally required to file a tax return.
A spokesperson for Carbajal’s office said residents who need help finding information about the Recovery Rebate Credit or who have questions can reach out to the congressman’s office for assistance. Although office staff are currently working remotely due to COVID-19, people can call and leave their name, contact number, and where they’re calling from so an appropriate district team member can help. Spanish-speaking team members can translate if necessary.
Individuals can start filing their 2020 tax returns Feb. 12, 2021.
This article appears in Jan 21-28, 2021.