HELP IS AVAILABLE TO GET STIMULUS MONEY
More than 567,000 Floridians Have Not Received IRS Stimulus Payments As The October 15th Deadline Approaches
October 5 2020
Three Rivers Legal Services launched a public education campaign to help reach the more than 567,000 Floridians who are currently missing out on financial assistance from the federal government.
An estimated 9 million Americans who do not regularly file taxes have still not received their IRS economic impact payment (EIP), or stimulus check, as it is more commonly referred, as the October 15, 2020 deadline to receive direct payments through the Non-filers tool approaches.
“This financial help can make a significant difference for individuals and families facing financial difficulty due to COVID-19,” said Glorian Maziarka, an attorney with Three Rivers Legal Services. “Through this campaign, we want people to know that financial help is available and encourage them to fill out the Non-Filers form online at IRS.gov/EIP.”
Individuals are eligible to receive a $1,200 stimulus check plus an additional $500 for each dependent child age 16 or younger if their income is less than $75,000 if single/married filing separately or $150,000 married filing jointly and someone else cannot claim them as a dependent on their tax return. People who need to apply online are “non-filers” – those who are not required to file a tax return in 2019 and will not file a 2019 tax return.
Non-filers can sign up for their stimulus check at IRS.gov/EIP by selecting the ‘Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here’ option. For people who don’t have internet access, they can apply by phone by calling the IRS at 1-800-919-9835. Local help with completing the Non-Filers tool is also available through the Three Rivers Legal Services Helpline or by calling 1-866-256-8091 or the United Way’s 211 hotline.
“If an individual misses the October 15th deadline to file using the non-filer tool, they will not receive the EIP as an advanced payment.” Advised LaKesha Thomas, Director of the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at Three Rivers Legal Services. “Instead they will have to file a 2020 federal income tax return and claim a credit for the EIP there.”
With offices in Gainesville, Jacksonville and Lake City, Three Rivers Legal Services is assisting low-income clients in North Florida facing civil legal problems stemming from the pandemic. For the health and safety of our clients and team, we are not currently taking in-person applications. However, anyone in need of civil legal help can call our legal helpline at 1-866-256-8091 or apply for help through our website at trls.org.
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