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Thousands in Missouri, Kansas could still qualify for stimulus checks

Posted at 5:00 AM, Sep 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-22 08:29:31-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The IRS may still owe stimulus checks to as many as 9 million people who don't typically file federal tax returns.

That includes more than 159,000 people in Missouri and 69,000 in Kansas who did not file returns in 2018 or 2019.

An internal analysis by the IRS found these are people who don't have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes based on W-2, 1099s and other statements available to the agency.

However, many in the group are eligible to receive economic impact payments of $1,200 for individuals or up to $2,400 for married couples.

That's why the IRS is sending out letters urging them to register with the agency to claim their checks.

That can be done by filling out the non-filer form on the IRS website before Oct. 15, or by filing a tax return.

The agency stressed that low- to moderate-income workers and working families eligible for benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit must file tax returns rather than use the non-filer portal.

"It is also really important that people realize that if they use the non-filer portal, they won't be able to claim the Earned Income Credit, and many of these people may be eligible," said Nina Olsen, executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights.

It's important because the Earned Income Tax Credit is worth up to $6,000.

Meanwhile, an estimated 2 million to 3 million people are still eligible for an additional $500 per dependent. Those eligible have until the end of September to claim dependents through the IRS non-filer portal.

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