Alert: Many people need help getting, protecting their IRS stimulus check
Alarms are sounding for the welfare of many people whose government check is proving problematic.
At issue are concerns with debt collectors, wrong bank account information, or no bank information or no mail delivery information — all of which is threatening to deny economic aid to many people who need help most.
Most Kansas Citians qualify for federal stimulus checks up to $1,200 per person, with $500 extra if you have child credits. And the money is landing in direct deposits this week.
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But many of our neighbors may need help and advice.
If you have bank information on file with the IRS, either through prior tax payments or Social Security and Veterans benefits, check your bank records to see that the funds have been deposited.
If you believe the IRS may not have a bank record, or if you’ve changed accounts, the IRS has an online portal for you to download your contact information at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.
Many people still need to share that information with the IRS, and many are still unaware. Neighbors, social workers and anyone who knows of anyone who may be out of touch with the IRS should help them make that contact. Vulnerable people include those who are unbanked, who may not have filed tax returns because of no income, or who are transient.
If you are expecting payment by direct deposit or by mail, the IRS has created a portal where you can check the status of your check here.
Beware that if you have outstanding debts with private debt collectors, they may have access to the funds. If that is a concern, some advisers say watch your account closely and when you see the federal deposit arrive in your account, you may want to withdraw it quickly.
Remember that most people of moderate and low income can file tax returns for free. Pro Publica is warning that some tax preparation companies are steering customers to fee-based services who would qualify for free service.