Stimulus check deadline nears

The IRS has issued a reminder that anyone who doesn't normally file a tax return has until 3 p.m. EST this Saturday, November 21, to register with the IRS for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP). The only way remaining to get a payment in 2020 is to register using the Non-Filers: Enter Info Here tool on IRS.gov before the deadline.

When people file their 2020 taxes next year and they weren't eligible for an Economic Impact Payment this year, they may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is figured like the Economic Impact Payment, except the amounts are based on tax year 2020, instead of tax year 2019 or tax year 2018, information. The eligibility criteria are the same, and the maximum credit is $1,200, or $2,400 if married filing jointly, plus $500 for each qualifying child. This means anyone who received the full Economic Impact Payment amount during 2020 for both themselves and their qualifying children cannot get the credit.