Filing A Tax Return When Not Required In Order To Get A Stimulus Check

The IRS is going to send stimulus checks based on a 2019 or 2018 tax return. You might need to file a tax return in 2019 to get your stimulus check. Here are a few scenarios where it might be required and all of these assume you don't already have a 2018 tax return that has proper information for your income and direct deposit information:


Instead of doing the $1 returns below, the IRS now has a free non-filer system available by clicking HERE.




1. You made too little income in 2019 to require a tax return and are not claimed as a dependent in 2019. In this case, prepare a tax return using your income documents and provide direct deposit information for the refund. If the return says it cannot be filed due to no income, enter $1 on a 1099INT form (bank interest) and put "Stimulus Payment" as the bank name.
2. You receive Social Security, but your spouse does not receive Social Security or you have dependents. In this case, file a tax return (jointly if married) claiming all dependents and including the Social Security 1099 in the return. Enter $1 on a 1099INT form (bank interest) and put "Stimulus Payment" as the bank name. Obviously provide direct deposit information for the zero tax return.
3. You have no reportable income and are not claimed as a dependent. File a tax return and enter $1 on a 1099INT form (bank interest) and put "Stimulus Payment" as the bank name. Obviously provide direct deposit information for the zero tax return.


You don't need to file a return to get your stimulus if you, and your spouse, if married, receive Social Security (or Railroad retirement) and have it direct deposited and have no dependents.


Most of the scenarios above will qualify for free filing using online software and many professional tax preparation companies are offering some of these tax returns fee free. You should NOT file a state return unless there is sufficient refund to justify the fees (assuming you don't have a state filing requirement, which you shouldn't if you're in need of this post). A state tax return is NOT required to get the stimulus payment.