Can You Get a Stimulus Check Without Filing Taxes?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. government authorized three rounds of Economic Impact Payments, often called stimulus checks, to provide financial assistance. These payments were an advance on a tax credit, and it was possible for individuals who do not normally file a tax return to receive this money. While the initial direct payments have concluded, claiming any missed funds required filing a tax return to receive the amount as a tax credit.

Stimulus Check Eligibility for Non-Filers

A primary requirement for stimulus payments was possessing a Social Security number that is valid for employment. Another condition was that an individual could not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return. If another taxpayer could claim you as a dependent, you were not eligible for a payment, regardless of whether they actually did so.

Income was also a determining factor, with payments phasing out for those with higher earnings. For the third payment, for example, the full amount was available to individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $75,000, and it phased out completely at $80,000. These thresholds were higher for those filing as head of household or married filing jointly. Even an individual with zero income could be eligible for the full payment, provided they met the other criteria.

Certain groups of non-filers received their payments automatically without needing to take any initial action. This included individuals receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Railroad Retirement Board, and certain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) used the information already on file with these federal agencies to issue the stimulus payments directly.

For non-filers who were not part of these federal benefit programs, such as those whose income was below the filing threshold, the path to receiving a payment was different. These individuals were required to take proactive steps. Initially, the IRS provided a “Non-Filers” tool to register for payments, but that tool was later discontinued.

Information That Was Needed to Claim Missed Payments

The only way to claim any missed stimulus payments is by filing a federal tax return and claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC). The deadlines to claim the credit for the first two stimulus payments have passed. The final opportunity to claim the third payment, which was issued in 2021, is by filing a 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025.

Filers needed to collect the full names, exact dates of birth, and valid Social Security numbers for themselves, their spouse if filing jointly, and any dependents being claimed. A dependent must also have had a valid Social Security number or an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number to qualify for the additional credit amount.

It was necessary to know the exact amount of the third Economic Impact Payment received, which was up to $1,400 per eligible person. The IRS issued notices by mail that confirmed the amounts of the payments sent. The most reliable way to confirm the payment amounts, however, was by creating an IRS Online Account. Through the account, filers could view the totals for all three payments under the “Tax Records” tab.

To receive a refund via direct deposit, filers needed their bank account information, including the bank’s routing number and account number. This information was used to complete the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet, which was part of the instructions for Form 1040.