We have deployed updates that will facilitate the IRS rules regarding returns that need to be filed for the purposes of receiving an Economic Impact Payment (EIP).
- Filing Status must equal Single or MFJ
- Primary and Secondary taxpayers must have an SSN (ITIN is only allowed for spouse of a military member)
- Dependents must have an SSN or ATIN
The following is critical in order for the return to be sent to the IRS with the EIP code and flow through their downstream processing correctly
- Enter $1 on line 2b (Taxable Interest Income)
The standard deduction will apply and most importantly, you will have the ability to enter the RTN and Account number of where they want their stimulus check deposited.
NOTE: This is for the federal stimulus payment only…DO NOT electronically file the state return with this.. DELETE it if you auto-load it by selecting the state of residence in the Personal Information section
Who do I need to file this return for?
Click here to review the latest official IRS filing requirements.
Note: We are directing you to the IRS website as they are updating information as this process evolves.
How will I know that I entered everything correctly and the return is going to be filed with the appropriate EIP code?
The 1040 will have Economic Impact Payment printed on it (see below)
Do I need to modify my print sets for it to print Economic Impact Payment?
No, any print set that prints a 1040 or 1040-SR will print the appropriate wording if the return qualifies as an EIP return
Should I enter any additional income if the taxpayer has it, even though they do not have a filing requirement?
No, enter $1 on line 2b (Taxable Interest Income). Entering any other information will prevent the electronic file from including the EIP code and could trigger business rule rejects.
Do I need to file a state return?
DO NOT electronically file the state return with this.. DELETE it if you auto-load it by selecting the state of residence in the Personal Information section
How should I complete the Healthcare Section?
This is not relevant to the return, but the section must be completed in order create an e-file. Answer NO to the following question:
- Did you purchase health Insurance via HealthCare.gov or a State Marketplace
Do I still have to answer the required questions in the e-file section?
Yes, if the questions assigned to your site are marked required, you still have to answer them.
Will the EIP returns be subject to regular IRS rejects such as SSN/Name mismatch, etc.?
Yes. You should work these rejects just like you do regular returns. Mailing in paper returns will generate a delay in the stimulus payment due to limited resources available to process paper returns.
Will non-EIP returns that show no refund or balance due be able to include bank account information when electronically filed?
No. The change to allow direct deposit information for $0 refund/balance due returns is specific to EIP returns
Volunteer Question: Taxpayer clients that we already filed both 2019 and 2018 without including bank information (often because they were not receiving direct deposit refunds) and do not receive Social Security?
Per information taken directly from IRS.gov: In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online, so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail. Follow this link for updated information https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
Volunteer Question: Taxpayer clients who will file this year as soon as we open up again, but will not get a refund and thus cannot enter the bank information. They did not file in 2018 and do not receive Social Security.
Based on our understanding, they will not receive their stimulus payment until they have filed either their 2018 or 2019 tax return. If they file their return as a direct debit, the IRS will use that account to direct deposit their stimulus payment. DO NOT file the EIP return in this situation because it is designed specifically for those without a filing requirement. This could cause potential business rule rejects when they file their 2019 return.
Volunteer Question: Taxpayer clients who have closed their old bank account and opened a new one after they filed their taxes and they do not receive Social Security.
Per information taken directly from IRS.gov: In the coming weeks, Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal for individuals to provide their banking information to the IRS online, so that individuals can receive payments immediately as opposed to checks in the mail. However, during the meantime, the IRS is going to try to direct deposit their stimulus check into the account on their 2019 return. The taxpayer can be proactive and notify the bank, however, the bank will most likely return the money to the IRS and the IRS will most likely cut them a paper check at some point in the future.