Update: The IRS has extended this deadline for another five weeks
Even as the likelihood of Stimulus Check 2 continues to fade further and further, nearly 9 million Americans may still be waiting for the first $1,200 in stimulus payments provided by the CARES Act, which was passed in March of this year
CBS News reports that the IRS will soon begin notifying eligible individuals who have not claimed the $1,200 benefit These individuals will have until October 15 (currently November 21) to enter their information into the non-filers tool on IRSgov and receive their checks by the end of the year
Most of the accruals are designated for individuals who do not file regular tax returns, which is the primary criteria the government uses to determine eligibility and send benefits Many of those who do not file tax returns are older Americans living on their savings or heads of low-income households
The IRS will be sending letters beginning September 24 to those who may be eligible for the unpaid stimulus package; if they do not meet the October 15 deadline, they will have to file a tax return in 2021 to receive payment
[On October 5, the IRS extended the deadline from October 15 to November 21]
Please note that receiving a notice from the IRS does not guarantee eligibility for stimulus payments If you are eligible, you may enter your bank account information to receive the direct deposit If not, a paper check will be mailed to you
This is not the first time the IRS has issued notices regarding missing or additional payments A number of recipients have failed to receive their support payments due to confusion over unpaid child support These recipients have until September 30 to claim additional benefits using the non-filer tool
Senate Republicans introduced a "skinny" stimulus package in early September, but as expected, the bill did not receive enough votes in favor The bill does not include a second stimulus package
Meanwhile, despite agreement among all parties on the need for and amount of the second round of the stimulus package, disagreement over the total amount of the second round of spending and its contents has left the entire package in limbo
Democrats and White House officials have a $700 billion spending gap between the two negotiating stances House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) have said no "skinny" bill without a stimulus check
At this point, it is unclear whether the two sides can break the impasse and resume negotiations
This article has been updated from September 10, 2020
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