IRS Reaches Out to FiSCA to Reach Beneficiaries

UPFRONT FiSCAACTIVITIES

IRS Reaches Out to FiSCA to Reach Beneficiaries of Stimulus Funds

Members Can Support Efforts through

November 21

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear to the U.S. Treasury Department and other government agencies that they had no foolproof, comprehensive mechanism to reach the people that were entitled to government benefits. This shortcoming became even more acute as the Treasury failed in its initial attempts to distribute millions of dollars in Economic Income Payments (EIPs) provided by Congress in the CARES Act. EIPs total $1,200 or more for recipients. Many of the efforts to distribute payments failed when the Treasury attempted to reach beneficiaries who had previously filed tax returns but whose bank accounts, designated as the destination for tax refunds, were no longer in existence. Many other beneficiaries were not required to or had not filed tax returns.

In mid-August, as the October 15 deadline for beneficiaries to claim benefits was at hand, the IRS reached out to FiSCA for assistance in reaching the millions of Americans who had not yet received payments. The IRS was conducting a sweeping outreach campaign to reach everyone who may be eligible for an EIP. Specifically, the IRS sought help reaching special groups, including: lower-income household without a filing requirement; individuals with income below $12,200; married couples with income below $24,400; people with no income; part-time workers; self-employed people; people who work in the gig economy; people experiencing homelessness; and students who can’t be claimed as dependents on someone else’s tax return.

Responding to the IRS’s requests, FiSCA distributed Member Alerts providing information to members about the IRS toolkit, which contained information on how to reach these groups. Among other materials, the IRS has produced many ready-to-use promotional materials on the EIP, such as posters and other partner materials. These IRS materials are available in English, Spanish, and other languages.

FiSCA members can still help, as the deadline for filing has been extended to November 21, 2020.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Share the information in the Partner Toolkit throughout your community and with people your organization serves. The materials in this kit are designed for people who don’t normally file a tax return. Some are specifically for people experiencing homelessness. All of them are to help reach people who may not know they’re eligible.

• Print and display Publication 5412-Q in your stores where your customers can see it. This is available in the toolkit or you can search IRS.gov for 5412-Q.

• Share the IRS YouTube video for Non-Filers: Please urge customers to visit the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool on IRS.gov by October 15.

• For those without a bank account: If someone wants to receive their payment in a bank account but doesn’t have one, please encourage them to visit the FDIC website. The FDIC has information on how to choose the right account and where to find a bank that can open an account online, if needed.

• Some individuals may not have internet access, a bank account or a permanent address, and may need help getting information and claiming an Economic Impact Payment. We appreciate anything your organization can do to help with next steps for these groups – from spreading the word to offering computer access.

To access all the above-mentioned resources, go to IRS.gov and search for EIP toolkit.

As it has done in the past, the industry will pitch in to help its customers, and the country.