IRS Orders Stimulus Checks Sent to Dead People Returned
The IRS has explained that stimulus payments incorrectly given to individuals who have died must be refunded, after controversy over the issue prompted questions by taxpayers.
Here’s everything you need to know about this hot-button issue.
Why did the IRS send payments to the deceased?
In its rush to get the stimulus payments out, IRS relied on recent tax return data. Unfortunately, these included records of people who had filed taxes before dying. Delayed cross-checking with federal death records led to these errors, where millions were paid out to those who no longer qualify.
Who Must Return the Payments?
If a stimulus payment was made to a deceased person, the money must be returned unless:
- The decedent filed jointly with a surviving spouse. Only the decedent’s portion of the refund needs to be repaid. Example: If the couple received a joint $2,400 payment, $1,200 would be repaid.
How to Refund the Money
The IRS has outlined clear steps to return these payments:
- If the check is uncashed: Mail the original check back to the Treasury Department.
- If the check was cashed or directly deposited: Write a personal check or money order to “U.S. Treasury” and include “2020 EIP” along with the deceased person’s Social Security Number or Taxpayer ID in the memo line.
Further instructions and mailing addresses can be found on the official IRS website.
Other Ineligible Recipients
The IRS requires the following groups to return payments they mistakenly got, including:
- Inmates: Payments mailed to inmates should be returned.
- High-income earners: Those whose earnings are beyond the specified income limits for eligibility who were paid by mistake.
- Dependents: College students or others who qualify as dependents on another taxpayer’s return.
Stimulus Eligibility Overview
Stimulus payment eligibility is based on income:
- Individuals making up to $75,000 receive $1,200.
- For married couples earning up to $150,000, it offers $2,400.
- Families may receive $500 for each dependent child.
- Payments phase out for individuals earning above $99,000, and couples earning more than $198,000.
Why It Matters
With over $207 billion given out and with millions of Americans reliant on their stimulus money, mistakes like these have created a huge outcry from the public. While critics denounced the IRS for its errors, others say that speed is important in a crisis.
Protect Yourself from Scams
The IRS has also warned taxpayers about scams. No IRS representative will call, email, or text asking for personal information regarding the stimulus payment. Always refer to the official IRS website for guidance in these matters. If you got a stimulus payment in error, return it right away. This is not only the law, but it also ensures that the money will be available to people who really need it.
Check the IRS website for updates and detailed instructions regarding this developing issue. Keep following our page for further updates.
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