Q A1. I used the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool last year and don’t usually file a tax return. What should I do to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit? (added January 26, 2021)
A1. If you're eligible – and either didn’t receive Economic Impact Payments or if you think you qualify for more than you received – you’ll need to file a 2020 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit even if you otherwise are not required to file a tax return.
The best way to file a complete and accurate return is to file electronically. The tax software will ask you questions about your income, credits and deductions and will help you figure your Recovery Rebate Credit.
QA2. I do not have a filing requirement, but I think I qualify for more than I received as Economic Impact Payments. How can I file for the Recovery Rebate Credit? (added January 26, 2021)
A2. If you’re eligible – and either didn’t receive Economic Impact Payments or if you think you qualify for more than you received – you’ll need to file a 2020 tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit even if you otherwise are not required to file a tax return.
The best way to file a complete and accurate return is to file electronically. The tax software will ask you questions about your income, credits and deductions and will help you figure your Recovery Rebate Credit.
QA3. What information do I need to provide to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit? (added January 26, 2021)
A3. If you file electronically, the software will ask you for specific information. No matter how you file, you will need to take these steps:
Select your filing status.
Enter name(s), address, Social Security numbers(s).
Answer presidential election campaign & virtual currency questions.
Check the box if “Someone can claim” you as a dependent, if applicable
Note: Do not check the box if you are filing a joint return with your spouse in order to claim the RRC.
Check the appropriate box(es) for “Age/Blindness” if applicable.
List all eligible dependent(s), Social Security number(s), relationship(s) to you, if applicable, and check the applicable “Child tax credit” or “Credit for other dependents” checkbox.
Enter your “Standard deduction” amount on line 12. If you checked box(es) for “Age/Blindness” see the form instructions.
Compute the Recovery Rebate Credit amount using the tax prep software or the worksheet found in Form 1040, line 30 Instructions PDF.
Enter the computed amount from the worksheet to all the following lines:
line 30, Recovery Rebate
line 32, Total Other Payments and Refundable Credits
line 33, Total Payments
line 34, Overpaid
line 35a, Refunded to you
Complete direct deposit information on line 35b-35d or check the box on line 35a and complete Form 8888 if you want to split your refund for deposit into more than one account or buy a U.S. Savings Bond. Direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive your refund. If you don’t choose direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to you.
Don’t forget to sign your return. If married filing jointly, both signatures are required.
QA4. Should I include income on the return even if I am not usually required to file? (added January 26, 2021)
A4. Yes, your return must be complete and correct. Even if you don’t have a tax return filing requirement, you may be eligible to receive additional credits based on your filing information by including the amount of your income and information about a spouse or any dependents. Filing electronically is the fastest and most accurate way for you to file. The tax software will ask you questions about your income, credits and deductions and will help you figure your Recovery Rebate Credit and any other credits that may apply to you.
A5. When preparing your taxes and filing electronically, you must sign and validate your electronic tax return by entering your prior-year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or your prior-year Self-Select PIN.
If you used the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here last year to register for an Economic Impact Payment, you should enter “$1” as the prior year AGI verification.
If you did not use the Non-Filers tool last year to register for an Economic Impact Payment and you did not file an electronic or a paper 2019 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, you should enter “$0” as the prior year AGI verification.
If you filed an electronic or a paper 2019 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, enter the AGI amount from line 8b of the submitted 2019 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR as the prior year AGI verification.
source: irs.gov