Missed the May Tax Deadline? Many Illinoisans Still Able to Receive Thousands of Dollars from Stimulus Checks, Tax Credits by Filing Late
Get My Payment IL Coalition
Published: June 10, 2021
Get My Payment IL Coalition Continues to Increase Access to Stimulus Checks, Government Funds
CHICAGO (June 10, 2021) – The May 17 tax filing deadline has passed, but it’s not too late for many Illinoisans to file their taxes to receive funds from missing stimulus checks and other available tax credits. Thousands of dollars may still be available through tax refunds, even for those who have no earnings or who have not filed taxes in previous years. To help make the process easier, the Get My Payment IL Coalition is continuing to connect Illinoisans to free tax-filing resources and working with them to understand which credits they are eligible for.
The three main tax credits that Illinoisans may be able to claim to receive these funds include the –
- Recovery Rebate Credit (for missing stimulus checks) – Eligible Illinoisans who haven’t received their first and/or second stimulus checks or didn’t receive the full amounts, can still claim the Recovery Rebate Credit to receive up to $1,800 ($3,600 for married couples) and $1,100 for each eligible dependent under 17. Additionally, if an individual with a Social Security number did not receive the first two stimulus checks because their spouse had an ITIN, the individual may be eligible to receive them now by claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit.
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Every year a little over one in five eligible Illinoisans don’t claim the EITC, leaving millions of dollars in tax credits unclaimed. The EITC is a credit for workers, including those with children and those without children. Eligible low-income workers can qualify for tax credits ranging from $538 to $6,660 through the 2020 EITC. Workers without children must be between the ages of 25 and 64 to claim this credit this year. However, next year it will be available to childless workers age 18 and higher.
- Child Tax Credit (CTC) – For the 2020 CTC, individuals who earned more than $2,500 and who have children under age 17 may be eligible to receive up to $2,000 per child. In 2021, the CTC will be expanding, increasing the amount of money per eligible child and removing the $2,500 earnings minimum.
“Even though tax season is over, it’s not too late for people to receive their money. You can still file your taxes after the deadline to ensure you receive your stimulus checks and any additional benefits you are eligible for,” said Kathryn Socha, Director of Asset Building Programs for Heartland Human Care Services. “We are also encouraging individuals to file taxes from previous years, as 2019 and 2018 tax refunds are still available for those who are eligible. For example, if you earned income and had a dependent but didn’t file taxes for 2018 or 2019, you may receive a refund if you file those returns now.”
The two main tax credits that Illinoisans may be able to claim to receive past refunds include the –
The Coalition’s website connects individuals to free online tax-filing resources and provides guides to help make the process easier, especially for those who may not have filed taxes in the past. For those who do not have internet access, a hotline is available at 888-553-9777 through which the Coalition can help answer questions about the stimulus checks. Additionally, if needed, the Coalition can share the necessary tax forms and instructions for paper filing. To file previous years’ taxes, individuals will need to paper file, pay a commercial preparer to file electronically or seek assistance from an organization participating in the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program that can prepare their taxes for free.
To learn more about how to receive stimulus checks, other tax credit eligibility and where to get free tax-filing resources, visit GetMyPaymentIL.org. For those who do not have internet access or are not computer savvy, representatives are available via the hotline at 888-553-9777.
###
About the Get My Payment IL Coalition
In 2020, several nonprofit organizations came together as the Get My Payment IL Coalition to help ensure more hardworking, low-income Illinoisans are able to receive their stimulus checks and to receive these funds more quickly. The Coalition comprises the Economic Awareness Council, New America Chicago, Heartland Alliance and Heartland Human Care Services. The Coalition works with governmental, private and nonprofit partners, including libraries, food pantries and banks, to help increase awareness and accessibility.