IRS still owes 9 million Americans stimulus checks, but they have to register by October 15. This is what you need to do

On April 15, the U.S. Congress approved a $1,200 stimulus check to all Americans who have lost their jobs due to the deadly coronavirus pandemic. A week later, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) started sending out the first wave of stimulus payments to qualified individuals and families.

However, many Americans hoping to find out if and when they would receive their coronavirus stimulus check were greeted by an unusual message on the Internal Revenue Service’s website: “Payment status not available.” Fast forward six months later, the IRS still owes 9 million people stimulus checks. Now the agency is trying to fix the problem.

The IRS is now in the process of sending letters to people who may be eligible. But the window is closing for nonfilers to claim their $1,200 checks by the end of 2020. Oct. 15 is the cutoff date. We’ll tell you all you need to know.

How will you get your stimulus check?

IRS is already sending out letters, which the agency called IRS Notice 1444-A. The letter started going out around September 24 to those who may be eligible. The agency said the letter will be mailed from an IRS address. You can see a copy of the letter here (PDF) in English and Spanish. The IRS cautions that receiving a letter doesn’t guarantee you are eligible for a payment.

What do you have to do?

According to IRS, Americans making less than $75,000 will receive $1,200; couples filing jointly and earning under $150,000 will receive $2,400. The taxpayer with children will also receive $500 per child. IRS also plans to launch a website by Friday that will inform people of when they will receive their checks.

If you weren’t required to file a federal tax return, the letter directs you to use the IRS’ Non-Filers tool, where you can provide some information to claim your payment. However, if you were required to file your federal taxes but didn’t, the letter directs you to electronically file your 2019 tax return immediately and then use the IRS’ Get My Payment to check the status of your payment.