The IRS is still reviewing data it received from the Department of Veterans Affairs that is needed to process third stimulus payments to certain veterans.
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Veterans who didn't filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return or use the IRS's Non-filer tool last year may have to wait a bit longer to receive a third stimulus check. That's because the IRS is still reviewing data sent over from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that it needs to process third-round stimulus payments for them. The tax agency currently estimates that stimulus payments for VA beneficiaries who don't regularly file a tax return could be sent by mid-April.
Third-round stimulus payments are generally based on information included on either a 2019 or 2020 tax return. That's why many veterans who receive VA benefits who filed a 2019 or 2020 return already received a third stimulus check. However, if you don't file a return, the IRS has to look elsewhere for the necessary information. The Non-filers tool that the IRS set up last year to collect data for first-round stimulus checks is one possible source for the needed data. Another is a federal agency that pays you benefits on a regular basis – such as the Department of Veterans Affairs for certain veterans. But once information is sent by another federal agency, the IRS must go through a multi-step process to validate and test the data. That's what's happening now with the files sent to the IRS by the VA.
Most VA beneficiaries who are eligible for a third stimulus check won't need to take any action to receive a payment. But some veterans may still need to file a 2020 tax return – even if they don't usually file one – to get an extra $1,400 for each dependent in their family. That's because the data sent by the VA won't necessarily include information about your dependents. (The deadline for filing a 2020 tax return is May 17, 2021.) If you don't file a 2020 tax return, you can still claim the additional amount you're entitled to by filing a 2021 tax return next year and claiming the Recovery Rebate credit.
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