Amended return to add bank instrructions for stimulus

[rodiy2k21]

Hi TurboTax community

We live overseas and normally don't file a return due to low income threshold. Last year we submitted a "non filer form" and received the first and second stimulus with no delay. In 2020, we moved to Canada from Asia and decided to begin filing as suggested by a tax consultant we used to use. As we still have no liability or tax due, TurboTax didn't ask for bank instructions and I read that IRS will be using the bank instructions on file to submit the third stimulus.

The IRS already accepted our 2020 return but of course, the "Get my Payment" tool says "Status not available". I'm thinking that a) they are doing 2020 early filers last and b) our change of address but failure to include bank instructions has now left our status in limbo. Common sense says that the non-filer bank instructions should be associated with my SS # and the change to becoming a "filer" and changing the foreign address wouldn't matter. But this is the government.

Does anyone know if it's possible to file an amended 1040 with no numerical changes for the purposes of adding bank information and if so, does this make any sense? Hopefully, they would eventually process our 2020 return and at worst, send a check to Canada. But I'm regretting having filed for 2020 now. Thanks for any suggestions.

[ReneeM7122]

No, you do not have to amend your tax return to alert the IRS of your bank account information.  This answer will cover both your address and bank account concerns:

Address

A taxpayer's “last known address” is defined in Treas. Reg. § 301.6212-2(a) as the address on the taxpayer's most recently filed and properly processed return, unless the Service has been given clear and concise notification of a different address.  It is possible after filing a tax return to notify the IRS of the change by mailing Form 8822. Here is an IRS link with more information.

Bank account

The bank account is updated in the same way.  It will use the last known bank account but you can change it after you file.  This may be important because there is a possibility that there could be a third stimulus on the way in 2021 although we do not have information about it at the current time.  Here is information about how to tell the IRS about your direct deposit if you wish to change it.