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Level 1
posted Mar 25, 2020 9:29:19 AM

Federal Stimulus payments

My son did not work in 2019 due to a medical issue and did not file a return but is working today. How might he participate in the stimulus? He mentioned that he heard he just has to simply file a return but he had no income. Can you please help.

Thank you (again)

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2 Best answers
Level 15
Mar 25, 2020 9:33:32 AM

 There would be nothing he could enter on a tax return.  Did he file a 2018 return?  The stimulus money will be based on a 2018 return if you do not file a 2019 return.

Level 15
Mar 26, 2020 7:24:42 AM

@seemore_0077  You can file a tax return with no income, for SS & some credits but the son has no SS, no taxes taken out from a paycheck, would not qualify for credits if he is a dependent.  There would be nothing he can put on his tax return.

4 Replies
Level 15
Mar 25, 2020 9:33:32 AM

 There would be nothing he could enter on a tax return.  Did he file a 2018 return?  The stimulus money will be based on a 2018 return if you do not file a 2019 return.

Level 1
Mar 26, 2020 4:38:34 AM

It's perfectly legal to file a tax return showing zero income, and there are a number of reasons why you should.  They range from protecting against audits, to taking advantage of future credits (2020 Stimulus checks), many grant organizations want copies (like for college), and keeping your Social Security Statement complete.   I would suggest anyone doing this double checks interest in savings and checking and they include that & use one of the free online services.   Also, realize the current stimulus checks won't go out to young adults between 16 and 18.     I am not sure why they did that, and maybe there will be some addendum coming soon.   And for people on SS they will use the 1099 from SS for payment purposes.

Expert Alumni
Mar 26, 2020 5:34:06 AM

Here is a link with discussion on filing without a requirement. Also, some information on the stimulus checks.  

Level 15
Mar 26, 2020 7:24:42 AM

@seemore_0077  You can file a tax return with no income, for SS & some credits but the son has no SS, no taxes taken out from a paycheck, would not qualify for credits if he is a dependent.  There would be nothing he can put on his tax return.