Can inmates file taxes to claim stimulus check

[DoninGA]

Yes.  If you are incarcerated you are still eligible for a stimulus payment.  Just complete a 2020 federal tax return.

[Capnrob50]

I'm filing for an inmate friend. She is eligible for  free filing, I am not. I need help to file so shall I purchase the first level of assistance? 

[JamesG1]

Your friend may qualify for the Free Edition.  Tax experts are available here.

Individuals who were incarcerated during some period of time in 2020, may, indeed, be eligible to receive the first and second stimulus payment.  This website states:

Because Congress did not exclude people in prison or jail, the IRS had no choice but to issue the payments to incarcerated people who otherwise qualified. Others who made this same argument ultimately prevailed in court and incarcerated people began to receive stimulus checks.

The taxpayer must meet the IRS eligibility rules:

You must have a valid Social Security number, and you can’t have been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s 2019 tax return.  In general, taxpayers without an eligible Social Security number are not eligible for the payment. 

See also the IRS Get My Payment tool.

[Mari1967]

How can I file stimulus  check  if I didnt file tax past 2 years due to incase 

[ErnieS0]

It does not matter whether you filed taxes in past years. The Recovery Rebate Credit (stimulus) is based on information from your 2020 tax return. If you file this year, you will get your stimulus as a “refund”.

[Misael617]

Hi, I need help filing for an inmate. He has yet to receive any 2020 stimulus money.

Please help.

[ErnieS0]

@Misael617 An inmate must file a 2020 tax return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit even if otherwise not required to file a tax return.

You can do this in several ways.

(1) Use the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax. You can prepare the return on his behalf, print it out and he can sign, date and mail it.

(2) You (or the inmate) can prepare the return by hand. The forms and instructions are here: About Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

[Candisw83]

What if it was filed went through was in process of being deposited and for lack of better timing (different time zones) I was just an hour behind the deadline to have the documents they were asking for before they sent it back to the IRS where, who & , how do I get my incarcerated brothers money back to where it needs to be 

[ThomasM125]

Federal tax returns are due on May 17, 2021 so I'm not sure what you mean when you say it was filed past the deadline. You should have plenty of time to file your 2020 tax return to qualify for the stimulus payment.

[Yettaboo123]

How can a inmate file taxes for their stimulus check

[SweetieJean]

@Yettaboo123 By filing a 2021 tax return.