Challenge of filing income-tax returns may lead to the loss of benefit

[img_assist|nid=8345|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=66|height=100] On March 20 million recipients of the Social Security and some veterans benefits eligible to receive stimulus checks were sent notices by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS reports that on account of not usually filing income-tax returns 5 million of those who get Social Security and veterans' benefits didn’t apply for stimulus payments.

Stimulus checks were initiated by the IRS on April 28. Individuals were to receive $600 and families $300 per each child. According to Douglas Shulman, the IRS Commissioner, as of June 13 the agency had sent out around $63.8 billion to 76 million Americans and by July 11 the agency is planning to send out a total of 110 million payments. But to some individuals applying for benefits, which requires filing an income tax return, poses a significant problem.

"Communicating with this population presents a significant challenge, given the complications of age and disability," Nina Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate, told the committee.

On the score of such barriers as a lack of mobility, a lack of access to or familiarity with the Internet, confusing information and a fear of contact with the IRS many people don’t apply for stimulus payments.

Those who hasn’t file federal tax forms yet are to be sent a revised package later this summer which is easier to read and contains a 1040A form the IRS reports.