IRS is launching a new online tool for people to track their $1,200 tax stimulus payments

The tax agency has also extended more filing deadlines as the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the 2020 tax season.

The 2020 tax season has been upended by the novel coronavirus, forcing the IRS to extend more filing deadlines for individuals and businesses. The agency has also launched an online tool to help non-filers get their tax stimulus payment sooner. Another Web-based tool is scheduled to debut next week that will allow people to track how soon they’ll receive their stimulus money.

As part of the $2 trillion stimulus package, eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will get refund rebates of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples. Those who qualify for a stimulus payment get an extra $500 for each qualifying child under 17. The economic impact payments will either be delivered via direct deposit or mailed. Payments will be distributed automatically to most people starting next week, the IRS said.

There has been a lot of concern that many people who aren’t required to file a tax return will have to wait for their payments. The covid-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders have made it difficult for people to meet with tax professionals to help them prepare their returns. For example, AARP Foundation suspended its free Tax-Aide service until further notice out of concern of spreading the coronavirus. Nearly 60 percent of all taxpayers turn to a tax practitioner to prepare and file their returns, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

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