The federal government is distributing financial relief to Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic through stimulus checks. However, some people need to take action to ensure they get their payments. Households without a federal tax filing requirement will not automatically receive the payment unless they file a 2018 or 2019 tax return. At Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, Kerry Lenaghan-Baughman says there are IRS-certified volunteers who can help with tax preparation virtually or over the phone, or answer questions about the stimulus checks.
“With everything so vastly different to have somebody that they can reach out to with whatever question they have. I hope that we can provide at least a little sense of well-being to people. This can be a bit confusing, and we’re here to help and will continue to help in the months to come.”
You can reach out to the United Way to find out more about getting help. Many households also are eligible to file for free electronically. People who filed 2018 or 2019 taxes and those who receive Social Security benefits are automatically getting their stimulus payments. Lenaghan-Baughman recommends contacting your local Community Action Agency to get help in collecting your stimulus payment.
