IRS Publication 5420-B – If you’re searching for IRS Publication 5420-B, the Economic Impact Payment Non-Filer Step by Step Guide, or how non-filers could register for their 2020 stimulus check (Economic Impact Payment), this comprehensive article breaks it all down. Published by the IRS in October 2020 (Catalog Number 74924F), this guide helped millions of low-income Americans who don’t usually file tax returns claim up to $1,200 ($2,400 for married couples filing jointly) plus $500 per qualifying child under age 17.
Important 2026 Update: The Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool closed in November 2020. All first, second, and third Economic Impact Payments have been issued. The deadlines to claim any missing amounts through the 2020 or 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit have passed (May 17, 2024 for 2020; April 15, 2025 for 2021). This publication is now historical reference material only.
What Is IRS Publication 5420-B?
Publication 5420-B is a free, official IRS step-by-step booklet designed exclusively for non-filers — people who:
- Had 2019 gross income at or below $12,200 (single) or $24,400 (married filing jointly)
- Did not file (and did not plan to file) a 2018 or 2019 federal tax return
- Were not required to file a 2019 return
- Could not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
The tool allowed these individuals to quickly provide their information so the IRS could calculate and send their first-round Economic Impact Payment (CARES Act stimulus) directly or by mail. Using the tool did not create a tax filing requirement or result in owing taxes.
Who Was Eligible for the Economic Impact Payment via the Non-Filers Tool?
Eligible individuals had to be:
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or qualifying resident aliens
- Have a valid Social Security number (SSN) issued for work purposes
- Not claimed as a dependent on another person’s return
- Below the income thresholds (most non-filers automatically qualified)
Payment amounts (first round):
- Up to $1,200 for individuals
- Up to $2,400 for married couples filing jointly
- Additional $500 per qualifying child under 17
Step-by-Step Guide from IRS Publication 5420-B (Exact Process in 2020)
Before You Begin – Gather These Items
- Full name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card
- Valid work-eligible SSN (or spouse’s SSN if married filing jointly)
- Current mailing address
- Email address (required to create an account)
- Bank routing and account numbers (for direct deposit — strongly recommended)
- IP PIN (if the IRS previously issued you one)
- Optional: Driver’s license or state ID number (for digital signature)
Prepaid debit card tip: Many reloadable cards have routing/account numbers. Confirm with your bank that the card accepts deposits and treat it as a checking account.
Step 1: Go to IRS.gov
Visit www.irs.gov and click the prominent “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” button on the homepage.
Step 2: Confirm You Can Use the Tool
Read the eligibility screen carefully and click “Get Started.” Review system requirements in the FAQs.
Step 3: Create Your Account
- Enter your email address
- Create a User ID and strong password
- Provide a phone number (optional but helpful)
- Accept the privacy statement
- You’ll receive a confirmation email from [email protected]
Step 4: Step 1 Screen – Register Your Information
- Select filing status: Single or Married Filing Jointly
(Special note: If your spouse receives Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement, or Veterans benefits, select Single for yourself.) - Enter your (and spouse’s) name, SSN, and mailing address
- Indicate if anyone can claim you or your spouse as a dependent
- Add qualifying children (up to 4; click “Add” for more) with their SSN or ATIN
- Enter IP PIN for yourself, spouse, or dependents (if applicable)
- Provide direct deposit information (routing + account number) or skip for paper check/debit card
- Click “Continue to Step 2”
Step 5: Step 2 Screen – Verify & Sign
- Enter driver’s license/state ID (optional)
- Enter 2019 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your last return or “0” if you didn’t file
- Digitally sign the form
- Verify your email by clicking the link in the confirmation email from Free File Fillable Forms
- Click “Continue to E-File” to submit
After Submission
- You’ll receive an email confirmation (success or error with correction instructions)
- The IRS reviewed eligibility and issued payment (direct deposit fastest; paper check or debit card mailed within 15 days of issuance)
- Track status later using the “Get My Payment” tool (now retired)
Pro tip from the publication: If using a public computer (library, etc.), fully log out and close the browser.
What Happened After You Submitted?
The IRS confirmed eligibility using the information provided, calculated the exact payment amount, and sent it. Most users received their payment within weeks if they chose direct deposit.
Why This Guide Still Matters in 2026?
Although the tool is long gone, Publication 5420-B remains the clearest official record of how non-filers successfully claimed their stimulus payments. It’s frequently referenced by:
- Tax historians and researchers
- Community organizations helping seniors and low-income families
- People reviewing old IRS correspondence or letters
Where to Find Official IRS Resources Today?
- Full PDF: Publication 5420-B
- IRS Forms & Publications search: irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
- Historical Economic Impact Payments page: irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments (marked as historical content)
Related IRS Publications (still available):
- Publication 5420 – Economic Impact Payments Toolkit for Partners
- Publication 5486-A – Information on Recovery Rebate Credit (archived guidance)
Frequently Asked Questions About Publication 5420-B
Q: Can I still use the Non-Filers tool in 2026?
A: No. The tool was discontinued after November 2020.
Q: I never received my stimulus payment — what now?
A: All claim windows via Recovery Rebate Credit have closed. Contact the IRS only if you have specific questions about past letters (e.g., Letter 6475 for third-round payments).
Q: Does using this tool mean I have to file taxes now?
A: No — it was specifically for people who were not required to file.
Q: Where can I download Publication 5420-B?
A: Directly from the IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5420b.pdf
This article is based exclusively on official IRS sources, including Publication 5420-B (Rev. October 2020) and current IRS.gov pages as of February 2026. For the most accurate historical or tax advice, always refer to IRS.gov or consult a qualified tax professional.
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