Relief Check from Government and Warning About Scams

The U.S. government is issuing a tax credit in the form of a check to all taxpayers who filed a 2018 and/or 2019 tax return. The deadline for the 2019 tax filing has been extended until July 15, 2020, so if you have not yet filed for 2019, they will use the data on the 2018 return.

­­­­­­­­­FACT If you filed individually and your adjusted gross income was $75,000 or less* you will receive a check for $1,200. If you filed jointly as a married couple and your adjusted gross income was $150,000 or less you will receive $2,400. If you have any children living with you under the age of 17, you will receive an additional $500 for each child.

FACT Most people will need to do nothing to receive this money. Your money will be automatically deposited directly into the bank account listed on your 2018 or 2019 tax return.

FACT If the IRS does not have your direct deposit information from your tax return you will need to set up something with the IRS on their website: www.irs.gov/coronavirus THIS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MID APRIL.

If you do not have a bank account, then you need to check the above web address in mid-April for additional information.

FACT There are many scammers trying to take your money. A scammer is a dishonest/bad person that tries to trick you into giving them your personal information. They are very clever and will tell you that they represent the government or a local bank or just someone trying to help you. Beware. Do not respond to calls, texts, or emails from any of these people. The government will never contact you by email, so don’t respond or click on any of the links in the email.

Do not download files or attachments on your computer promising refund money.

Scammers will pretend to be from government agencies sending you emails, texts or calling to tell you that they need personal information before they send you a check. Do not give any information to them. Do not click or respond to any email asking for personal information.

Never click on any sources you do not know. Many scammers are very clever in the way they disguise themselves and their website.

Hang up on all robo-calls immediately.

FACT The FDA has not approved any vaccines or home test kits for Covid-19. Do not believe any source that promises a cure or test for Covid-19; they just want your money.

If you have questions about any request for information you receive, you can send it to the New City South Deacon Administrator email at: rhouston@ncfstl.org

or call Deacon Steve Haag at: (314)-799-6137

or call the New City South office at: (314) 762-9915

*Important: You will receive these checks now, but if your income goes up dramatically before filing your 2020 taxes, you may need to pay a portion of the check back. For most people, this will not be the case, so for most people will need to pay any of the money back.