The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was reportedly going to require senior adults and others to file tax returns in order to receive the direct cash assistance provided by COVID-19 relief. U.S. Senator James Lankford joined a group of lawmakers urging the IRS to use Congressionally approved provisions which would get payments to senior citizens and the disabled without filing.
The Treasury Department clarified it would not require those groups to file, but would automatically deposit the money into their bank accounts or send them a check. The average American adult stands to receive $1,200 as a result of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Air, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES).
“The federal government’s work to roll out the CARES Act economic relief has been as fast as possible, and these types of details can and should be successfully worked out to ensure a smooth process for Oklahomans, especially our senior adults and disabled individuals. In a time of need, we must provide a way for people to access relief as efficiently as they can,” said Lankford. “This was a simple clarification to help alleviate an additional, unnecessary hurdle for people to receive help. As my office has encountered questions and rollout concerns, we have worked to track down those answers and find resolution wherever possible. I encourage Oklahomans to remain engaged with me and my office to work on addressing issues like this as we go forward.”
