Dead people received stimulus checks when the Internal Revenue Service began sending direct deposits into taxpayers' bank account up to $1,200 according to a recently published article.


Dead People Receiving Stimulus Checks Worth $1,200 

Reports that surpassed in the previous month about dead people receiving stimulus checks were confirmed by the Treasury Department. Most of the dead people who received the amount of $1,200 are those who died beginning 2018.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump to help the U.S. citizens who are financially challenged amid the global health pandemic that led many to be furloughed and laid off from their jobs.

However, many people who died since 2018 got a stimulus check because it was directly sent to the taxpayer's bank account that was filed when they were still alive and based on the available information since 2018. This means that those who died from 2018 onwards but relatives have not yet closed the bank accounts for some reason like settling their estates would have received the stimulus checks.

One of the relatives of a deceased person who received a Stimulus Check said: "I received a check made out to my mother who passed away in June 2018. She would be 101 if she was alive today. The IRS and Treasury Department know that she was deceased because the check was made out to her noting 'DECD' next to her name."

Now, the government wants the money back. When the IRS was asked if there are any legal consequences for failing not to return the money, they did not give any comments. Instead, they give steps on how to return the Stimulus Check.


Here are Some Steps on How to Return Stimulus Checks Sent the Deceased

According to the IRS, if a couple filed a joint return in 2018 but one of them died without updating its tax return information, the surviving spouse needs to return the portion of the payment made on account of the decedent.

For example, for a couple with a gross income of $150,000 or less would qualify for $2,400 Stimulus Checks. The Internal Revenue Services said that the surviving spouse must return half of it or an amount of $1,200.

If the Stimulus Check was sent through the mail, IRS recommended that the relative should mark "Void" at the back of the endorsement section then mail it back to the Treasury Department. It is also advised to write the reason for returning the check. Moreover, IRS also said that when returning the check, do not staple, bend, or attached a paper clip to it. 

However, in a situation where you have cashed already the check or received has received it through direct deposit, the IRS said that send them immediately a personal check or money order. Take note also that the money order should be made payable to the "U.S. Treasury."

Moreover, do not forget to write 2020EIP on the money order or check and include as well the Social Security Number of the deceased person. Along with this is a brief explanation of why you will return the money or the stimulus check.  

It is still not clear until now as to how many dead people received the Stimulus Checks and how many of their relatives have already returned the money. 


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