Economic Impact Payments for Exchange Visitors

The FACC-NY has received several questions from Exchange Visitors regarding Economic Impact Payments (Payments) authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Below are some updates from the IRS FAQ’s section on the COVID-19 stimulus payment which might help to address questions on eligibility and returning the payment.

1) Does someone who is a resident alien qualify for the Payment? (added May 6, 2020)

A person who is a nonresident alien in 2020 is not eligible for the Payment. A person who is a qualifying resident alien with a valid SSN is eligible for the Payment only if he or she is a qualifying resident alien in 2020 and could not be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer for 2020. Aliens who received a Payment but are not qualifying resident aliens for 2020 should return the Payment to the IRS by following the instructions about repayments.

2) What should I do to return an Economic Impact Payment (EIP)? (Updated May 11, 2020)

        You should return the payment as described below.

If the payment was a paper check:

1. Write "Void" in the endorsement section on the back of the check. Mail the voided Treasury check immediately to the appropriate IRS location listed below.
2. Don't staple, bend, or paper clip the check.
3. Include a note stating the reason for returning the check. 

If the payment was a paper check and you have cashed it, or if the payment was a direct deposit:

1. Submit a personal check, money order, etc., immediately to the appropriate IRS location listed below.
2. Write on the check/money order made payable to “U.S. Treasury” and write 2020EIP, and the taxpayer identification number (social security number, or individual taxpayer identification number) of the recipient of the check.
3. Include a brief explanation of the reason for returning the EIP.

For your paper check, here are the IRS mailing addresses to use based on the state: