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Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: IRS Data shows agency, filers slow down. Also in the news: How to ask your bank or lender for help, how to protect your health with a clean car, and what to do if you get a bill for your Coronavirus test.

IRS Data: Refunds Lag as Agency, Tax Filers Slow Down
You should get in line for your refund.

How to Ask Your Bank or Lender for Help
Don’t be intimidated.

Protect Your Health With a Clean Car
Protecting your health and your investment.

What to Do if You Get a Bill for Your Coronavirus Test
Navigating your way through the red tape.

Q&A: Where’s my stimulus check?

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Dear Liz: My wife and I are retired and don’t have enough income to file tax returns. How can we get our stimulus checks?

Answer: If you get Social Security checks, your stimulus checks will be sent to you automatically, either via direct deposit if that’s how you get your benefits or paper check.

If you don’t collect Social Security yet and didn’t file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 because your income was below the limit to require filing, the IRS.gov website has more information.

The IRS has started sending out stimulus checks via direct deposit for people who filed 2018 or 2019 returns and provided their bank information. Those who filed returns but did not provide their bank information can follow an IRS “Get My Payment” link for assistance.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: Don’t let your Coronavirus relief check disappear into your debts. Also in the news: How to make your car last 200,000 miles, what kind of credit card relief you can request during the pandemic, and how to check the status of your Coronavirus relief payment.

Don’t Let Your Relief Check Disappear Into Your Debts
How your relief check could be diverted.

How to Make Your Car Last 200,000 Miles
Yes, you read that correctly.

COVID-19: What Kinds of Credit Card Relief Can You Request?
Take the initiative and be prepared to spend a long time on hold.

How to Check the Status of Your Coronavirus Relief Payment
Tracking your money.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How to file for Coronavirus unemployment if you’re self-employed. Also in the news: Should you save your miles and points or spend them, 8 ways to switch up the new at-home normal, and a new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on what to do when you owe the IRS.

How to File for Coronavirus Unemployment if You’re Self-Employed

Double Take: Should You Save Your Miles and Points or Spend Them?

8 Ways to Switch Up the New At-Home Normal

SmartMoney Podcast: “Help! I Owe the IRS!”

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: The IRS’ new tax-filing deadline is July 15th. Also in the news: Tax traps that side hustlers should avoid, what not to do when spring cleaning your finances, and what you need to know about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

The IRS’ New Tax-Filing Deadline Is July 15. Here’s What to Know Now
You have an extra three months.

Tax Traps That Side Hustlers Should Avoid
Don’t get caught with a big tax bill.

What Not to Do When Spring Cleaning Your Finances
Don’t be too drastic.

What You Need to Know About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Find out how you benefit.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: IRS tax payments are now due in July. Here’s what that means for you. Also in the news: Taking your banking online during social distancing, why a used EV should be your teen’s first car, and what to do about your rewards travel plans.

IRS Tax Payments Are Now Due in July. Here’s What It Means for You
You still need to file by April 15th.

Social Distancing During the Coronavirus? Take Your Banking Online
It’s both convenient and safe.

Your Teen’s First Car: A Low-Cost, Low-Upkeep Used EV
A combination of factors make it an ideal choice.

What to Do About Your Rewards Travel Plans
Sorting through the confusion.