Greetings!


As you may be aware, on March 27, 2020, the U.S. Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which included payments (commonly known as “stimulus” payments) to eligible U.S. residents. To date, 160 million “stimulus” payments have been made. However, according to Maryland Attorney General, Brian E. Frosh, a recent report estimates that 147,000 Marylanders are missing out on receiving these stimulus payments which are intended to help residents deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frosh says that the people who did not receive automatic payments include those who are not required to file federal income tax returns due to their incomes and those who do not receive federally administered benefits. Unfortunately, this group of eligible payees are disproportionately people of color, who are hit hardest by both the economic and health effects of the pandemic.

In order to receive their stimulus payments, they must provide specific information to the IRS by submitting a 2019 tax return or using an online form called the IRS “Non-Filer” tool by October 15, 2020. Although the "Non-Filer" tool requires less information than a full tax return, for many eligible payees, using this form can be challenging as it requires internet access, an email address, a direct deposit account or an address to which the payment can be delivered.

This information may not pertain to you personally, but it may be important to someone you know and care about. With this in mind, I encourage you to share this email with your friends and family, so our entire community can gain access to the resources needed to survive these unprecedented times.


Clarissa Mitchell
EPIC Chief Executive Officer