The IRS has asked prisoners who “inadvertently” received $1,200 pandemic relief checks to return the payment to the federal government.
It is unclear how many prisoners have received the relief payments. According to the California state prison system, at least one inmate received a relief check, and many more may have received checks that correctional facilities are unaware of.
“We are aware of one inmate who received a stimulus payment,” said Dana Simas, press secretary for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. “The inmate is a veteran, receives a pension, and files a tax return, which is why we believe he received the payment.” She said that it is possible that other prisoners have also received relief payments.
Simas said that the California prison system has given each prison directions to return any relief payments received by the incarcerated population to the IRS.
After an inquiry into prisoners receiving relief checks by the Washington Examiner, the IRS and the Treasury Department published public notices asking families to return checks that were sent to incarcerated or deceased relatives. It’s not clear what happens if prisoners don’t comply.
“Deceased and incarcerated individuals do not qualify to receive Economic Impact Payments. See FAQ #41 to learn how to return an inadvertent payment,” the Treasury Department tweeted on Wednesday.
The Treasury Department and the IRS have not responded to requests for comment about how many prisoners may have received relief checks.
The Senate Finance Committee said that the Treasury Department has regulatory authority to ensure federal dollars are not disbursed to incorrect individuals, such as prisoners. The committee couldn’t confirm whether or not prisoners had received relief checks and said such information was under the purview of the Treasury Department and the IRS.
“Prisoners should not receive a recovery rebate,” said Michael Zona, spokesman for GOP Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. “It’s our understanding that systems are in place to prevent these taxpayer funds from going to incarcerated individuals to the greatest extent possible,” said Zona.
As part of the CARES Act, Congress approved stimulus checks to middle-income citizens of up to $1,200 per individual. Several checks, however, have been sent to people who died or were otherwise ineligible, including those in prison. On Wednesday, the IRS and the Treasury Department published public notices asking families to return checks that were sent to incarcerated or deceased relatives.
