WASHINGTON — People who do not normally file a tax return can now use the IRS Free File program to get their economic stimulus package payment, the Internal Revenue Service said Thursday.

The tax agency said people filing for no reason other than to get their payments should use those companies listed on the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov, at Free File - Economic Stimulus Payment.

Some 97 million taxpayers with incomes of $54,000 or less are eligible for Free File, under which 19 companies offer free preparation and electronic filing to the IRS.

Individuals can receive between $300 and $600, and married couples from $600 to $1,200, under the economic stimulus act. Parents may also qualify for a $300 payment for each eligible child younger than 17.

To qualify, individuals and families must have at least $3,000 of income from a combination of earned income and other sources such as Social Security retirement or disability benefits or Veterans Administration survivor benefits.

But people must file a tax return to receive a payment.