Even though millions of Americans have received their payment, there are still many who have yet to see their stimulus check. If you find yourself in this category, there could be many reasons why you don’t have your check. We wanted to point out some common reasons why your check may not have arrived and what you can do to make sure it gets to you safely!
One of the top reasons why you may not have your stimulus check is due to late processing by the IRS. There are 150 million Americans who are eligible for the stimulus check, so not everyone will receive their payment at the same time.
The IRS first processed checks for those who opted for direct deposit in their 2018 or 2019 tax filings, and and then will cut checks for those who opted for a physical check in their tax filings. The IRS will be following a schedule of cutting checks that is based on income, estimated to be sending out 5 million checks a week. So while it can be difficultto be patient, keep in mind that these payments take time.
However, if you opted for a physical check on your 2018 or 2019 taxes, but would like to receive your stimulus check via direct deposit, there is a solution. The IRS recently released a web application called Get My Payment, where you can check on the status of your stimulus payment and update your information. Using this web app, you can request a direct deposit for your stimulus check if the IRS has not already issued your payment. Users can input their bank account information and update personal information for the IRS, making for a quick and easy process.
A lot of Americans are finding that checks are being deposited into closed bank accounts because the IRS does not have current bank account information. If the direct deposit information you used for your 2018 or 2019 taxes (depending on whether you have filed your 2019 taxes) is no longer in use, do not fret! You can still receive your money.
The best solution is to get ahead of the IRS and input your current bank account information on the Get My Payment web portal. This way, you can ensure your funds will reach you as fast as possible.
However, if the IRS tried depositing funds into a closed account, your bank has to send the funds back to the IRS, and the IRS will issue a paper check sent in the mail. This process can tack on more time to the process, so be patient if this happens.
To make sure you receive your payment at the right address, use the Get My Payment app to update your address and get your stimulus check as quickly as possible.
Another reason why you haven’t received your stimulus check is because you did not file your taxes in 2018 or 2019. If you did file in 2018 and are not planning on filing in 2019, then the IRS needs updated information.
However, if you did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019, the IRS developed a web page where you can enter in information to make sure you receive your stimulus check.
Please note: If you receive disability, social security, railroad retiree or survivor benefits, the IRS will be sending you a check. You do not need to enter in your information on the web page or take action, as checks will be issued soon.
In this confusing time, we want you to know that your Blackhawk Bank team is here for you. Are you interested in learning more about what Blackhawk Bank has to offer? Contact us today!
It's normal for the Get My Payment tool to give you a message that says "Payment Status Not Available" until the payment is scheduled to be issued, according to the IRS. This message doesn't mean you're not eligible or that you won't receive a payment -- you'll likely just have to wait.
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What to do if there's a direct deposit issue
The IRS tracking tool for the third stimulus check doesn't allow you to add direct deposit information this time unless the IRS can't deliver your payment. So if you have a problem, what do you do? Your check may have bounced back to the IRS if the agency tried to send your payment to a now-closed bank account or to a temporary prepaid debit card a tax preparer set up for you. If your payment was returned to the IRS, the agency will mail your check to the current address it has on file for you. If that check is returned, then the IRS will let you enter your banking information in the Get My Payment tool, the IRS said.
First, we suggest you call your bank or tax preparer -- it never hurts to cover all your bases to confirm that an attempt was made to deposit money into a closed account or debit card.
Unfortunately, you'll need to wait and monitor the Get My Payment tracker to keep tabs on your check delivery. We also recommend signing up for a free service to track your check to your mailbox.
Stimulus checks could be seized to cover past due debt
If you owe child support or other debts, your first check was seized to cover those debts. The third check is subject to being taken by private debt collectors, but not the state or federal government. The same goes for the second payment, too, if you're claiming missing money in a recovery rebate credit. You may receive a notice from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service or your bank if either of these scenarios happens.
In the case of the third check, we recommend calling your bank to confirm the garnishment request from creditors and ask for details about how long you have to file a request with a local court to stop the garnishment. If you think money has already been mistakenly seized from the first two checks, you can file a recovery rebate credit as part of your 2020 tax return -- but only if you filed a tax extension.
You can track down your stimulus payment without picking up the phone.
Sarah Tew/CNETWhat to do if one of the three stimulus checks hasn't arrived
About 15 days after the IRS sends out your check, you should receive a letter from the agency confirming the payment. When the first round of stimulus checks went out last year, that letter included two hotline phone numbers because thousands of agents were available to help. But with the second and third rounds of checks, the IRS changed its tune, and these phone numbers may be disconnected.
Here are common scenarios that might indicate you need to look into your stimulus payment:
- If you're one of the millions of people who qualified for the first stimulus check but never got it.
- If your second stimulus check has still not arrived.
- If you got a letter from the IRS saying your third check was sent, but never received the payment. Or, if the IRS Get My Payment portal said your payment was sent, but you didn't get it.
- If you got some of your stimulus money from any payment, but not all of it. (You can use the CNET stimulus calculator to estimate your payment.)
You should also confirm you're qualified to get the stimulus payment, since not everyone who received a previous check is qualified this time. If you think it's time to take action, read for more options.
Filing a payment trace to find missing stimulus money
You can request an IRS payment trace if you received the confirmation letter from the IRS that your payment was sent (also called Notice 1444), or if the Get My Payment tool shows that your payment was issued but you have not received it within certain time frames. This is the case for all three checks. Check out our guide to requesting an IRS Payment Trace here.
How to get missing funds from previous stimulus payments
If you're certain you meet the qualifications to receive the first or second stimulus check, what to do next depends on your situation.
If you never got your money or a confirmation letter from the IRS that your payment was sent, you needed to file for the money on your tax return this year. We've got full instructions for how to file for your recovery rebate credit here, but basically, you'll use the 2020 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR to claim a catch-up payment. However, the last day to file your taxes has passed, so this will only work for those who filed a tax extension.
The tax return instructions include a worksheet to figure out the amount of any recovery rebate credit for which you're eligible, according to the IRS. If you're part of a group that doesn't usually file taxes (such as older adults, retirees, SSDI or SSI recipients and individuals with adjusted gross incomes of less than $12,200), you'll still need to file this year. (We have instructions for nonfilers who need to claim stimulus money on their taxes here.) You should also save your IRS letter -- Notice 1444 Your Economic Impact Payment -- with your 2020 tax records, as you'll need it to file the claim.
You can also file for a Recovery Rebate Credit if you didn't receive the correct amount of money for your child dependents in your first or second check. The same goes for parents of 2020 babies (and next year, parents of 2021 babies will similarly be able to file).
Eligibility for a 'plus-up' payment from the IRS
You can estimate how much money the IRS owes your household for the third stimulus check. Just make sure to triple-check that you meet the qualifications, including the income limits.
Because of the overlap with tax season 2020, many people may receive some, but not all, of their allotted amount. If your income changed in 2020, in some cases, the IRS may owe you more money than you received if the income figure used to calculate your payment from your tax returns in 2018 or 2019 is less in 2020. Likewise, if you now have a new dependent, such as a new baby, you may be owed more money.
The IRS is automatically sending "plus-up payments" to make up the difference. If you don't get one, you may need to claim the missing money another way later in 2021 or even in 2022, since tax season is officially over now.
Whether to file another IRS form
As was the case with the first and second check, if you filed a 2018, 2019 or 2020 tax return or receive government benefits, the IRS should automatically send your third check without you having to do anything.
If, however, you're a nonfiler, a US citizen or permanent resident, had a gross income in 2019 under $12,200 -- or $24,400 as a married couple -- and didn't file a return for 2018 or 2019, you may need to give the IRS a bit of information before it can process your payment. Since the IRS' Non-Filers tool is now closed, you may need to file for that money on a 2021 tax return (in 2022) in the form of a recovery rebate credit, described above.
Here's more information about who should file an amended tax form and who shouldn't.
Receiving your stimulus check money isn't always easy.
Sarah Tew/CNETWhat to do about a missing or stolen EIP debit card
At least 5 million people will receive their third stimulus check on a prepaid debit card called the Economic Impact Payment Card, instead of a paper check. For the third payment, the EIP card arrives in a white envelope sent from "Economic Impact Payment Card." The letter will have a US Department of the Treasury seal.
The card has the Visa name on the front and the issuing bank, MetaBank®, N.A., on the back. Information included with the EIP Card explains that this is your Economic Impact Payment. If you receive an EIP Card, visit EIPcard.com for more information.
If you've misplaced or thrown away your card, the EIP card service has an FAQ on what to do if your card is lost or stolen. You can also call 800-240-8100 to request a replacement. It's free, according to a spokesperson for the Treasury Department. To request a new card, press option 2 when prompted.
However, the EIP card website says, "Your Card will be deactivated to prevent anyone from using it and a new replacement Card will be ordered. Fees may apply." We recommend calling the above number for a lost or stolen card and speaking to a representative. If you may have lost or thrown away a paper check, read the mail fraud section below.
What to do about payment scams
Though it's uncommon, you may believe you've been scammed out of your payment or had it stolen. The Federal Trade Commission has a website where you can report a stolen stimulus check. If you're worried about theft, you can sign up for a free USPS service that will send you a picture of every piece of mail coming your way -- including your stimulus payment.
What SSI, SSDI and veteran beneficiaries need to know
The IRS began sending out stimulus checks for Social Security beneficiaries, including those who are part of the SSI and SSDI programs, on April 7. It began sending payments to people who receive veteran benefits and don't typically file taxes on April 14. If you're part of one of these groups and haven't gotten your check yet, it may be on the way soon.
The Social Security Administration has also advised people not to contact the SSA about problems. It's possible you may need to use one of the strategies above, depending on what the trouble is.