The IRS started sending out the second round of stimulus payments at the end of December, but some are still waiting to receive theirs. Here’s what you need to know:
Where’s my stimulus payment?
You can use the Get My Payment tool on the IRS website to see if your payment has been sent and how it was sent (direct deposit or by mail).
If it says it was sent by direct deposit, they will include a partial bank account number letting you know what account they sent it to.
If your stimulus payment was sent by mail, it will show the date it was mailed.
If the tool says “Payment Status Not Available” then you were either not eligible or the IRS was unable to issue your second stimulus payment. You may be entitled to claim the stimulus amount on your 2020 tax return as the Recovery Rebate Credit.
What if I don’t recognize the bank account number?
If the payment was sent to an account that is closed or no longer active, the financial institution should return the payment to the IRS. The IRS will not attempt to reissue the stimulus payment and you may be entitled to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 IRS Tax Return.
What if the tool shows the date the payment was mailed, but I still haven’t received it?
The IRS states it can take up to 3-4 weeks for you to receive the payment by mail. You should look out for either a check or a debit card (EIP card). If you receive an EIP card, you can get more information on it at EIPcard.com.
If it has been more than 4 weeks and you still have not received your payment, visit the IRS for more information on what to do.
What should I do in order to receive my stimulus payment?
The IRS is advising people to file their 2020 tax return electronically and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their tax form in order to get their stimulus payment as quickly as possible. Anyone who did not receive either one or both of the stimulus payments could be eligible for the credit.
Will I need to know the amount of my second stimulus payment when claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on my tax return?
Yes. The worksheet used to calculate the Recovery Rebate Credit will require individuals to know the amounts of the first and second payments. Only individuals who did not receive the full amount of their stimulus payments might be eligible to receive the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 tax return.
For further questions and information about the second stimulus payment, please refer to the IRS website.
