The second round of stimulus checks, authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, has been largely distributed through direct deposits and paper checks. The vast majority of eligible Americans received their payments by the end of January. However, some individuals who are still missing their checks may be eligible for a “trace” by contacting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS updates its website regularly with the latest information on the status of stimulus payments.
Check Status and Tracking
To check the status of your second stimulus check, you can use the following methods:
- **Online: Visit** https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment to access the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool.
- **By Phone:** Call the IRS at 1-800-919-9835.
- **By Mail:** Send a written inquiry to the IRS at the address provided in your stimulus check letter.
When using the “Get My Payment” tool, you will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, birth date, and ZIP code. You will then be able to view the status of your payment, including the date it was sent and the method of delivery (direct deposit or mail).
If you have not received your second stimulus check, you may be able to track its status using the USPS Informed Delivery service. This service allows you to view digital images of your incoming mail, including your stimulus check. To sign up for Informed Delivery, visit https://informeddelivery.usps.com/.
| Method | Tracking Options |
|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | View your bank account to see if the funds have been deposited. |
| Paper Check | Use the USPS Informed Delivery service to track the status of your check. |
| E.I.P. Card | Activate your E.I.P. Card and check your balance online or by calling the number provided on the card. |
Second Stimulus Checks: Are They All Sent?
As of February 12, 2021, most eligible Americans have received their second stimulus checks, which are part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The deadline for the IRS to issue the checks was January 15, 2021. However, some people may still be waiting for their checks due to various reasons, such as incorrect bank account information or mailing address.
Eligibility and Income Limits
To be eligible for the second stimulus check, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident
- Have a Social Security number
- Meet the income limits set by the IRS
The income limits for the second stimulus check are as follows:
| Filing Status | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,000 |
| Head of household | $112,500 |
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you should have received your second stimulus check by now. However, if you have not received your check and believe you are eligible, you should contact the IRS.
Payment Distribution Timeline
The second round of stimulus checks, also known as Economic Impact Payments, began distributing on January 4, 2021. The payments were distributed in phases, with the bulk of recipients receiving their payments by the end of March 2021.
The distribution timeline was as follows:
- January 4, 2021: Direct deposits began for early recipients.
- January 15, 2021: Paper checks began mailing.
- Late January/Early February 2021: Most direct deposits were processed.
- February and March 2021: Paper checks continued to be mailed.
- March 26, 2021: The IRS announced that the vast majority of eligible recipients had received their payments.
Note that even though the IRS announced that the vast majority of eligible recipients had received their payments by March 26, 2021, some individuals may still be waiting for their payments. If you have not received your payment, you can check the IRS’s Get My Payment tool at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.
Eligibility for Second Stimulus Checks
To be eligible for the second round of stimulus checks, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- You must have a valid Social Security number.
- Your adjusted gross income (AGI) must be $75,000 or less for single filers, $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly.
Individuals who did not file a tax return for 2019 or 2020, but who met the eligibility requirements, could use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.
Payment Amounts for Second Stimulus Checks
The amount of your second stimulus check was based on your filing status and AGI. The payment amounts were as follows:
| Filing Status | AGI | Payment Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $0 – $75,000 | $600 |
| Married, filing jointly | $0 – $150,000 | $1,200 |
| Head of household | $0 – $112,500 | $600 |
| Qualifying child | Any | $600 |
Note that the payment amounts for dependents were phased out for higher incomes. For single filers, the phase-out began at $75,000 AGI. For married couples filing jointly, the phase-out began at $150,000 AGI.
FAQs About Second Stimulus Checks
The second stimulus checks, also known as Economic Impact Payments, were authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. The payments were sent to eligible individuals and families to provide financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some frequently asked questions and common issues related to the second stimulus checks:
Common Issues with Second Stimulus Checks
There were some common issues that people encountered when trying to receive their second stimulus checks. These issues included:
- Payments not being received: Some people did not receive their second stimulus checks even though they were eligible. This could have been due to a number of factors, such as the IRS not having their correct address on file or the check being lost in the mail.
- Payments being less than expected: Some people received stimulus checks that were less than the full amount they were eligible for. This could have been due to a number of factors, such as the IRS offsetting the payment to cover an outstanding debt or the person having received unemployment benefits in 2020.
- Payments going to the wrong bank account: Some people’s stimulus checks were deposited into the wrong bank account. This could have been due to a number of factors, such as the IRS having the wrong bank account information on file or the person having recently changed banks.
If you experienced any of these issues, you should contact the IRS for assistance.
| Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single filers with AGI up to $75,000 | $600 |
| Married couples filing jointly with AGI up to $150,000 | $1,200 |
| Dependents | $600 per dependent |
Welp, folks, that’s all she wrote for now on the second stimulus check front. I know it’s been a rollercoaster ride, but we’re here to keep you in the loop. Thanks for sticking with us throughout this wild journey. Be sure to check back with us for the latest updates and all the economic news you can handle. Until then, stay safe and keep those fingers crossed for more financial relief!