If you have not received your COVID-19 stimulus check, there are a few things you can do. First, check if you are eligible for a payment by using the IRS’s eligibility tool. If you are eligible, you can check the status of your payment on the IRS’s Get My Payment tool. If your payment is not scheduled to be sent, you can update your bank account information or file a tax return to claim the payment. If you have already filed a tax return, you can contact the IRS by phone or mail to inquire about your status.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the stimulus check, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Meet the income requirements (see table below)
- Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
| Filing Status | Income Limit | Stimulus Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 | $1,200 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $150,000 | $2,400 |
| Head of Household | $112,500 | $1,200 |
Payment methods and timelines
The IRS is sending out stimulus checks via direct deposit, paper check, and EIP (Economic Impact Payment) cards. The delivery method and timeline depends on the information the IRS has on file for you, such as your tax return and bank account information.
- Direct deposit: If you have provided the IRS with your bank account information, your stimulus check will be deposited directly into your account. The IRS began sending out direct deposits on April 15, and most people who are eligible for a direct deposit have already received their payment.
- Paper check: If you have not provided the IRS with your bank account information, or if your bank account information is out of date, you will receive a paper check in the mail. The IRS began mailing paper checks on April 24, and most people who are eligible for a paper check have already received their payment.
- EIP card: If the IRS is unable to deliver your stimulus check via direct deposit or paper check, you will receive an EIP card in the mail. The EIP card is a prepaid debit card that you can use to make purchases, withdraw cash, or transfer funds to your bank account.
The IRS has set up a website where you can track the status of your stimulus check. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and zip code to track your payment.
| Payment method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Direct deposit | Most people who are eligible for a direct deposit have already received their payment. |
| Paper check | Most people who are eligible for a paper check have already received their payment. |
| EIP card | The IRS has begun mailing EIP cards to people who have not received a direct deposit or paper check. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you have not received your stimulus check, you can take the following steps to troubleshoot common issues:
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the income and filing requirements to receive the stimulus check. You must have filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return with an adjusted gross income below certain limits.
- Confirm your payment status: Visit the IRS’s Get My Payment tool to check the status of your payment. You will need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and ZIP code to access this information.
- Review your bank account or mailing address: The IRS may have sent your check to an incorrect bank account or mailing address. Check your bank statements or contact your bank to confirm if the payment was received. If you moved recently, make sure your address is updated with the IRS by visiting Form 8822.
- File a payment trace: If you have checked all the above and still have not received your stimulus check, you can file a payment trace with the IRS by contacting them at 800-919-9835.
Contacting the IRS
If you have exhausted all the troubleshooting steps and still have not received your stimulus check, you can contact the IRS for assistance.
| IRS Phone Number | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|
| 800-919-9835 | Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM local time |
Contacting the IRS for Assistance
If you believe you are eligible for a stimulus check and have not received it, you should contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for assistance. You can contact the IRS by phone, mail, or online.
- Phone: You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS is available to answer your call Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time.
- Mail: You can write to the IRS at the following address:
Internal Revenue Service
PO Box 44084
Lawrence, KS 66044-4084
- Online: You can visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/ for more information about the stimulus checks, including how to track your payment and get answers to frequently asked questions.
Well, folks, I hope this little guide has shed some light on what to do if your stimulus check has gone missing. Remember, the IRS is working hard to get these checks out to everyone, so try to be patient. If you have followed all the steps outlined above and still haven’t received your check, don’t give up. Keep checking the IRS website for updates and reach out to your elected officials if needed. And hey, thanks for reading! If you found this article helpful, feel free to come back and visit us anytime. We’re always here to lend a hand, or at least a few words of wisdom. Stay safe and stay informed!