First make absolutely sure you’re eligible for a stimulus check
Before you go any further, just double-check that you meet one of the qualifications for a stimulus payment. The numbers below are based on your 2018 or 2019 taxes (whichever you filed most recently). Specifically, you’ll need to know your AGI, or adjusted gross income, which you can find on your most recent 1040 federal tax form. For more questions about eligibility, like if you don’t normally file taxes, we recommend calling our office.
You’re eligible to receive a stimulus check if:
- You are a single US resident and have an AGI under $99,000.
- You file as the head of a household (considered unmarried with at least one dependent) and earn less than $146,500.
- You file jointly without children and earn under $198,000.
- You are the parent of a child aged 16 or younger.
After determining that you’re eligible, our first suggestion is to visit the IRS’ online tool designed to track the status of a 2020 payment. Generally, it should tell you when your check will be processed and how you’ll receive it (for example, as a paper check in the mail). If this Get My Payment portal isn’t giving you information you understand or said your check is on the way and you haven’t received it, you may need to eventually report the discrepancy to the IRS (more below).
You get a ‘Need More Information’ message from Get My Payment
If the Get My Payment tool gave you a payment date but you’ve still not received your money, the IRS may need more information for you. Check the Get My Payment tool again, and if it reports “Need More Information,” it could indicate that your check has been returned because the post office was unable to deliver it, an IRS representative told CNET.
After you see the “Need More Information” message, the online tool will let you enter your banking information to receive your payment straight to your bank account. The IRS said If you don’t provide your bank account information, it will hold your payment till it receives a current mailing address. Head to the IRS change-address page for how to update your address with the IRS.
Did you accidentally throw it away?
Four million people will receive their stimulus money on a prepaid debit card called the Economic Impact Payment Card instead of a paper check. The EIP Card arrives in a plain envelope, the IRS said, with “Money Network Cardholder Services” as the sender.
Some people, taking it for junk mail, may have mistakenly thrown these letters away. 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 free replacement, according the the Treasury Department. Press option 2 when prompted to request a new card.
The IRS may be waiting for you to file a form
If you filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return or receive government benefits, the IRS should automatically send your check without you having to do anything.
If, however, you’re 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. Head to the Non-Filers site and see if the IRS needs something from you.