Checking the status of your IRS stimulus payment can feel a bit like a treasure hunt, especially with multiple rounds of payments having been issued! But don't worry, the IRS provides tools to help you track down your money. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to ascertain the status of your stimulus payment. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Still Searching for a Stimulus Payment? Let's Confirm Which One!
Before we begin, take a moment to recall which stimulus payment you're trying to track. The U.S. government issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- First Economic Impact Payment (EIP1): Up to $1,200 per individual, issued in 2020.
- Second Economic Impact Payment (EIP2): Up to $600 per individual, issued in early 2021.
- Third Economic Impact Payment (EIP3): Up to $1,400 per individual, issued in 2021.
Why is this important? Because the deadlines to claim missed payments vary, and some methods for checking status have changed over time. For instance, the original "Get My Payment" tool might not be fully functional for older payments.
Currently, the most common reason people are still seeking stimulus payments is for the Third Economic Impact Payment (EIP3) from 2021, which can be claimed as the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return. The deadline to file your 2021 return to claim this credit is April 15, 2025.
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
 |
| How Do I Check The Status Of My Irs Stimulus Payment |
Step 2: The Primary Tool – Your IRS Online Account
For the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about any of your Economic Impact Payments, your IRS Online Account is your best bet.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your IRS Online Account
This is your central hub for all things IRS related to your tax history.
- Visit the Official IRS Website: Open your web browser and go to the official IRS website: IRS.gov. Be cautious of unofficial websites or scams.
- Locate "Sign In to Your Online Account": On the IRS homepage, look for a prominent link or button that says "Sign in to your Online Account" or "Your Online Account." It's usually found in the "Payments" or "Individuals" section.
- Log In or Create an Account:
- Existing Users: If you already have an IRS online account, simply enter your username and password to log in.
- New Users: If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one. This process involves a rigorous identity verification to protect your personal information. Be prepared to provide:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your date of birth.
- Your current mailing address.
- Financial account information associated with your tax returns (e.g., a credit card, student loan, or mortgage account number). This helps the IRS verify your identity.
- A mobile phone number associated with your name. The IRS will send a confirmation code to this number.
- An email address.
Sub-heading: Navigating Your Online Account for Stimulus Information
Once you're successfully logged in:
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
- Look for "Tax Records" or "Payment Information": Within your online account, navigate to the "Tax Records" section.
- Find "Economic Impact Payment Information": Here, you should see details regarding the Economic Impact Payments issued to you, including the amount and date of each payment. This is often the most reliable source for confirming if and when a payment was sent.
Step 3: Alternative Method – Checking Your IRS Tax Transcripts
If you prefer not to use the online account, or if you encounter issues, ordering your tax transcripts can also provide details about your stimulus payments.
Sub-heading: How to Request Tax Transcripts
- Visit the IRS Get Transcript Page: Go to IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript.
- Choose Your Method: You have two options:
- Get Transcript Online: This is generally faster. You'll need to create or log in to an IRS account, similar to Step 2.
- Get Transcript by Mail: If you can't or don't want to use the online method, you can request a transcript by mail. This takes 5 to 10 calendar days to arrive. You'll need your SSN or ITIN, date of birth, and mailing address.
- Select the Correct Transcript Type: Once you're in the transcript service, request a "Record of Account" transcript. This transcript provides the most comprehensive information, including stimulus payment details.
- Review for Stimulus Information: Look for entries labeled "Economic Impact Payment" or "IRS TREAS 310" (which is the code for direct deposits of stimulus checks). These entries will indicate the amounts and dates your stimulus payments were issued.
Step 4: The "Get My Payment" Tool (Limited Use for Past Payments)
The IRS "Get My Payment" tool was specifically designed to track the status of the Economic Impact Payments in real-time as they were being issued. While it's less relevant now for older payments, it can still provide some information.
Sub-heading: Using the Get My Payment Tool
- Go to the Get My Payment Tool: Visit IRS.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.
- Enter Your Information: You'll need to provide your:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Date of birth
- Street address
- ZIP code
- Understand the Results: The tool will show you one of several statuses:
- "Payment Status": This means your payment has been processed and a date for direct deposit or mail delivery is available.
- "Payment Status Not Available": This message can mean several things:
- You're not eligible for a payment.
- Your payment hasn't been processed yet.
- The IRS doesn't have enough information to issue a payment.
- You entered your information incorrectly.
- You've tried too many times and are locked out for 24 hours (wait and try again).
- "Need More Information": The IRS needs more information to process your payment. You might be able to provide direct deposit details here if available.
- "Please see FAQs for more information": This often appears if there are specific issues or if your payment was returned by a bank.
Important Note: The "Get My Payment" tool updates once per day, overnight. Checking more than five times a day can result in a 24-hour lockout for security reasons.
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
Step 5: What If You Never Received Your Payment or Received Less? (Recovery Rebate Credit)
If you believe you were eligible for a stimulus payment but never received it or received less than the full amount, you might be able to claim it as a Recovery Rebate Credit when you file your tax return for the relevant year.
Sub-heading: Claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit
- For the First and Second EIPs (2020): The deadline to claim these as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return has passed (May 17, 2024).
- For the Third EIP (2021): You can still claim this credit on your 2021 tax return.
- File Your 2021 Tax Return: If you haven't already, you must file your 2021 federal income tax return.
- Calculate the Credit: The IRS provides worksheets and instructions in Form 1040 (and 1040-SR) for 2021 to help you determine the amount of Recovery Rebate Credit you're eligible for. You'll need to know the amount of any third stimulus payment you did receive (if any) to accurately calculate the credit.
- Enter on Line 30: The Recovery Rebate Credit is claimed on Line 30 of Form 1040 or 1040-SR for tax year 2021.
- Submit by the Deadline: The deadline to file your 2021 tax return to claim any missed stimulus payments as the Recovery Rebate Credit is April 15, 2025. Don't miss this crucial deadline!
Step 6: What If Your Payment Was Sent But Not Received? (Payment Trace)
If the IRS tools or your tax transcript show that your payment was issued but you never received it (e.g., it was lost, stolen, or sent to a closed account), you can request a payment trace.
Sub-heading: Initiating a Payment Trace
- Wait for Sufficient Time: The IRS advises waiting a certain amount of time before requesting a trace, depending on how the payment was issued:
- Direct Deposit: Wait 5 days after the direct deposit date.
- Paper Check: Wait 4 weeks from the mailing date if it's a U.S. address; 6 weeks for a foreign address.
- EIP Card (debit card): Check the EIPCard.com website first or call the number on the card.
- Call the IRS: The most direct way to request a payment trace is to call the IRS at 1-800-919-9835.
- Submit Form 3911: Alternatively, you can submit Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund. Be sure to clearly indicate that you are tracing an Economic Impact Payment.
- You can find this form on the IRS website (IRS.gov/forms).
- Follow the instructions on the form for where to mail it.
The IRS will investigate the payment. If it was cashed, they will provide you with a copy of the cashed check. If it was not cashed, they will re-issue the payment.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Step 7: What if You're Locked Out or Have Other Issues?
Encountering issues with IRS tools can be frustrating.
 |
Sub-heading: Common Troubleshooting Tips
- "Payment Status Not Available" on Get My Payment: As mentioned in Step 4, this could mean you're not eligible, the payment hasn't been processed, or there's incorrect information. Double-check your eligibility criteria based on income and filing status for the specific year.
- Incorrect Information Entered: If you repeatedly enter incorrect information into the "Get My Payment" tool, you will be locked out for 24 hours. Wait the full 24 hours before trying again, and ensure your input precisely matches your most recently filed tax return. This includes your address (e.g., using "St" instead of "Street" or vice versa if that's what's on your return).
- Closed Bank Account: If your direct deposit was sent to a closed account, the bank will generally return the funds to the IRS. The IRS will then automatically mail a paper check to the address on file. You cannot update direct deposit information for a past stimulus payment once it's been initiated.
- Address Change: If you moved and didn't update your address with the IRS, your paper check might have been sent to your old address or returned to the IRS. Update your address with the IRS by filing Form 8822, Change of Address. However, this may not reroute a already-mailed stimulus check. In such cases, a payment trace (Step 6) might be necessary.
- Third-Party Tax Preparer Issues: Some early stimulus payments were mistakenly sent to temporary bank accounts associated with tax preparation services. If you suspect this, contact your tax preparer and/or initiate a payment trace.
Step 8: Understanding EIP Cards (Debit Cards)
Some stimulus payments were issued as prepaid debit cards, known as Economic Impact Payment (EIP) Cards. These can sometimes be mistaken for junk mail.
Sub-heading: What to Know About EIP Cards
- Look for the Envelope: EIP Cards arrive in a white envelope prominently displaying the U.S. Treasury seal and stating "Economic Impact Payment Card" in the return address. The Visa® name will be on the front, and Pathward®, N.A. (formerly MetaBank®), will be on the back as the issuing bank.
- Activate Your Card: If you received an EIP Card, you must activate it before you can use the funds or transfer them to your bank account. Follow the instructions provided with the card.
- Check Balance and History: You can check your EIP Card balance and transaction history online at EIPCard.com or by calling the customer service number on the back of the card.
- Lost or Stolen Cards: If your EIP Card is lost or stolen, contact the card issuer immediately using the number on EIPCard.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about IRS stimulus payments:
-
How to check my stimulus payment status if I don't have internet access?
- You can request an IRS tax transcript by mail (Form 4506-T) or call the IRS directly at 1-800-919-9835 for payment trace inquiries. However, due to high call volumes, online methods are generally faster.
-
How to update my direct deposit information for a stimulus payment?
- You generally cannot update direct deposit information for past stimulus payments once they've been processed. If the IRS attempted a direct deposit to a closed or incorrect account, the bank should return the funds, and the IRS will then mail a paper check to your address on file.
-
How to claim a missed stimulus payment if I didn't file taxes?
- You must file a tax return for the relevant year (specifically 2021 for the third stimulus payment) and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on Line 30 of Form 1040/1040-SR.
-
How to find out if I was eligible for a stimulus payment?
- Eligibility was primarily based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your most recently filed tax return (2019 or 2020 for most payments, 2021 for the third EIP). Income thresholds, filing status, and dependent status determined the amount. You can review the specific eligibility rules on the IRS website under "Economic Impact Payment Information."
-
How to know if my stimulus payment was sent to a closed bank account?
- The "Get My Payment" tool might indicate if a payment was returned by a bank. Your bank should also notify you if a direct deposit was rejected. If it was, the IRS will typically mail a paper check.
-
How to get a stimulus payment if I moved and my address is outdated with the IRS?
- If a paper check was mailed to an old address, it will likely be returned to the IRS. You should file Form 8822, Change of Address, with the IRS. Once your address is updated, you may need to initiate a payment trace (Step 6) if the payment hasn't been reissued automatically.
-
How to avoid getting locked out of the IRS "Get My Payment" tool?
- Ensure you enter your information exactly as it appears on your most recently filed tax return, including abbreviations. Limit your attempts to no more than five times in 24 hours.
-
How to check the status of my stimulus payment if I received an EIP Card?
- Visit EIPCard.com or call the customer service number on the back of your EIP Card. You'll need to activate the card first if you haven't already.
-
How to get help if the IRS tools aren't providing clear information?
- If you've exhausted the online tools and FAQs, you can try calling the IRS directly at 1-800-919-9835 for payment trace inquiries. Be prepared for potentially long wait times. Consider contacting a tax professional for assistance.
-
How to determine the exact amount of stimulus payments I received for tax purposes?
- The most accurate way is to check your IRS Online Account or your Record of Account tax transcript. The IRS also sent out notices (Notice 1444, 1444-B, 1444-C) after each payment was issued, detailing the amount you received. Keep these notices with your tax records.
 |
