Understanding the Reasons for Paper Stimulus Checks
The third round of stimulus checks, amounting to $1,400 per eligible individual, is currently being distributed. While many recipients have received their payments via direct deposit, others have been issued paper checks or EIP (Economic Impact Payment) debit cards. If you’re wondering why you’re receiving a paper stimulus check instead of direct deposit, here are some potential reasons:
1. Outdated Banking Information:
The IRS relies on the banking information you provided on your most recent tax return or through the IRS’s Get My Payment tool. If you have changed your bank account or routing number since then, the IRS may not have your updated information. As a result, your stimulus payment may be sent to your old account, which could lead to delays or failed deposits.
2. Closed or Temporary Bank Account:
If the bank account you provided to the IRS is closed or is a temporary account used by a tax preparer, the direct deposit may fail. In such cases, the IRS will issue a paper check or EIP debit card instead.
3. IRS Processing Delays:
The IRS is processing a large volume of stimulus payments, and there may be delays in updating their systems with the latest banking information. If the IRS has not yet processed your updated banking information, your payment may be sent to the account on file, resulting in a failed deposit.
4. IRS Error:
In some cases, the IRS may make an error in processing your payment. This could lead to your direct deposit being sent to the wrong account or being delayed. If you believe there has been an error, you can contact the IRS for assistance.
5. Non-Filers or Social Security Recipients:
Individuals who do not typically file tax returns or who receive Social Security benefits may not have provided their banking information to the IRS. In these cases, the IRS will issue paper checks or EIP debit cards to ensure that these individuals receive their stimulus payments.
Steps to Take if You’re Getting a Paper Check:
If you’re expecting a direct deposit but have received a paper check instead, here are some steps you can take:
1. Check the IRS Get My Payment Tool:
Use the IRS’s Get My Payment tool to confirm the status of your stimulus payment. The tool will provide information on the payment date, method, and amount.
2. Contact the IRS:
If the Get My Payment tool does not provide clear information or if you believe there has been an error, you can contact the IRS by phone or mail. Be prepared to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address.
3. Track Your Paper Check:
Once your paper check has been mailed, you can 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.
4. Cashing Your Paper Check:
You can cash your paper stimulus check at most banks and credit unions. You will need to present a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Additional Information:
- The IRS has stated that it will not call or email you to request your banking information. Be wary of scams that attempt to trick you into providing your personal or financial information.
- If you have not received your stimulus payment by the end of March 2023, you may be eligible for a payment trace. You can request a payment trace by contacting the IRS.
- The IRS is committed to delivering stimulus payments to all eligible individuals. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the IRS for assistance.
Why am I getting my stimulus check mailed instead of direct deposit?
FAQ
Why is IRS sending paper check instead of direct deposit?
Were stimulus checks mailed or direct deposit?
How do I change my paper check to direct deposit IRS?
Is the IRS sending out paper stimulus checks?
What if my stimulus check doesn’t arrive by direct deposit?
For more on the checks, here’s when the IRS will start sending the third checks, how much you could qualify for with this payment and how to track your payment with the IRS. If your stimulus check doesn’t arrive by direct deposit by the end of today, the IRS says you’ll get a paper check or EIP card — even if there’s been a direct deposit error.
How do stimulus payments work?
New federal stimulus payments of up to $600 per person will go to taxpayers with direct deposit first. If you haven’t signed up with the IRS by direct deposit for tax refunds or during the first round of stimulus payments, you’ll likely have to wait for a paper check.
Can I set up direct deposit for stimulus payments?
As of now, there is no way to set up direct deposit specifically for the next stimulus payments if you haven’t already been receiving tax refunds that way or are not among the 14 million people who previously registered payment details via two online tools the IRS built this spring to collect banking and contact information from nonfilers.
What if my stimulus payment isn’t deposited into my bank account?
If your stimulus payment isn’t deposited directly into your bank account, the IRS will send you a paper check in the mail. They’ve already started sending out paper checks, so you could get your check at any time now. However, the IRS can only send out a certain number of checks at a time—estimated to be about 5 million per week.