Why Haven’t I Received My Stimulus Check?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments (EIP) to eligible individuals and families as part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many have received their payments, some individuals are still waiting for their checks or have encountered issues with the payments they received. This article aims to provide information on the reasons why you may not have received your stimulus check and the steps you can take to resolve any issues.

Reasons for Not Receiving a Stimulus Check

• Ineligibility: You may not meet the eligibility criteria for the stimulus payments. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
  • Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
  • Have a valid Social Security number
  • Meet the income limits set by the IRS
• Incorrect or Outdated Information: The IRS relies on the information you provided on your most recent tax return to determine your eligibility and payment amount. If your information is incorrect or outdated, you may not receive a payment or may receive an incorrect amount.
• Processing Delays: The IRS is processing a large number of stimulus payments, and there may be delays in issuing checks. If you have not received your payment within the expected timeframe, you can check the status of your payment using the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool.
• Payment Sent to Wrong Bank Account: If you provided the IRS with an incorrect bank account number, your payment may have been sent to the wrong account.
• Closed Bank Account: If your bank account was closed before the IRS issued your payment, the payment may have been returned to the IRS.
• Deceased Recipient: If the recipient of the stimulus payment has passed away, the payment may have been returned to the IRS.

Steps to Take if You Haven’t Received Your Stimulus Check

• Check the “Get My Payment” Tool: The IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool allows you to track the status of your stimulus payment. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and zip code to access this tool.
• Contact the IRS: If you have not received your payment and the “Get My Payment” tool does not provide any information, you can contact the IRS by phone or mail. The IRS phone number for stimulus payment inquiries is 1-800-919-9835.
• File a Recovery Rebate Credit: If you are eligible for a stimulus payment but did not receive one, you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 or 2021 tax return. You will need to complete the Recovery Rebate Credit Worksheet to calculate the amount of the credit you are eligible for.

Additional Information

• Non-Filers: Individuals who do not normally file a tax return may be eligible for a stimulus payment. These individuals can use the IRS’s “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” tool to provide their information and receive a payment.
• Deceased Recipients: If the recipient of a stimulus payment has passed away, the payment should be returned to the IRS. The executor or administrator of the estate should contact the IRS to arrange for the return of the payment.
• Scams: There have been reports of scams related to stimulus payments. The IRS will not call, text, or email you to ask for your personal information or payment. If you receive a suspicious communication, do not respond and report it to the IRS.

If you have not received your stimulus check, it is important to determine the reason why and take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue. By following the information provided in this article, you can increase your chances of receiving your payment and avoid any potential delays or complications.