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Where Is My Stimulus Payment??

by | Apr 17, 2020 | COVID-19, Guidance, Individuals, IRS

This week was the one that millions of Americans have been waiting for: their stimulus payments. On April 15th 2020 people began receiving the $1,200 stimulus checks from the federal government as part of the $2.2 trillion-dollar Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (or CARES) Act. This act was passed to help provide some much needed cash for individuals affected by the pandemic which has shuttered restaurants, businesses, and schools causing millions of individuals financial distress.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin had stated earlier this week they expected over 80 million people would get the direct deposit by Wednesday, April 15th – and many did, but only those who had their bank account information in their 2018 or 2019 tax returns, which left several millions of other people asking “where is my money?!?!”.

The IRS has finally added the “Get My Payment” tracking tool to their website for people asking that very question to find out the status of their payment. Which is great, except it backfired for many people who received a message once they submitted their information into the portal stating “Payment Status Not Available”. More panic emerges as everyone is wondering why they are getting this alert. Well, the answer could be very simple, or it could be much more complicated.

The qualifications to receive a Stimulus Payment from the CARES Act are:

    • You must have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return.
    • Any individual over the age of 17 (who was NOT declared as a dependent on their parents 2018 or 2019 tax return) that makes less than $75,000 annually will be eligible to receive $1,200.
    • Married couples who filed joint tax returns for 2018 or 2019 that made less than $150,000 will be eligible for $2,400.
      • For individuals whose income is over the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the limit.
      • Individuals with income over $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible.
    • Individuals with qualifying children are eligible to receive an additional $500 per child.

If you believe you have met these qualification but are still receiving the “Payment Status Not Available” message, here are some possible explanations:

    • The IRS does not have your direct deposit information.
      • Don’t worry – the IRS is working on another portal where individuals can provide their banking information to the IRS on their website and get the money directly deposited instead of waiting to receive a check. (Note: as of 4/17/2020 this feature is not yet available.)
    • You’re not typically required to file a tax return.
      • The IRS has another feature for “Non-Filers” to enter payment information. Find it here.
    • You haven’t filled a 2018 or 2019 return yet.
      • Don’t worry – if you file either year as soon as possible you can still get a payment (remember to include your direct deposit information on the return).
    • You may have recently filed your return. Once the IRS receives and processes it your payment status will be updated.

If you’re still receiving the “Payment Status Not Available” message despite qualifying and having filed, unfortunately the only thing you can do is wait and keep checking daily.

If you are eligible and have not provided direct deposit information to the IRS you will receive a payment check mailed to the last address the IRS has on file for you. (Note: no checks have been mailed out yet, and it is expected to take a few months for all of them to be sent out.)

These CARES Act payments will continue until the end of 2020.

It is extremely important that you use only government official websites, like the IRS.gov. They have released information about several Coronavirus-related scams that can lead to tax-related fraud and identity theft. Here’s what you should know:

    • Avoid using website or any communication that promises “faster stimulus payments”.
    • The IRS will never call, email, or text you to verify or request any financial, banking or personal information.
    • Avoid calls, websites and social media attempts to request money or personal information.
    • Do not open emails that look like they’ve come from the IRS and do not click on any attachments or links.
      • If you receive any suspicious emails, forward them to , then delete it.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to send us an email or give us a call. We understand how confusing, frustrating and important all this may be during this unprecedented time.

Official IRS information about the COVID-19 pandemic, including all the tools and information pertained in this post can be found on their website at https://www.irs.gov/ – we encourage you to only use this website to avoid any potential threats or scams.

For more information about the CARES Act payments visit https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments