Is it time to start worrying about the missing stimulus check you qualify for? The IRS has made more than 167 million payments since March, with a new batch of checks going out each week. If you think your $1,400 payment was lost or never sent, maybe you got a letter telling you the IRS sent your payment but you haven’t received it, you may need help tracking it down. the same goes for the first and second payment starting in 2020.
There may be a problem with your check, or the IRS may have an incorrect mailing address on file. Another reason you may want to track your payment is if you received less than the expected amount and are owed a “higher” payment. By the way, in that case, you don’t need to file an amended tax form.
We’ll explain how to request an IRS payment tracking or request a recovery refund credit, even if you don’t normally file taxes. If you filed your 2020 tax return and still need your refund money, here’s how to find it. If you received unemployment benefits in 2020, you could receive a large tax break. Plus, here’s what we know about a potential fourth stimulus payment and how much of the $3,600 per child you could get with the child tax credit starting in July. This story receives frequent updates.
when should you request a payment tracking from the irs?
Since the third stimulus checks are still being sent, you might wait a little longer before taking action. however, if you haven’t received your first or second check, it’s time to do something. This chart shows when you can and should request a payment trace from the IRS, which is designed to look for a stimulus check that the agency claims to have sent. More below on exactly how payment tracking works, how to get started, and when to use it.
when to request an irs payment tracking
This deadline was also the same for the first and second payments of 2020. If your first or second stimulus check is missing, you can no longer use the Get My Payment tool to track it.
how can you check the status of a missing stimulus payment?
It’s easy to check the status of your third stimulus check through the Get My Payment tool. You will need to request payment tracking if the IRS portal shows that your payment was issued but you have not received it within the time frame described in the chart above.
To use the tool, you must enter your social security number or individual tax identification number, date of birth, address, and zip code. the portal will display the status of your payment, whether your money has been scheduled and the payment method (direct deposit or by mail) and the date. you may also see a different message or error. (Here’s how to track your check mailed through the US Postal Service.)
what if you get a letter from the irs in the mail but you don’t get the payment?
About 15 days after the IRS sends your third stimulus check (either by direct deposit, paper check, or EIP card), you should receive a letter from the agency confirming your payment. the irs is still sending these letters for the third payment.
If you received this letter, also called a 1444 notice, your Economic Impact Payment, but never received your payment, you will need to request a payment follow-up. be sure to save the letter because you will need the information to file your claim. (Here’s what to do if you lost your letter from the IRS.) the same is true for the first and second stimulus checks.
how can you request an irs trace for missing stimulus money?
To request payment tracking, call the IRS at 800-919-9835 or mail or fax a completed Form 3911, Taxpayer’s Statement Regarding Refund (pdf). note: if you call the number, you will have to listen to the recorded content before you can connect with an agent.
To complete Form 3911 for your third stimulus check, the IRS provides the following instructions:
1. write “eip3” at the top of the form (eip stands for Economic Impact Payment).
2. Complete the form answering all refund questions related to your payment.
3. by completing point 7 of section 1:
- check the “individual” box as type of return.
- enter “2021” as tax dot.
- do not write anything by the date filed.
- sign the form. If you are married filing jointly, both spouses must sign the form.
You should not mail Form 3911 if you have already requested a trace over the phone. And the IRS said you shouldn’t request a payment follow-up to determine if you were eligible to receive a check or confirm the amount you should have received.
what can the irs do for a missing stimulus check?
The IRS will do the following to process your claim, according to its website:
- if you didn’t cash the check, the irs will issue a replacement. if you discover the original check in your belongings, you are expected to return it as soon as possible.
- if you cashed or deposited the check, wait for a claim packet from the tax service office, which will include a copy of the check charged. follow the included instructions. the office will review your claim and the signature on the canceled check before deciding whether to issue a replacement. Presumably, this is to protect against stimulus check fraud.
How soon after requesting a payment tracking will your stimulus check arrive?
You should receive a response from the IRS about six weeks after the agency receives your payment tracking request, according to its website. but this could be delayed due to staff shortages.
To learn more, read about a potential fourth stimulus check and what else is in the stimulus package that can help you financially.