We teach you how to use it…
Now that federal authorities, in theory, should have culminated in the sending of most economic stimulus checks under the CARES Act, potential recipients who have not received them and believe they are creditors of the money could use the online “Get My Payment” tool to track the status of the payment.
The IRS tool allows the user to obtain the status of their payment, see how the payment was issued and provide their bank account information (in limited cases).
From the IRS website it is clarified that “for most taxpayers, payments are automatic and they do not need to take any action. This includes taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2018 and 2019 and most seniors and retirees.
First thing: enter your data in the tool
However, for people who are still waiting for the money that started being distributed in April, Get My Payment can be a big help if you enter the information correctly and follow the directions.
The first step in navigating the service is to provide Social Security number, date of birth and mailing address information as requested by the tool.
Three keys to get your payment information quickly
Once you enter the platform, you have to consider that it is only updated once a day, during the night; so it is not necessary to check more than once.
There are two other details that could make your search easier and help you locate your payment status more quickly. If you receive a “Payment Status” message without a specific date, you should be aware of the following:
- If you entered your banking information in Get My Payment any day up to noon on Tuesday, your payment date must be available starting the following Saturday in Get My Payment.
- If you submitted your banking information after noon on Tuesday, your payment date should be available starting the Saturday after the next on Get My Payment.
The situation with people who used “Non-filers
In cases where individuals had to use the “Non-Filers” tool to provide their personal information to the IRS, ideally they would check the status of their Economic Impact Payment through “Get My Payment” within two weeks. If you were supposed to file a 2019 tax return and used the Non-Filers tool, this may cause a delay in sending the “Economic Impact Payment”.
The agency also clarified that if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Survivor or Disability Insurance (SSDI), Railroad Retirement Benefits or Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and did not file a return or use Non-Filers; the “Get My Payment” service will show the status of your payment once it is scheduled for delivery. In the meantime, you will receive a “payment status is not available” message.
Those who fall into this group will not be able to provide their bank account information. The IRS will use the SSA or VA information to process the payment.
” You will receive your payment as direct deposit or by mail, just as you would normally receive your benefits. For example, if your benefits are currently deposited onto a Direct Express card, your EIP will also be deposited onto that card. If your benefits are currently deposited into your bank account, your EIP will also be deposited into that account,” the office says.
Other reasons for not completing the application
Other reasons for receiving a “payment status unavailable” notice are because your payment is still being processed, the information on your tax return does not match IRS records, or you have already accessed the system the maximum number of times in one day.
If the system issues a “need for more information” notice, it means you are eligible for the benefit, but the agency does not have your complete information. In some cases, the person may be able to update the information from Get My Payment; or they may choose to receive their check in the mail.
If you get the message “try again later” it is because you provided incorrect personal information several times. This will cause your access to be blocked for 24 hours, so you will have to log in again after that period.