If you claimed the $1,400 stimulus check through the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return and still have not received it, you are not alone. Here’s how you can trace where your money went.
How to check the status of your stimulus payment
The IRS has a tool that can help you in checking the status of your payment and that is the “Get My Payment” tool. You can use this tool to check your payment processing status and see how your money was sent – either by direct deposit or through the mail. However, for the tool to be effective, you must provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address.
What to do if your payment was lost, stolen, or destroyed
If the IRS indicates that your payment was issued but you haven’t received it, it might have been lost, stolen, or destroyed. In such cases, you can initiate a payment trace. To do this, call the IRS at 800-919-9835 or mail or fax a completed Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to the IRS. This form helps the IRS track your payment and reissue it if necessary.
Understanding processing times for tax returns and payments
The method you use in filing your tax return May delay your stimulus check payment. Generally, if you filed online and chose a direct deposit, then your money should reach you within three weeks. If you filed using paper tax returns, though, these will likely require some time for manual processing, which, plus the time for the mail delivery, will take at least nine weeks. In this instance, payment would be by mail and by check.
How to claim the recovery rebate credit if you haven’t filed yet
You can still claim your $1,400 stimulus payment if you have not filed your 2021 tax return yet and are qualified. The Recovery Rebate Credit can be claimed on the tax return if it is filed before April 15, 2025. Filing an income tax return, even if you have low or no income, is the only way to obtain this credit.
Please note that after the deadline (April 15, 2025), you can no longer claim your payment.
How to contact the IRS for assistance
If you’ve tried the above steps and still haven’t located your payment, it might be time to contact the IRS directly. You can contact them at 800-919-9835 for any assistance with Economic Impact Payments. Be prepared to wait, especially during peak periods. Having your personal information and tax documents on hand can help make this process faster for you.
Common reasons for not receiving the stimulus payment
These are some of the reasons you did not see your stimulus payment:
- Incorrect or outdated banking information – If you have a new Bank account and you are yet to document your new banking details with the IRS, then your payment might have gone to an old or wrong account.
- Change of address-If you moved and did not report the change of address with the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service, mailed payments can be held up or could not be delivered.
- Mistakes on tax return– Errors or omissions in your tax return could result in processing delays on your Recovery Rebate Credit.
Use these simple guidelines and processes in order to enable you to take the right steps for locating and recovering your $1,400 stimulus payout. Remember, patience and persistence matter here, since it takes time for processing.
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