The economic downturn caused by the pandemic has hit us all very hard. But the government has been quick in its response to try to ease the financial burden placed on Americans. In March, the first stimulus check came as a relief to many people who had to either put their plans for the year on hold or face debt. However, it’s been months since the first check was issued and many people are wondering: Why have I not received my second stimulus check?
This question has been hovering over people’s minds for weeks now, and it’s understandable why it has them worried. The government has promised to provide another relief fund for people who are struggling to get back on their feet, but it seems not everyone is eligible for this payment. There are a lot of questions left unanswered, though, such as who can get the second stimulus check or what the amount will be. It’s not an easy situation, but people are still hopeful they will get the support they need in these trying times.
Although the government has been working hard to provide relief packages, there seems to be a lot of confusion about eligibility and timing surrounding the second stimulus check. Many people are trying to make sense of the situation as to why they have not received this second round of payments yet. But it’s important to hold on to hope. Hopefully, this piece will help shed some light and clarity on the situation so that those who are struggling can know what steps they need to take to ensure they receive the financial support they were promised.
Possible reasons for not receiving the second stimulus check
As the disbursement of the second round of stimulus checks continue, many Americans have received their payments, but there are still quite a number of people who haven’t. Here are some possible reasons for not receiving the second stimulus check:
- The IRS does not have up-to-date information on file: The IRS uses 2019 tax returns to determine stimulus check eligibility and calculate payment amounts. But if you didn’t file your taxes yet or your income has changed since then, the IRS won’t have the most current information to determine whether you are eligible for a stimulus payment, which could cause a delay.
- Income is above the threshold: The second round of checks has income limits. Individuals with adjusted gross income (AGI) over $75,000 and married couples filing jointly with AGI over $150,000 are not eligible for the full amount and the payment is reduced gradually. If your income is above the threshold, you may not receive a stimulus payment.
- Missing information or errors on tax return: If the IRS detects missing or incomplete information on your tax return, it might result in a delay in payment processing. Similarly, mistakes in direct deposit information or mailing address can also cause delays.
- Not a US citizen: Only US citizens and resident aliens are eligible for stimulus payments. If you are neither, you will not receive a stimulus payment.
- Owe back taxes, child support or other debts: If you owe back taxes or child support, or have other debts that are subject to garnishment, the stimulus payment could be offset. In other words, the stimulus payment may go towards paying off any outstanding debts owed to the government.
If none of the above reasons apply to you, you can contact the IRS to check on the status of your payment. Keep in mind that the IRS has said it could take several weeks to process payments, so it’s best to remain patient while they work through millions of payments.
Common errors or mistakes that delay stimulus check delivery
While many Americans have already received their second stimulus check, some are still waiting for theirs. Here are some common errors or mistakes that may be delaying the delivery:
- Inaccurate or outdated mailing address on file with the IRS
- Banking information has changed since filing the previous tax return
- Not meeting the eligibility criteria for the second stimulus check
Inaccurate or outdated mailing address on file with the IRS
One of the most common reasons why Americans are still waiting for their stimulus check is because the IRS may have an inaccurate or outdated mailing address on file. This can happen if you have moved to a new address since filing your previous tax return, or if you made a typo on your tax return form.
If you have not received your second stimulus check yet, you can check the status of your payment on the IRS website. If your payment status says “not available”, it may be an indication that the IRS doesn’t have a valid mailing address on file for you. In this case, you may need to update your address with the IRS to ensure that your check is delivered to the correct location.
Banking information has changed since filing the previous tax return
If you received the first stimulus check by direct deposit, the IRS may have used the same banking information to deliver your second stimulus check. However, if your banking information has changed since filing your previous tax return, the IRS may have sent your check to a closed or non-existent bank account, resulting in a delayed payment.
If you have changed your banking information since filing your previous tax return, it is important to update the information with the IRS as soon as possible to avoid any further delays. You can do this by using the “Get My Payment” tool on the IRS website.
Not meeting the eligibility criteria for the second stimulus check
Another reason why some Americans may not have received their second stimulus check is because they did not meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for the full payment of $600, individuals must have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less, while married couples filing jointly must have an AGI of $150,000 or less.
If you did not receive the second stimulus check, it may be because your income exceeded the eligibility limits, or because you are claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
Conclusion
| Reasons for Stimulus Check Delay | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Inaccurate or outdated mailing address on file with the IRS | Check your payment status on the IRS website and update your address if needed. |
| Banking information has changed since filing the previous tax return | Update your banking information with the IRS using the “Get My Payment” tool. |
| Not meeting the eligibility criteria for the second stimulus check | Check your eligibility status or contact the IRS for further assistance. |
While there are several reasons why you may not have received your second stimulus check yet, it is important to take action to ensure that you receive the payment as soon as possible. By identifying the cause of the delay and taking the necessary steps to rectify the issue, you can make sure that you receive the financial assistance that you are entitled to.
How to track the status of your stimulus check
If you are anxiously waiting for your second stimulus check and haven’t received it yet, it’s important to know that you can track the status of your payment. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set up various tools to help you check on the status of your stimulus payment, below are some options:
- Check the IRS Get My Payment Tool: This tool allows you to check on the status of your stimulus payment, confirm your payment type (whether it’s by direct deposit or paper check), and see if there are any issues that may be holding up your payment. To use this tool, you’ll need to enter your social security number, date of birth, and mailing address zip code.
- Call the IRS: If you don’t have access to the internet or prefer to talk to someone directly, you can call the IRS Economic Impact Payment line at 1-800-919-9835. An automated message will guide you through the process and provide you with the status of your payment.
- Check your bank account: If you opted for direct deposit, check your bank account for any deposit from the IRS. If you see a deposit labeled “TAXEIP2” or “IRS TREAS 310” it may be your stimulus payment.
What to do if you haven’t received your stimulus check
If you have tracked your stimulus payment but still haven’t received it, don’t panic. The IRS has until December 31, 2021, to send out all stimulus payments. If it turns out that your payment was sent to an incorrect address, the IRS will mail you a letter with instructions on how to update your address information. If you are eligible for the second stimulus check but didn’t receive it, you may be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return.
Stimulus payment status and eligibility by income
To help keep track of your stimulus payment status and eligibility, below is a table that outlines the stimulus payment amount based on income:
| Income | Stimulus Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Less than $75,000 | $600 |
| Between $75,000 and $99,000 | Gradually reduced |
| Over $99,000 | Not eligible |
Remember that this table only applies to the second stimulus check. Eligibility and payment amounts for the first stimulus check, as well as for future rounds of stimulus payments, may be different.
Who is Eligible for the Second Stimulus Check?
If you’re still waiting for your second stimulus check, it’s important to make sure you’re eligible to receive one. Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies:
- Individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000
- Married couples filing jointly with an AGI of up to $150,000
- Heads of household with an AGI of up to $112,500
- Dependents under the age of 17
It’s important to note that some people who qualified for the first stimulus payment may not be eligible for the second one. For example, if your income increased above the threshold or if you became a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you may not be eligible for the second payment.
If you’re unsure whether or not you’re eligible for the second stimulus check, you can use the IRS’s online Get My Payment tool to check your payment status and see if your payment has been processed.
The Income Thresholds for the Second Stimulus Check
The amount of the second stimulus check you receive is based on your adjusted gross income. Here’s a breakdown of the income thresholds for the second stimulus check:
| Filing Status | Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) | Maximum Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Up to $75,000 | $600 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Up to $150,000 | $1,200 |
| Head of Household | Up to $112,500 | $600 |
| Each Qualifying Child | N/A | $600 |
If your income exceeds these thresholds, your stimulus check will be reduced by $5 for every $100 over the threshold.
Estimated time for stimulus check delivery
Many Americans are eagerly awaiting their second round of stimulus checks, which were approved in December as part of the COVID-19 relief package. However, some individuals have yet to receive their payment and may be wondering why. Here are a few factors that may impact the delivery time of your stimulus check:
- The method of payment: If you received your first stimulus check via direct deposit, your second payment will likely also be deposited directly into your bank account. This is typically the fastest way to receive your payment. However, if you received your first check via paper check or debit card, you may experience delays as the IRS processes your payment.
- The IRS processing time: The IRS is responsible for processing and distributing stimulus checks. While they have already begun the process of sending out payments, it may take some time for them to process all the payments. The IRS has stated that it could take several weeks for some individuals to receive their payment.
- Eligibility issues: If you are not eligible for the second stimulus check, you will not receive a payment. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as exceeding the income thresholds or being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
It’s important to note that if you have not received your payment by the end of January, you may need to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2020 tax return. This credit is designed to help individuals who may have been eligible for the stimulus check but did not receive it.
For more information on the status of your payment, you can use the IRS’s Get My Payment tool. This tool will allow you to check the status of your payment and see if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
| Payment Method | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | 1-2 weeks |
| Paper Check | 3-4 weeks |
| Debit Card | 3-4 weeks |
Overall, the estimated delivery time for the second stimulus check varies based on several factors. While some individuals may receive their payment quickly, others may experience delays. It’s important to stay informed and be patient as the IRS works to process and distribute payments to eligible Americans.
What to do if you never received the first stimulus check
If you did not receive the first stimulus check, which was issued in 2020, there are few things you can do. Firstly, make sure that you were eligible for the payment. Use an online stimulus check calculator to check whether you were eligible and how much you should have received. If you were eligible, you may need to look into why the payment was not sent to you.
- Check your eligibility: As mentioned above, make sure you were eligible for the payment. If you were not eligible, there may not be anything you can do to receive it.
- Check your payment status: Use the IRS’ online tool to check the status of your payment. It is possible that there was an error in your personal information that caused the payment to be delayed or unable to be delivered.
- Contact the IRS: If you are eligible and have not received your payment, contact the IRS directly to inquire about the status of your payment. They may be able to provide you with more information on when you can expect to receive your payment.
Reasons why you may not have received the first stimulus check
There are several reasons why you may not have received the first stimulus check:
- The IRS did not have your correct information, such as your address or bank account number.
- You did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and did not use the non-filers tool to submit your information to the IRS.
- You were claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- You owe back taxes, child support, or other federal debts that have caused your payment to be intercepted.
What to do if you are still waiting for the first stimulus check
If you are still waiting for your first stimulus check, there are steps you can take to expedite the process:
- Check your payment status: Use the IRS’ online tool to see if there is any information regarding your payment status. It may be delayed due to processing times, but it can help alleviate any concerns you have about receiving your payment.
- Contact the IRS: If it has been a significant amount of time since the first stimulus check was issued and you have not received it, contact the IRS directly to inquire about the status of your payment. They can provide you with more information on what may be causing the delay and when you can expect to receive your payment.
Conclusion
Missing out on a stimulus check can be frustrating and leave you feeling anxious about your financial situation. If you have not received the first stimulus check, check your eligibility, review your payment status, and contact the IRS for more information. By doing so, you may be able to identify why the payment was not sent to you and resolve any issues so you can receive future payments if you are eligible.
| Useful Resources | Links |
|---|---|
| IRS’ Get My Payment tool | https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment |
| Stimulus check calculator | https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment |
| Non-filers tool | https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here |
Remember that patience is key, and if you do not receive your payment right away, continue to monitor for updates and follow up with the IRS as needed.
Resources for Help with Stimulus Check Issues
If you have not received your second stimulus check, you may be wondering what steps you can take to resolve the issue. Fortunately, there are several resources available that can assist you in checking the status of your payment and resolving any issues that may be preventing you from receiving it. The following subtopics outline some of the most helpful resources available.
IRS Get My Payment website
- The IRS Get My Payment website is a great resource for checking the status of your stimulus payment. This website allows you to see when your payment was sent, view the payment method used, and confirm the payment amount.
- One potential issue with this resource is that it may not be able to provide information on all payments. For example, if your payment was sent to a closed bank account or if there was an issue with your mailing address, the website might not be able to provide any information about your payment status.
- Overall, the IRS Get My Payment website is a useful tool for checking the status of your stimulus payment, but it may not be able to provide all the information you need to resolve issues.
IRS Economic Impact Payment Helpline
If you are experiencing issues with your stimulus payment and need additional assistance, you can try contacting the IRS Economic Impact Payment Helpline. This helpline is available to assist individuals with stimulus payment issues, including questions about eligibility, payment status, and payment amounts.
The IRS Economic Impact Payment Helpline can be reached at 1-800-919-9835. However, it is important to note that wait times may be longer than usual due to high call volumes.
Local Taxpayer Advocate
If you have a more complex or urgent stimulus payment issue, you may want to consider reaching out to your local Taxpayer Advocate Office. These offices provide free assistance to individuals experiencing significant financial hardship or those who are facing other issues with the IRS.
To find your local Taxpayer Advocate Office, visit the IRS website and search by state or zip code. From there, you can contact the office directly to schedule an appointment or discuss your issue over the phone.
Common Stimulus Check Issues and Possible Solutions
If you are experiencing issues with your stimulus payment, you are not alone. Many individuals have reported issues such as not receiving their payment, receiving an incorrect payment amount, or receiving their payment in the wrong bank account.
| Issue | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Payment Amount | Contact the IRS to request a payment trace, which can help identify the problem. You can also claim any additional amount owed to you on your tax return. |
| Payment Sent to Wrong Account | Contact the bank or financial institution that received the incorrect payment to request a return of the funds. If the payment cannot be returned, contact the IRS for further assistance. |
| Payment Not Received | Check the status of your payment on the IRS Get My Payment website. If the website indicates that your payment was sent but you did not receive it, you may need to contact the IRS or your bank for further assistance. |
By understanding your options and utilizing the resources available to you, you can increase your chances of resolving any issues related to your stimulus payment.
Why Have I Not Received My Second Stimulus Check? FAQs
1. When were the second stimulus checks sent out?
The second round of stimulus checks began rolling out in late December of 2020, but it may take several weeks for all eligible recipients to receive their payments.
2. Who is eligible for the second stimulus check?
Individuals earning up to $75,000 and married couples filing jointly earning up to $150,000 are eligible for the full $600 stimulus payment. Those earning more than that may still receive a partial payment based on income.
3. What if I changed my address or bank account information?
If you have recently changed your address or bank account information, it may delay the arrival of your stimulus payment. You can check the status of your payment on the IRS website.
4. What if I didn’t file taxes in 2019?
If you did not file taxes in 2019, you can still receive a stimulus payment by using the non-filer tool on the IRS website. However, you may experience delays in receiving your payment.
5. What if I received my first stimulus check but not the second one?
If you received the first stimulus check but have not received the second one, it may be due to a glitch or error in the system. You can check the status of your payment on the IRS website or contact their customer service for assistance.
6. What if I believe I am eligible but haven’t received a payment?
If you believe you are eligible for the stimulus payment but haven’t received one, you can verify your eligibility on the IRS website. If you qualify and have not received a payment, you can contact the IRS for assistance in resolving the issue.
Closing
We hope this FAQ helped answer any questions you may have had about the second stimulus check. Remember, it may take several weeks for all eligible recipients to receive their payments. If you still have concerns, be sure to check the IRS website for updates or contact their customer service for assistance. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you here again soon!