As the United States government continues to roll out their stimulus plan, many Americans are wondering if their payees will receive their 3rd stimulus check on their behalf. The situation is complicated and can be confusing for those who rely on payees to handle their financial affairs. To help navigate this issue, it’s important to understand the criteria for eligibility and the timeline for when payments will arrive.
With the latest stimulus package, the government has expanded eligibility to include more individuals and families than before. This means that those who rely on payees for financial assistance may be eligible to receive the check, as long as they meet the criteria set forth by the government. However, the process of getting the payment to the right person can be challenging, especially if there are multiple payees involved. The good news is that help is available for those who need it.
If you or someone you know is waiting to receive their 3rd stimulus check through a payee, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest information and guidelines. The IRS has set up resources to help answer questions and provide assistance for those who need it. By staying informed and working with your payee, you can ensure that you receive the financial assistance that you need during these challenging times.
Eligibility for Third Stimulus Check
Many Americans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third stimulus check, which was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. However, not everyone will be eligible to receive this payment. Here’s a breakdown of who is eligible:
- Individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000
- Heads of household with an AGI of up to $112,500
- Married couples filing jointly with an AGI of up to $150,000
Those with an AGI above these thresholds may still be eligible for a partial payment, but the amount will decrease by $5 for every $100 above the limit.
In addition to income limits, there are a few other criteria to meet in order to receive the third stimulus check:
- You must have a valid Social Security number
- You cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
- You must have filed your 2019 or 2020 tax return, or used the non-filer tool to register with the IRS for the first and second stimulus payments
Claiming the Third Stimulus Check
If you’re eligible and haven’t yet received your third stimulus check, there are a few steps you can take to claim it:
- Check the status of your payment on the IRS website
- Ensure your payment information is up-to-date with the IRS
- File your 2020 tax return if you haven’t already done so
- Consider setting up direct deposit to receive your payment faster
Conclusion
The third stimulus check is a welcome relief for many Americans who have been struggling financially due to the pandemic. Understanding the eligibility criteria and taking steps to claim your payment can ensure that you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.
| Income Limit | Full Payment | Partial Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals with an AGI of up to $75,000 | $1,400 | $0 – $1,400 |
| Heads of household with an AGI of up to $112,500 | $1,400 | $0 – $1,050 |
| Married couples filing jointly with an AGI of up to $150,000 | $2,800 | $0 – $2,800 |
How to track the status of your third stimulus payment
If you’re wondering where your third stimulus payment is, the good news is that there are several ways to track its status. Here are a few options:
- IRS Get My Payment Tool: The IRS has a tool on their website called “Get My Payment” that allows you to check the status of your payment. You’ll need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, street address, and ZIP code to access the tool.
- IRS2Go App: If you prefer to use your mobile device, you can download the IRS2Go app, which also allows you to check the status of your payment. Simply enter the same information you would on the website.
- Phone: If you don’t have internet access or prefer to speak to someone directly, you can call the IRS Economic Impact Payment line at 1-800-919-9835. Be prepared to wait on hold for a while as they are currently experiencing high call volumes.
Keep in mind that it may take some time for your payment to be processed and issued. The IRS is processing payments in batches, so even if someone you know received their payment before you, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with yours.
If you receive Social Security benefits or other federal benefits, your payment will generally be processed automatically. However, if you didn’t file a tax return in 2020 or 2019, you may need to use the Non-Filer tool on the IRS website to provide your information and receive your payment.
Common Issues that May Delay Your Payment
If you’re still waiting for your payment, there are a few issues that could be causing a delay:
Incorrect Information: Make sure the information you provided to the IRS is accurate, such as your Social Security number and mailing address. If there are any errors, your payment may be delayed.
Bank Account Issues: If you’re receiving your payment via direct deposit, make sure your bank account and routing numbers are correct. If the IRS attempts to deposit your payment into an account that doesn’t exist or isn’t in your name, it will be returned to the IRS, which will cause a delay in receiving your payment.
Tax Debt or Other Obligations: If you owe back taxes, child support, or other federal debts, your payment may be reduced or offset entirely to pay those debts. The IRS will send you a notice if this happens.
Identity Theft: If someone else filed a tax return using your Social Security number, it could delay your payment. The IRS will investigate cases of identity theft and you may need to take additional steps to resolve the issue.
If you believe any of these issues may be affecting the status of your payment, it’s important to contact the IRS as soon as possible. They may be able to provide more information or assist you in resolving the issue.
| Method | Availability | How to Sign Up |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | Fastest and most secure method | Provide your bank account information when filing your tax return |
| Paper Check | Slower delivery time and more risk of theft or loss | Default method for those who don’t provide bank account info or if bank info is inaccurate |
| Prepaid Debit Card | Similar to paper check, but funds are loaded onto a debit card | Default method for those who don’t provide bank account info or if bank info is inaccurate and don’t receive a paper check |
Remember, if you’re eligible for a third stimulus payment, you will get it eventually. By tracking your payment status and resolving any issues that may arise, you can ensure you get your payment as quickly as possible.
How the IRS determines your stimulus payment amount
With the third round of stimulus payments being distributed to eligible Americans, many people are wondering how they can determine the amount they will receive. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses a specific formula to calculate the payment amount for each individual. Here’s what you need to know:
- The payment amount is based on your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your most recent tax return on file – either 2019 or 2020.
- If you filed your taxes independently and your AGI was less than $75,000, you will receive the full payment amount of $1,400.
- If you filed jointly with your spouse and your combined AGI was less than $150,000, you will receive a full payment of $2,800.
If your AGI is higher than these thresholds, your payment amount will decrease. The payment starts to phase out at $75,000 for independent filers and $150,000 for joint filers and completely phases out at $80,000 and $160,000, respectively.
It’s also important to note that if you have dependents, you may be eligible for additional payments. Eligible families can receive up to $1,400 per dependent.
| Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) | Individual Filer | Joint Filer | Payment Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $75,000 | Full Payment | $2,800 | $1,400 per person |
| $75,000 – $80,000 | Payment begins to decrease | $150,000 – $160,000 | Payment phases out completely |
If you haven’t received your third stimulus payment yet and believe you’re eligible, you can check the status of your payment using the IRS Get My Payment tool.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Stimulus Payment Yet
If you have not received your third stimulus payment yet, there are several steps that you can take to check on its status:
- Check the IRS website: The IRS Get My Payment tool allows you to check the status of your payment and see if it has been sent out or not. It also provides information on when and how your payment was issued.
- Contact the IRS: If you are still unsure about the status of your payment, you can contact the IRS directly by calling their toll-free customer service line at 1-800-919-9835. Be sure to have your social security number, date of birth, and mailing address on hand when you call.
- Check with your bank: If you chose to receive your payment via direct deposit, check with your bank to make sure that the payment has not been deposited into the wrong account or rejected for any reason.
Common Reasons for Delayed or Missing Payments
If you have not received your payment yet, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- Incomplete or outdated information: Make sure that the IRS has your correct mailing address and bank account information on file. If your information has changed since you filed your last tax return, you will need to update it using the IRS’s online tools.
- Filing errors: If there were any errors on your tax return, such as incorrect bank account information or an incorrect social security number, your payment may have been delayed or rejected. Be sure to check your tax return for accuracy and make any necessary corrections.
- Identity theft: Unfortunately, some people have had their stimulus payments stolen by fraudsters. If you suspect that someone else has stolen your payment, report it to the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission immediately.
What to Do If Your Payment Was Sent to a Deceased Person or to Your Deceased Payee
If your payment was sent to a deceased person or to your payee, you will need to return the payment to the IRS. You can do this by following the IRS’s instructions for returning a stimulus payment. This may involve filling out a form and mailing it to the IRS along with the payment.
| Situation | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Payment was sent to a deceased person | Return the payment to the IRS |
| Payment was sent to your payee | Return the payment to the IRS |
If you have any questions or concerns about returning your payment, contact the IRS for assistance. It is important to note that you should not cash or use any payment that was not intended for you, as this may result in penalties or legal action.
Can someone else receive your stimulus payment for you?
It is possible for someone else to receive your third stimulus payment, but only under certain circumstances. Here are a few situations where someone else may be able to receive your stimulus payment:
- If you have a payee or representative payee, they may be able to receive your payment on your behalf. This typically applies to individuals who are unable to manage their own finances due to disability or other reasons.
- If you are married and file taxes jointly, your payment may be sent to the bank account of your spouse, even if they are not listed as the primary filer.
- If you are deceased and someone else is handling your estate, they may be able to receive your stimulus payment.
However, in most cases, individuals who are not listed as the primary filer or payee on a stimulus payment will not be able to receive the payment on behalf of someone else. This is to prevent fraud and ensure that the payment goes to the intended recipient.
If you are concerned about your payment being sent to the wrong person, you can use the IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool to track the status of your payment and ensure that it is being sent to the correct account.
| Situation | Possible for someone else to receive payment? |
|---|---|
| Have a payee or representative payee | Yes |
| Married and file taxes jointly | Yes |
| Deceased with estate handler | Yes |
| Other situations | No |
Ultimately, it is important to ensure that your payment is being sent to the correct person to avoid any complications or delays in receiving your stimulus funds.
How to update your information to ensure you receive your stimulus payment
If you want to receive your third stimulus check, it’s crucial to ensure that your information is updated. Here are the steps you can take to update your information and receive your stimulus payment without any delay.
- Visit the IRS website: If you want to update your information, you need to visit the IRS website. You can easily find the link for updating your information on the homepage of the website.
- Provide your information: You will need to provide your personal information, such as your name, social security number, and date of birth. Make sure that you provide accurate information as any mistake can result in a delay in receiving your payment.
- Update your mailing address: You can update your mailing address if you have moved recently. Make sure that you update your address before the IRS starts processing payments.
You can also use the IRS’s Non-Filers tool if you didn’t file a tax return in 2018 or 2019. The Non-Filers tool allows you to provide the IRS with your information to receive your stimulus payment. After you’ve provided your information, the IRS will process your payment and send it to your bank account or mailing address.
If you are a social security or railroad retiree, you don’t need to take any action to receive your payment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will provide your information to the IRS, and the IRS will use that information to send your payment.
Stimulus payment delivery options
When you update your information with the IRS, you can choose from two delivery options for your stimulus payment:
| Delivery Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | If you choose direct deposit, the IRS will send your stimulus payment to your bank account. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your payment as you don’t need to wait for a check in the mail. |
| Mailing Address | If you choose the mailing address option, the IRS will send a check or debit card to your mailing address. It can take up to several weeks to receive your payment if you choose this option. |
In conclusion, updating your information with the IRS is the best way to ensure that you receive your third stimulus payment. By following the steps above, you can update your information quickly and choose a delivery option that suits your needs.
What to do if you receive an incorrect stimulus payment amount?
If you believe that the amount of your third stimulus check is incorrect, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue.
First and foremost, double-check the math. Make sure you received the correct amount based on your eligibility and filing status. Keep in mind that the amount of your stimulus check may have been adjusted based on your adjusted gross income (AGI) from your 2019 or 2020 tax return, if you have already filed it at the time of payment. You can use the IRS’s online tool, Get My Payment, to verify how much you should have received and whether the payment has been issued or not.
- If your payment is less than what you were expecting, it may be due to offsets for past-due debts, such as child support or taxes. In this case, you will receive a notice explaining why your payment is different.
- If your payment is more than what you were expecting, it may be due to an incorrectly calculated amount or a mistake on the IRS’s part. Do not spend the extra money, as the IRS may demand repayment later on.
If you find that the payment amount is indeed incorrect and you were not able to resolve the issue with the IRS, you may need to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return next year to receive the full amount that you are owed.
Common questions related to incorrect stimulus payments
- What if I did not receive a stimulus check at all? If you did not receive your third stimulus check or received a partial payment, you can claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return by filing a 2020 tax return. You may also want to check with the IRS to verify that they have your correct banking information.
- What if my bank account information has changed? If you recently changed your bank account, contact the IRS to update your information and arrange for a direct deposit or paper check.
- What if I am no longer eligible for a stimulus payment? If you were eligible based on your income in 2019 or 2020 but are no longer eligible based on your income in 2021, you may need to pay back some or all of the stimulus payment you received. This will be determined based on your 2021 tax return.
Table: Maximum Stimulus Payment Amounts
| Filing Status | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,400 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $2,800 |
| Head of Household | $1,400 |
| Dependent | $1,400 |
Note: These amounts are subject to phase-out based on adjusted gross income (AGI).
Will My Payee Get My 3rd Stimulus Check?
Q: Can a payee collect someone else’s stimulus check?
A: No, unless they have been authorized as the representative payee by the Social Security Administration.
Q: What is a representative payee?
A: A representative payee is someone who helps manage the Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits of someone who is unable to manage their own finances.
Q: Can I change my payee for the stimulus check?
A: If you are a Social Security or SSI beneficiary and you want to change your payee for the stimulus check, you need to contact the Social Security Administration.
Q: What if I am not a Social Security or SSI beneficiary but I still have a payee?
A: If you are not a Social Security or SSI beneficiary, your payee cannot collect your stimulus check.
Q: What if my payee has already received my stimulus check?
A: If you believe that your payee has wrongly received your stimulus check, you should contact the IRS and report the issue.
Q: What else can I do to protect my stimulus check from my payee?
A: You can consider setting up a separate bank account or requesting a direct deposit to ensure that the stimulus check goes directly to you.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this article has helped answer your questions about whether your payee can get your 3rd stimulus check. Remember, only authorized representative payees can collect benefits on behalf of others. If you have any doubts about the status of your payee, contact the appropriate government agency for assistance. Thanks for reading, and visit again for more informative articles.