Missing your $1,400 stimulus check? Here’s what you should do
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Waiting for that stimulus money can be frustrating.
Sarah Tew/CNET
The IRS has by now sent 165 million checks as part of the third round of stimulus payments since March. But if for whatever reason you’ve not received your check from the IRS, we can help you track it down.
There could be several issues with your payment, such as with direct deposit details or a delay in mail delivery. Maybe you received a letter from the IRS saying that your payment was sent but your check never arrived. You could also be missing money from a previous check. If you receive SSI, SSDI or veterans benefits, there are lots of questions to resolve as well.
When trying to find what’s happening with your payment, note that the IRS doesn’t want you to call. We’ll explain the different approaches you can take instead, including filing for a recovery rebate credit on your 2020 tax return, if you filed a tax extension, or requesting a payment trace. We can also share information on a potential fourth stimulus check, student debt forgiveness and why your state might owe you money from unclaimed property. Plus, here’s how you can get more money in the child tax credit if you have kids or a baby born in 2021 and how to calculate your total. This story has been updated.
Start tracking your payment status with the free IRS Get My Payment tool
For the third stimulus check: It’s worth visiting the IRS’ online portal designed to track the status of your 2021 payment. Generally, it should tell you when your check will be processed and how you’ll receive it (for example, as a paper check in the mail). If the Get My Payment tool doesn’t give you information you can understand or says your check is on the way and you haven’t received it, you may need to eventually request a payment trace or file for a Recovery Rebate Credit.
For the first or second payment: If you can’t find the letter sent by the IRS, you’ll need to create an online profile with the IRS to see your status. For any problems, you may need to issue a payment trace or file for a Recovery Rebate Credit, even if you don’t normally submit a tax return. Be aware that May 17 was the last day to file your taxes without an extension. Here’s more information about finding the amount of your first and second payments.