On December 31, 2020, the IRS updated its “Get My Payment” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) webpage to include information about the second economic impact payment, i.e., the advance payment of the recovery rebate credit authorized by the COVID-Related Tax Relief Act (COVIDTRA), which was part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (PL 116-159).
Background.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, PL 116-136) provided for direct payments/rebates to certain individual taxpayers. These were referred to as Economic Impact Payments (“EIP 1”).
COVIDTRA provides a recovery rebate credit payable for eligible individuals (referred to here as “EIP 2”). The recovery rebate credit is $600 per eligible individual ($1,200 for married filing jointly), and $600 per eligible child. The credit phases out starting at $75,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($112,500 for heads of household and $150,000 for married filing jointly) at a rate of $5 per $100 of additional income.
The IRS is authorized to make advance payments of this credit to eligible individuals using their 2019 return information to determine their eligibility for the credit.
The term “eligible individual” does not include any nonresident alien, anyone who qualifies as another person’s dependent, and estates or trusts. It also does not include anyone who doesn’t have a valid Social Security Number.
Updated “Get My Payment” FAQs.
The IRS provided the following updates to its “Get My Payment” FAQs:
When will the “Get My Payment” tool give me the status of my EIP 2?
The IRS will relaunch the “Get My Payment” tool soon. When the tool is relaunched, taxpayers will be able to use the “Get My Payment” tool to check the status of both their EIP 1 and EIP 2. As more information becomes available, the IRS will provide updates.
I filed jointly with my spouse. Can either spouse use the “Get My Payment” tool?
Yes. For joint filers, either spouse can use the “Get My Payment” tool by providing their own information to verify their identity. The same payment status will be shown for both spouses.
I am not required to file a tax return. Can I still use the “Get My Payment” tool to check my EIP 2 payment status?
An individual will not be able to use the “Get My Payment” tool to check the status of their EIP 2 payment if:
The taxpayer didn’t file a tax return;
The taxpayer didn’t use the IRS’s Non-Filers tool by November 21, 2020; or
The IRS doesn’t have enough information about the taxpayer to verify their identity, which is required to access the application.
Will the “Get My Payment” tool show me the status of both EIP 1 and EIP 2?
Yes. The “Get My Payment” tool will provide the status of both EIP 1 and EIP 2, and each will be identified accordingly. Status information includes the date and method (direct deposit or mail) of payment.
However, if a taxpayer received their EIP 1 in multiple payments, the “Get My Payment” tool will show only the most recent payment information.
I received my EIP 1 on an EIP Card. Will my EIP 2 be sent to that card?
No. The EIP Cards (i.e., direct debit cards) that were mailed to some taxpayers will not be “reloaded.” The IRS will issue EIP 2 on new EIP Cards. However, a taxpayer who received their EIP 1 on an EIP Card, will not necessarily receive their EIP 2 on an EIP Card. Individuals who are not receiving a direct deposit of their EIP 2 will receive their EIP as either a paper check or an EIP Card.
What information does the “Get My Payment” tool display about my EIP?
The “Get My Payment” tool will show the status (including the date and method of payment) of both the taxpayer’s EIP 1 and your EIP 2. However, for individuals who received their EIP 1 in multiple payments, the tool will show the status of only the most recent EIP 1 payment.
For EIP 2 payments, the “Get My Payment” tool will display one of the following payment statuses:
- Payment Status – A payment has been processed, a payment date is available, and payment will be issued either by direct deposit or mail; or
- Payment Status Not Available – If a taxpayer receives this message, either the taxpayer isn’t eligible to receive an EIP 2 or the IRS was unable to issue an EIP 2 to the taxpayer.
Eligible individuals who didn’t receive an EIP will be able to claim any recovery rebate credit they are entitled to on their 2020 tax return.
What does it mean when the “Get My Payment” tool says, “Need More Information?”
When the “Get My Payment” tool says it needs more information, it means that the taxpayer is eligible for an EIP, but the IRS doesn’t know where to send it. An eligible individual who doesn’t receive an EIP 2 may be able to claim the recovery rebate credit when they file their 2020 tax return.
My EIP was mailed weeks ago but the Post Office was unable to deliver it. What should I do?
If the “Get My Payment” tool shows that the taxpayer’s EIP was mailed, but the taxpayer hasn’t received the EIP within 14 days of the mailing date, the taxpayer should check the “Get My Payment” tool periodically. If the IRS receives the EIP back because the Post Office was unable to deliver it, the IRS will update the taxpayer’s EIP status to “Need More Information.” The IRS will hold the taxpayer’s EIP until it receives the taxpayer’s updated address. Taxpayers should consult the IRS’s website on address changes , for information about how to change their address.
My address has changed or is incorrect. What can I do to change or correct it to receive my EIP?
The “Get My Payment” tool won’t allow taxpayers to submit a change of address. Taxpayers that need to change their address should consult the IRS’s website on address changes .
Why am I getting “Payment Status Not Available”?
The “Get My Payment” tool will return “Payment Status Not Available” for several reasons, including:
- The taxpayer filed a 2019 tax return, but the IRS hasn’t finished processing it;
- The taxpayer used the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” application, but the IRS hasn’t processed that information yet; or
- The taxpayer isn’t eligible for an EIP.
The IRS updates the “Get My Payment” tool once per day, overnight. Eligible individuals who provided their address or direct deposit information either through a recent tax return or the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here, application should continue to check “Get My Payment” once per day for updates.
Why can’t I get my payment status?
To use the “Get My Payment” tool, an individual must first verify their identity by answering security questions. If the individual has verified their identity and received a “Payment Status Not Available” message, the IRS can’t determine the individual’s eligibility for an EIP. Two common reasons for this situation are
- The taxpayer didn’t file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return or
- A recently filed return has not been fully processed.
Where did the IRS get my bank information, and what if I need to change it?
The “Get My Payment” tool reflects the account information provided on the taxpayer’s 2019 tax return, Non-Filer Registration, entered on Get My Payment before December 22, 2020, or provided by a Federal Agency who issued benefits to the taxpayer (Social Security Administration, Veteran Affairs, or Railroad Retirement Board). Account information can’t be changed. Eligible individuals who don’t receive an EIP 2 may claim any recovery rebate credit they are entitled to on their 2020 tax return.
My bank account information has changed or was incorrect. Can I update it using the tool?
No. Account information can’t be changed. Eligible individuals who don’t get an EIP 2 may claim any recovery rebate credit they are entitled to on their 2020 tax return.
What if I don’t recognize the account information shown?
A taxpayer who receives Social Security (SSA), Railroad Retirement (RRB), Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI) or Veterans Administration (VA) benefits via a Direct Express card will also receive their EIPs on that card. The account information shown in the “Get My Payment” tool will be a number associated with the Direct Express card.
To continue your research on information on economic impact payments, see FTC 2d/FIN ¶ A-4465.
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