Lots of our members and people all across America got a nice bonus this week. $1200 or more in their bank account from the IRS. Maybe you’re not one of the lucky people, let’s go into a few reasons why you may not have received your payment and how you can solve the issue.


Important Note: On May 8th i.e last Friday, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service announced a tight deadline of May 13 to receive the stimulus money through direct deposit into your bank account or other payment services like Venmo, PayPal, and the Cash app.


You need to go to the IRS’ stimulus check portal, Get My Payment, to check on your status and make sure to input all of your updated information. Some people already had their bank information automatically filled out from previous tax filings, but be sure to look into your payment status regardless.


You didn’t file taxes in 2018 or 2019


The IRS is by default sending checks to anyone who filed taxes for 2018 or 2019. What if you aren’t required to file taxes because you’re below the income limit? Or you’re a student? Or are just late to filing.

There is a special tool from the IRS for non-filers. We wrote a whole article on how non-filers can get eligible for their stimulus check. Check it out.


Can Tax Non-Filers Register for Economic Impact Payments?


You didn’t get your refund deposited directly into your account


If the IRS doesn’t have a checking account on file for you from the 2018 or 2019 tax year they won’t know where to send your refund to. They’re the government, but they don’t know everything about you (yet…). If this is the case you’ll be getting a paper check sent to your most recent address on file. But this may take a while. They can only print and mail a couple of million checks a week, but they need to send out tens of millions.


Don’t wait for the paper check? I don’t blame you. The IRS and TurboTax have both teamed up to help filers provide the IRS with updated bank account information. That’s a great way to speed up the whole process. We have an article here on how to use those tools.


How to Get Your $1,200 Stimulus Check Faster


You don’t qualify


Some Americans do not qualify for Stimulus Checks. Non-qualifying groups include:

  • Individuals without dependents who make more than $99,000 per year.

  • Single parents who make more than $136,500 per year.
    Students, if they are still claimed as a dependent on their parent’s taxes.

  • Elderly or disabled, if they are claimed as a dependent on their caretaker’s taxes.

  • Immigrants who do not have a valid Social Security number. (Note: If you are a green card holder, H1-B or H2-A work visa, you ARE qualified.)

  • Households who filed jointly, where one member is an immigrant without a valid Social Security Number.

If you fall into one of these groups, unfortunately, there isn’t a lot you can do. The CARES Act may support you through unemployment insurance or other small business support, but it does not help you with a stimulus payment.


Your payment was delayed


Some people are seeing delays for any number of reasons. But the IRS has built a tool for you to check your payment status. Don’t delay go there now and see if there are any issues you can quickly resolve.


IRS: Payment Status Checker


Once you get your check


If you got your check already, that’s great. Brigit has built some budgeting tools that may help it last a little longer. Check it out.


Budgeting with Brigit


That’s all for now. Be safe, spend wisely and stay healthy.