One of the most common questions about the IRS stimulus payments tracker is how to successfully submit a “Get My Payment” request or track status of your request. To help with that, we’re sharing some key tips to be aware of when visiting and using that tool.

Which Website to Use?

There has been an explosion in the development of fake websites, false links and phishing emails as hackers and scammers have looked to feed upon the vulnerabilities inherent in the situation. That is why you should never click on an emailed link, use a Google search URL or otherwise do anything besides going directly to the IRS website itself. The URL is online at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

What You Need Before You Begin

Keep in mind that to complete the process with Get My Payment, you need your Social Security number, date of birth and the exact mailing address used on your tax return.

Which Tax Year to Reference?

When using the tool, if you enter the information related to your 2019 return, the tracker may accept it or the system may not recognize it as your return may not have been fully processed by the IRS. In that case, try using your 2018 return information and banking details, and the system may validate on that data successfully.

“Payment Status Not Available” Errors

Another issue that some taxpayers have encountered is a “Payment Status Not Available” error. The IRS system, like many eCommerce and online financial tools, uses a third-party address validation database to confirm taxpayers’ addresses. What you may not know is that in most cases, the validation database captures address records in capital letters. Therefore, you might try to use “ALL CAPS” when entering your address and it may allow you to overcome this error. Another solution is to try various words or syntax to try and match your address to the validation database, such as typing “Unit 2” or “Apt 2” instead of “#2” for your apartment number, etc.

“Needs More Information” Errors

If you are eligible for a payment, but receive feedback that the IRS “needs more information,” then the agency most likely does not have your direct deposit information on file. In that case, you will need to provide your bank account information, once you have verified your identity, to receive the check fastest, or wait for it to be mailed to you.

Note: If your payment is pending or has been processed, you can no longer change your bank account information.

As always, if you have any additional questions, please let us know, and we will be glad to help you.

Thank you!

Best regards,

Matt Brady, CPA
President

Image Credit: Pay Monk (Flickr @ Creative Commons)