Stimulus check US: Direct-deposit deadline passes today, 13 May

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been sending out $1,200 stimulus payments to millions of eligible Americans since April, in a bid to help people in the US cope with the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic. As of 11 May, over $200 billion had been paid out in more than 100 million checks.

Direct deposit faster than receiving paper check by post

If you have filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you should not have to take any further action to get your payment. It will be sent by direct deposit to the account provided on the most recent return.

However, if you did not give your bank details in either declaration, you will need to let the IRS know your direct-deposit information. If you do not do this, a paper check will be sent to the address that the body has on file for you - a process that could leave you waiting significantly longer for your payment.

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Get My Payment deadline passes at noon today

You can provide the IRS with your direct-deposit info at its Get My Payment online portal - but you’ll need to hurry. The deadline to enter your bank details using the tool passes today, Wednesday 13 May, at noon ET.

Entering direct-deposit info if you're a non-filer

If you do not have to submit a tax return but receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI) or survivor benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Affairs (C&P) benefits, your stimulus payment will be automatically paid into the account where you usually pick up these benefits.

If you are not required to file a return but do not receive any of the above financial support, you’ll need to give the IRS your details by accessing the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool. The 13 May deadline does not appear to apply to this process.

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Change of address

If you are to be sent your stimulus check by post and your address has changed since the last tax return you filed, you will need to contact the IRS to let them know. Alternatively, if you have not yet submitted your 2019 return, you should enter your new address when you file it, and the body will update its records.

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Live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic

You can follow the latest developments and statistics in the coronavirus crisis with our daily live blog. We also have a dedicated feed for the United States here.