When was the second stimulus check sent out and how much was it?
As talks continue on a third stimulus payment, many Americans are still awaiting the second check, and are keen to know how best to track its status.
As we enter the month of February, millions of Americans in need of financial support following the impact of the covid-19 pandemic are awaiting news on a third stimulus check. President Joe Biden is working on a bi-partisan relief package which will include further payments but also may go it alone with Democrats to push through their desired higher amounts.
Second stimulus check: when was it sent?
While the details of what will be provided and when it is likely to arrive, thoughts are also on the previous payments. Are you one of those people still awaiting the second stimulus check? This was the check for up to $600 that was signed as one of former president Donald Trump's final acts but this has not yet reached the doors of those that desperately need it. And if that applies to you, it means that you will need to claim the money when you file your 2020 tax return.
The IRS had a deadline of 15 January by which point they had to stop sending payments out, so even taking into account delays in mailing out EIP cards and the IRS delivery error over direct deposits, those hold-ups should all now have been resolved.
So what can you do to find out where your second stimulus check is?
How to use the IRS Get My Payment tool
The IRS have been updating their tracking status information once a day, during the night, to the Get My Payment tool. Since the 15 January deadline, though, there has been less information changing.
Before using the tool you need to have some personal information to enter; your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), date of birth, street address and ZIP or postal code.
Once you’re in, the tracker should then show your payment status, whether it's been scheduled, the payment method (direct deposit or by mail) and date. It'll also let you know if the service can't yet determine your status and if the check has been sent it will tell you on which date.
“Need More Information” error message
Some users may see an error message if the payment tracker can’t determine whether they’re eligible, or if you’re completely ineligible. The “Need More Information” message could also show if your payment status isn’t available or if there are too many users logged in at the same time. To troubleshoot some of these issues CNET suggests can try entering your address in all uppercase letters or in this format: 123 Main St NW #7, or using a different browser altogether to log in.
If the Get My Payment tool gave you a payment date but you still haven't received your money, the IRS may need more details from you. Check the Get My Payment tool again - if it reports "Need More Information," this could indicate that your check has been returned because the post office was unable to deliver it, an IRS representative told CNET.
But please note, because the second payments are being issued based on information IRS already has on file, you will not be able to provide new routing or account information and cannot request to receive your payment by EIP Card. If this is the case, you will likely need to claim the money when you file your 2020 tax return next month.
“Payment status not available” error message
CNET says it’s normal for the Get My Payment tool to give you a message that says "Payment Status Not Available" until the payment is scheduled to be issued, according to the IRS. This message does not mean you're ineligible or that you won't receive a payment but you will probably have to wait for the IRS to process your refund or credit with the Recovery Rebate Credit as part of tax season 2020.
Keep the letter IRS send saying they’ve sent your payment
As with the first check, the IRS say that they’re sending letters containing information on when and how the payment was made and how to report to the IRS if you don’t receive your check. Hold onto the letter if you receive it, in case ultimately your payment doesn’t arrive.
For any other questions that aren’t here or included on the IRS Frequently Asked Questions page, contact the IRS directly through the IRS2GO Mobile app or in writing to your local IRS office.
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