With a fair amount of fanfare, the IRS recently released its "Get My Payment" tool. This online app—located on the IRS website at irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment—is supposed to let you:
- Check the status of your stimulus payment;
- Confirm your payment type (paper check or direct deposit);
- Get a projected direct deposit or paper check delivery date (or find out if a payment hasn't been scheduled); and
- Enter your bank account information for direct deposit if the IRS doesn't have your direct deposit information and they haven't sent your payment yet.
Unfortunately, however, many people (millions?) can't get any information out of this tool. They keep getting a message saying: "Payment Status Not Available. According to information that we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time." It can be very frustrating if you're one of the people getting this message every day—believe me, I know, because I'm one of them.
According to the IRS, there are several reasons why the "Get My Payment" tool will give you the "Payment Status Not Available" messages, including:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
- The IRS hasn't finished processing your 2019 return;
- The tool doesn't have your data yet;
- You used the "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" tool, but the IRS hasn’t processed your entry yet;
- You receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement Board benefits, or Veterans Administration benefits, and the necessary information from the agency that administers those benefit programs hasn't been loaded onto the IRS system yet (for people who don't normally file a tax return; or
- You're not eligible for a payment.
For many of us, it looks like we'll just need to wait a little longer. The IRS updates the tool once per day (overnight), and they're working on adding more data to allow more people to use the tool. So, I guess working a little harder on being patient will do me some good.
(To find out how much money you'll get, use our Stimulus Check Calculator.)
-
When Should You Hand Over the Keys — to Your Investments?The secret to retirement planning? "The best time to hand over the keys is before you’ve realized you need to hand over the keys."
-
A checklist for high-net-worth individuals looking to maintain and grow their wealth.A strategic guide to managing, preserving, and expanding your wealth for long-term financial security.
-
Which Generation Pays the Most Tax in the US?Tax Burden Polls show that most people feel like taxes are unfair. But which age group bears the brunt of the tax burden in the United States?
-
How the Trump Harvard IRS Tax Threat Could Impact YouTax Law Trump's latest higher education showdown raises fundamental questions that could reach beyond Harvard's nonprofit tax status.
-
Tax Day 2025: Don’t Miss These Freebies, Food Deals and DiscountsTax Day You can score some sweet deals on April 15 in some select restaurants like Burger King, Shake Shack, and more.
-
Tax Time: Does Your Kid Influencer Owe Taxes?State Tax Some minors are making big money on social media. Here’s how to know if they need to file taxes.
-
Trump Plans to Terminate IRS Direct File programTax Filing The IRS Direct File program was piloted last year in 12 states and has since expanded to 25. But will it last under the Trump administration?
-
Did Florida’s Chance at $1,000 in Property Tax Rebates Vanish?State Taxes The Florida Legislature bypassed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ wish to cut property taxes and instead voted to lower the state’s sales tax.
-
How Caregivers for Adults Can Save on Taxes in 2025Tax Breaks Caring for your parent or spouse can be stressful, but the IRS offers tax breaks for qualifying taxpayers. Here they are.
-
New South Carolina Income Tax Cut Might Eat Your CashState Taxes South Carolina’s flat income tax bill could have the majority of residents paying higher income taxes. Find out how.
