Stimulus check
This is how to track your new stimulus payment.
Here’s what you need to know.
Stimulus Checks
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could start sending stimulus checks as early as this weekend. If you got a first stimulus check or second stimulus check, you know how important it is to check the status of your stimulus payment. You can check the status of your third stimulus check using the Get My Payment Tool, which is available on the IRS website.
Beginning Monday, March 15, 2021, it is expected that you can use the Get My Payment Tool to check the status of the American Rescue Plan stimulus payments, also known as an Economic Impact Payment. The IRS website says that the IRS is reviewing the tax provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which President Joe Biden signed into law on March 11, 2021.
Stimulus Checks Q&A
How much is the new stimulus check?
Individuals: $1,400
Joint / Married Filers: $2,800
Dependents: $1,400
When will I get the third stimulus check?
You may get a stimulus check starting as early as this weekend. However, stimulus payments will not be distributed all at once. Similar to the first and second stimulus checks, the IRS will send stimulus payments in this order:
- First to individuals with direct deposit who have bank account information on file; and
- Second, paper stimulus checks and prepaid debit cards sent via mail.
Where can I check the status of my stimulus check?
Use the Get My Payment Tool on the IRS website.
What does the Get My Payment tell you about your stimulus check?
If the Get My Payment tool works the same as the first and second stimulus checks (and it’s possible it may change), the Get My Payment tool will show you one of two messages:
- Payment Status: This means that your stimulus payment has been processed. The stimulus payment status will show the payment date and how the stimulus check was issued, including by direct deposit or by mail.
- Payment Status Not Available: If you get this message, there could be several explanations. First, you may not eligible for a stimulus check. Second, you could be eligible for a third stimulus check, but the IRS may not have enough information to verify your identity.
How often is the Get My Payment tool updated?
The Get My Payment Tool is updated once per day. So, if you can’t find an updated status for your stimulus payment, make sure to check again the following day.
When can I start using the Get My Payment Tool?
The Get My Payment tool will be available online starting March 15, 2021. Until then, the Get My Payment tool will not be accessible online.
What if you didn’t get your first stimulus check or second stimulus check?
The Get My Payment tool will not provide information on the first stimulus check or second stimulus check. The IRS says that all the first and second economic impact payments have been sent.
What should you do if you didn’t get the first or second stimulus payment or got less than the full amount for which you were eligible?
You may be able to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. To claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, according to the IRS website, you must file a 2020 income tax return even if you are not required to file.
What if I am not required to file a tax return? Can I still track my stimulus check?
To use the Get My Payment tool to check the payment status of your stimulus check, the IRS needs enough information to verify your identity. The IRS may be unable to verify your identity if:
- You didn’t file an income tax return;
- You didn’t use the IRS’s Non-Filers tool by November 21, 2020 to register for a payment; or
- You receive federal benefits and the IRS doesn’t have enough information.
