How to Get Stimulus Checks You Never Received
With the ongoing economic uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have been eligible for stimulus checks from the government. However, it’s not uncommon for some individuals to find that they have not received their stimulus checks, despite being eligible. If you’re one of those individuals, don’t worry—there are ways to get the stimulus checks you never received. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to ensure you receive the money you’re entitled to.
Firstly, it’s important to determine if you are indeed eligible for a stimulus check. The eligibility criteria for the first and second stimulus checks included individuals with adjusted gross income (AGI) below certain thresholds, as well as those who were claimed as dependents on someone else’s tax return. If you believe you meet these criteria, you can proceed with the following steps to claim your stimulus check.
1. Check the IRS website: The IRS has a “Get My Payment” tool on their website where you can check the status of your stimulus check. Simply enter your Social Security number, filing status, and bank account information to see if your payment has been processed or if there are any issues with your payment.
2. Review your tax return: If you have filed your tax return for the year in which you believe you should have received a stimulus check, review your return to ensure that you did not claim the stimulus payment as income. If you did, you may need to contact the IRS to correct the mistake.
3. File a tax return: If you haven’t filed a tax return for the year in which you should have received a stimulus check, you can still claim the payment by filing a tax return. You can use IRS Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR, depending on your age and filing status. Be sure to include any necessary information, such as your bank account details, to ensure a direct deposit of your stimulus check.
4. Contact the IRS: If you have tried the above steps and still haven’t received your stimulus check, it’s time to contact the IRS. You can do this by calling the IRS hotline at 800-829-1040 or by using the IRS online assistance tool. Be prepared to provide your personal information, such as your Social Security number and date of birth, to verify your identity.
5. Keep records: Throughout this process, it’s important to keep records of all communications with the IRS and any other relevant documents. This will help you in case you need to provide additional information or if there are any discrepancies in your payment.
In conclusion, if you haven’t received your stimulus checks, there are several steps you can take to ensure you receive the money you’re entitled to. By following these steps and staying proactive, you can rest assured that you’ll eventually get the financial relief you need.
