Problems with the second stimulus check: what to do if IRS portal ‘Get my payment’ shows ‘Payment status not available’ error

NEW YORK – While millions receive their second round of incentive checks, many of those who qualify are already having trouble securing their $ 600 payments.

According to the IRS, those who have filed 2019 tax returns and provided information about direct deposits should automatically receive the payments in their bank accounts starting Dec. 29. Those who successfully registered for the first payment on IRS.gov should also receive automatic payments. But that may not be the case for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know about stimulus control issues, since Monday, January 4 is the official payment date:

What does “Payment status not available” mean?

The Get My Payment tool at IRS.gov is designed to display the statuses of the first and second incentive payments.

However, some people who have received their first round of direct deposit checks are given a status that reads “Payment Status Not Available”.

“We are currently unable to provide the status of your payment because we do not have enough information (we are working on this), or you are not eligible for a payment,” the message read.

However, it is unclear on the website’s FAQ page if this status is temporary or indicates that the IRS cannot make a second incentive payment. The IRS appears to be updating its guidelines.

Those who qualify and will not receive a second COVID-19 relief check may be able to claim it when they file their 2020 taxes this year. From a technical point of view, the second incentive check is a prepayment of this tax credit.

Taxpayers will see unclaimed stimulus funds as the Refund Discount on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR of their taxes. Individuals and married couples who apply jointly may also claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if they have not received the full amount of the initial incentive payment.

Click here for more information about the Recovery Rebate Credit.

Is the calculator not displaying correctly? Click here to open in a new window.

What happens to people who switch bank accounts between the first and second round of payments?

According to the IRS website, the agency only uses data already in its systems.

Payment information cannot be changed, so these people will have to claim the payment as a chargeback discount on their taxes.

What about address changes for those who received checks in the mail?

If you haven’t filed your 2019 tax return, enter your new address on your return when you file the return. The IRS also has forms that notify him of a change of address. Click here for more information.

Other problems with second stimulus payments

For those with more issues and concerns with the second round of stimulus payments, the IRS is currently working to update its guidelines. This means that the agency may have clearer solutions to individuals’ problems in the coming days.