The Capital Region is a buzz about the second stimulus payment from the government. Payments started going out on December 29, 2020 and some got their $600 directly deposited immediately while others received theirs by mail. So, why haven't you received yours? One reason might be that you are not eligible.

The first thing you might want to check is the Get My Payment tracker from the IRS. Within a couple of minutes you will have a better understanding of what to expect. Many that have checked this week have seen this message:

  • We scheduled your payment to be mailed on January 6, 2021 to the address we have on file for you. We will mail you a letter with additional information on this payment.

It may take up to 3 – 4 weeks for you to receive the payment. Watch your mail carefully for a check or debit card.

Others are seeing this message:

  • Payment #2 Status - Not Available

If you are seeing "Payment #2 Status - Not Available" that either means the IRS is still working on your payment or you are not eligible. If you are eligible you will get the $600 one way or another but you might have to file your 2020 taxes first. If that is the case you will need to make sure to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on your return.

In some cases it appears that the $600 was deposited into the wrong accounts. The IRS says the banks that received the payments will need to return the money, and then the IRS can reissue them to the correct accounts.

Here are some of the reasons that would make you ineligible for the $600:

  • Single with an adjusted gross income above $87,000
  • Married filing a joint return with an adjusted gross income above $174,000
  • Head of household filing status with an adjusted gross income above $124,500
  • Children 17 or older living at home
  • College students who are 23 or younger who pay less than half of their own expenses
  • Elderly parent living with an adult child

Only the IRS can issue the stimulus payments, so the agency is encouraging people to check its website for updates about ongoing issues, rather than their financial institutions or tax preparers. It also notes that its phone representatives don’t have additional information beyond what’s on the IRS website.

 

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