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Economic Impact Payments and
Coronavirus Tax Relief:

A Toolkit for Partners

April 24, 2020

The IRS is working hard to deliver Economic Impact Payments (EIP) as quickly as possible, and we need your help to share important details and outreach materials with your families, friends, partners and clients, posted to your websites, included in your internal newsletters and employee emails and shared on social media.

For additional information, visit IRS.gov.

Economic Impact Payments: Key Items for Partners, Taxpayers

IRS material designed to help taxpayers; Special materials available to share

The IRS is working to deliver Economic Impact Payments as quickly as possible to all eligible Americans. More than 150 million payments will be sent out, and millions of people who normally don’t file a tax return are eligible to receive these payments.

To reach these people outside of the tax system, the IRS is asking for your help to spread the word so more people sign up for these payments worth $1,200 or more. The IRS has created special information and graphics that you can use, share and adapt in your constituent communications, including material suitable for emails, newsletters, web sites and other channels.

To help navigate this, the IRS has created this special Partner Toolkit. Here’s an overview of key resources to help you and your family, friends, partners and clients. The IRS asks for your help sharing this important information:

Overview of Economic Impact Payments (EIP): IRS.gov has a special page that allows individuals, businesses and others get the information they need about EIP and CARES Act provisions.

Common Questions: The IRS is seeing a variety of questions about Economic Impact Payments, ranging from eligibility to timing. These FAQs provide an overview and are updated frequently. Common questions for which guidance is available are also included in this Toolkit with direct links to the answers online.

“Get My Payment” Tool Tracks Payments, Helps with Bank Account Information: The IRS designed a new tool called “Get My Payment” to help people track the status of their payments, similar to the “Where’s My Refund?” tool used during tax season. Some taxpayers who don’t have a scheduled payment date can provide direct deposit payment on this app to speed their payment.

“Get My Payment” questions and “Status Not Available”: To help taxpayers understand the “Get My Payment” tool and the results, we have an extensive set of FAQs online at IRS.gov. We encourage people to review these. For the “Status Not Available” screen that taxpayers get on the “Get My Payment” tool, there are several reasons they may receive this. The FAQs will continue to be updated online as necessary, and common questions for which guidance is already available are included in this Toolkit with direct links to the answers online.

Help for people who don’t normally file – Use the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info” tool: Millions of Americans aren’t required to file a tax return, but they’re still eligible for an Economic Impact Payment. This includes people with little or no income, retirees, homeless and many others. To help these groups quickly register for a payment, the IRS created the special “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info” tool, available only on IRS.gov.

  • People using the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info” tool only need to provide basic information, including their Social Security number, name, address, and dependent information. The IRS will use this information to confirm eligibility and calculate and send their Economic Impact Payment – helping millions of people who don’t normally file a tax return.
  • Not sure if “None-Filers: Enter Payment Info” is right for your situation? The IRS has provided examples to help determine when they need to use this tool.

Payments Automatic for People Who Filed Tax Returns in 2018 or 2019:  For eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for 2019 or 2018, they will also receive the payments automatically. About 80 million payments started hitting bank accounts in mid-April. More are coming each week.

Payments Automatic for Many Federal Beneficiaries – SSA, SSI, RRB and VA: Following extensive work by the IRS and other government agencies, $1,200 automatic payments will be starting soon for those receiving Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries who didn’t file a tax return in the last two years. No action is needed by these groups; they will automatically receive their $1,200 payment.

Urgent: Special Action Needed by Federal Beneficiaries with Dependents: For those benefit recipients who aren’t required to file a tax return and who have children, an extra step is needed to add $500 per child onto their automatic payment of $1,200. A quick trip to a special non-filer tool on IRS.gov is need. SSI and VA recipients in this category who act by May 5 can put all of their eligible Economic Income Payment into one payment. The April 22 deadline has passed for SSA and Railroad retirees. Those who miss these deadlines can still receive $500 when they file a 2020 tax return next year.

Help Us Share Information; Special Materials Available on IRS.gov: To help share information with your family, friends, partners and clients, we have a variety of ready-to-use materials available in English and Spanish. These are available at Economic Impact Payments: Partner and Promotional Materials. You can use and adjust these materials as you need, including:

  • IRS e-posters and Twitter images that can be used on websites, social media, newsletters and other platforms.
  • Print materials include Tax Tips, short, plain English summaries of EIP, and “Ready to Use” articles that can be shared with family, friends, partners and clients in emails, newsletters and web sites.

Share information in Social Media; share IRS accounts: The IRS will be regularly sharing Economic Impact Payment information on social media. Share or like these to help spread the information to taxpayers:

  • Twitter: Taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals can follow the IRS handles for up to the minute announcements, tips and alerts in English and Spanish.
  • Facebook: News and information for everybody. Also available in Spanish.
  • Instagram: The IRS Instagram account shares taxpayer-friendly information.
  • YouTube: The IRS offers video tax tips in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

IRS: Working Across the Nation with Partner Groups. The IRS is conducting a sweeping outreach campaign across the nation to reach everyone who may be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment. Helps us with this effort. Share this information with family, friends, partners and clients. Contact us if you have additional groups you’d like us to share information with.

These images and others are available for your use with your partners, employees and other. Get copies at www.IRS.gov/EIPpartners.

  

Table of Contents

Economic Impact Payments: Key Items for Partners, Taxpayers 2

Additional Details Related to EIP, CARES Act and Coronavirus 7

Status of IRS Operations: Mission-critical functions continue 8

Information for Individuals and Families 8

Information for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities 8

Information for Health Plans and Retirement Plans 9

People First Initiative 9

FAQs Related to CARES Act, EIP and coronavirus 9

Economic Impact Payment FAQs 10

Get My Payment FAQs 12

Additional Details Related to EIP, CARES Act and Coronavirus

The IRS is continuing to add information every day related to these measures. The latest information is available on IRS.gov, where a special page has been established for these items.

The following information presents an overview of material available on IRS.gov through the date of this publication. For the most recent information, please check the web site.

Economic Impact Payments

We started distributing Economic Impact Payments in April. Most people will get their payments automatically and will not need to take any action. Social Security, Railroad Retirement, SSI and VA beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file to receive a payment. Instead, payments will be automatically deposited into their bank accounts. The IRS is currently unable to answer questions about payment status over the phone, but individuals can check the status of a payment online.

Check your payment status.

EIP: Partner and Promotional Materials

To help share information with your family, friends, partners and clients, we have a variety of ready-to-use materials available in English and Spanish. These are available at Economic Impact Payments: Partner and Promotional Materials. You can use and adjust these materials as you need, including

Tax Tips

Ready-to-Use Articles

Posters and Other Partner Materials

  • Economic Impact Payments & Coronavirus Tax Relief Special Section on IRS.gov — e-Poster (PDF)
  • Economic Impact Payments for Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance recipients — e-Poster (PDF)
  • If you still need to file — e-Poster (PDF)
  • IRS social media and e-news — e-Poster (PDF)
  • Economic Impact Payments — e-Poster (PDF)

Social Media

Partner Materials/Public Service Announcement 

  • Economic Impact Payments & Coronavirus Tax Relief Special Section on IRS.gov — e-Poster (PDF)
  • Economic Impact Payments for Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Social Security Disability Insurance recipients — e-Poster (PDF)
  • If you still need to file — e-Poster (PDF)
  • IRS social media & e-News — e-Poster (PDF)
  • Economic Impact Payments — e-Poster (PDF)

Status of IRS Operations: Mission-critical functions continue

While we continue to process electronic returns and issue refunds, some IRS services are limited. Get up-to-date status on affected IRS operations and services.

Information for Individuals and Families

Filing and Payment Deadline Extended 

The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020.

Answers to your questions on the filing and payment deadline. 

Coronavirus-Related Paid Leave for Workers

Many Americans are entitled to paid sick leave, either to tend to your own health needs or to care for a family member, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Read the press release on paid sick leave.

Information for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities

Filing and Payment Deadline Extended

The deadlines to FILE and PAY federal income taxes are extended to July 15, 2020.

Get answers to your questions on the filing and payment deadline.

Employee Retention Credit Available for Many Businesses Financially Impacted by COVID-19

The Employee Retention Credit is a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 50% of the qualified wages an eligible employer pays to employees after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. You can get immediate access to the credit by reducing the employment tax deposits you are otherwise required to make. Also, if your employment tax deposits are not sufficient to cover the credit, you may get an advance payment from the IRS.

Get details on the retention credit.

Coronavirus-Related Paid Leave for Workers and Tax Credits for Small- and Mid-Size Businesses

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (PDF) gives all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members.

Get details on paid leave for employees.

Information for Health Plans and Retirement Plans

High-Deductible Health Plans

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) can pay for 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related testing and treatment, without jeopardizing their status.

Read the press release on HDHPs

More Information

See all Frequently Asked Questions, resources and guidance.

People First Initiative

New People First Initiative; COVID-19 effort temporarily adjusts, suspends key compliance program. The IRS has taken a number of steps to address a variety of audit and compliance questions during the coronavirus.

IRS News Release IR-2020-59

FAQs Related to CARES Act, EIP and coronavirus

Links to the many FAQs available on IRS.gov are provided below. The IRS is continually updating these FAQs as new questions arise or further guidance is available. Additionally, questions for which guidance already is available are listed below, with direct links to answers online.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Get My Payment Frequently Asked Questions
  • Economic Impact Payment Frequently Asked Questions
  • Temporary procedures to fax certain Forms 1139 and 1045 due to COVID-19
  • Estate tax Form 706 deliveries returned due to COVID-19
  • Deferral of employment tax deposits and payments through December 31, 2020
  • Installment agreement direct debit FAQs
  • COVID-19-related tax credits for required paid leave provided by small and midsize businesses FAQs
  • Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act
  • Department of Labor: Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and answers
  • Filing and payment deadlines questions and answers

Economic Impact Payment FAQs

Eligibility

  • Q1.  Who is eligible to receive a Payment?A1.  You may be eligible to receive a Payment if you:
  • Q2.  Will I receive a Payment if I do not make enough money to normally have to file an income tax return?

A2.  Yes. Eligible retirees and recipients of Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), survivors benefits, Railroad Retirement, or veterans benefits, as well as individuals who do not make enough money to normally have to file a tax return, are also eligible for the Payment. This includes those who have no income, as well as those whose income comes entirely from federal benefit programs, such as supplemental security income (SSI) benefits. No minimum income is needed for the Payment.

Requesting My Economic Impact Payment

    • Q3. I recently filed a tax return. What do I need to do to get a Payment?
  • A3. You DO NOT need to take any further action if you filed a federal income tax return for 2018 or 2019. If you already filed your tax return for 2019, the IRS will use this information to calculate the Payment amount. If you haven’t filed your tax return for 2019 but filed a 2018 federal income tax return, the IRS will use the information from your 2018 tax return to calculate the Payment amount.
    • Q4. I haven’t filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and don’t need to file tax returns for those years. I receive Social Security, SSI, or Railroad Retirement benefits. What do I need to do to get a Payment?
  • A4. You are not required to file a tax return and will automatically receive a $1,200 Payment if you received Social Security retirement, SSDI, survivors benefits, SSI, or Railroad Retirement benefits in 2019. You do not need to contact the IRS, Social Security Administration (SSA), or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). The IRS will use the information from your 2019 benefits to generate a Payment to you if you did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019. You will receive your Payment as a direct deposit or by mail, just as you would normally receive your federal benefits.
    • Q5.  I haven’t filed a federal tax return for 2018 or 2019 and don’t receive Social Security retirement or any other federal benefits. What do I need to do to get a Payment?
  • A5.  You have to provide basic information to the IRS to receive your Payment. The IRS urges you to take one of the following actions as soon as you can.
  • You can use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool to provide simple information to the IRS so you can get your Payment. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can use this tool if they had gross income that did not exceed $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples filing jointly) for 2019 and were not otherwise required to file a federal income tax return for 2019, and didn’t plan to do so. This is the quickest way to get your payment.
  • You can file a federal income tax return for 2019 with the IRS even if you receive non-taxable income or do not make enough money to normally have to file a tax return.
  • Have your bank account information available when you use the tool or file so you can get your Payment as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the IRS will mail your Payment to the address you provide.
    • Q6. I did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019. How do I know if I am required to file a tax return?
  • A6. Use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) online tool that provides answers to tax questions. The Do I Need to File a Tax Return? tool can help you determine if you’re required to file a 2019 federal income tax return.
  • Answer the questions about your filing status, federal income tax withheld, and basic information to help you determine your gross income to see if you need to file a 2019 tax return. If you had no income or income under a certain amount, you are not required to file a tax return. If you are not required to file a tax return, the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool is the fastest way to get your Payment.
    • Q7. I receive veterans benefits. Do I need to provide information to the IRS or file a tax return to receive a Payment?
  • A7. The IRS continues to explore ways to see if Payments can be made automatically to those who receive veterans disability compensation, pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, but did not file a tax return for the 2018 or 2019 tax year. You can use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool now to quickly receive your payment or wait as the IRS continues to review automatic Payment options to simplify delivery for these veterans and their families.
    • Q8. Who should NOT use Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here?
  • A8. You should not use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool if any of the following apply:
  • You already filed a 2019 tax return.
  • You already received your Payment based on your 2018 or 2019 return, even if you did not receive the full amount (for example, because you have a newly born child in 2020 who was not reported on your 2019 return).
  • Someone could claim you as a dependent on their 2019 tax return.
  • You are married but will not be using the tool with your spouse. You must file a 2019 or 2018 tax return to receive your Payment separate from your spouse.
  • You weren’t a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) in 2019. Those who were resident aliens in 2019 because they satisfied the “substantial presence test” and qualify for the Payment must file a tax return to receive the Payment.
    • Q9. I need to file a tax return but am concerned about visiting a tax professional or local community organization in person right now to get help with my tax return. How long is the Payment available?
  • A9.  Payments will be made throughout the rest of 2020. If you don’t receive a Payment this year, you can also claim it by filing a tax return for 2020 next year.
    • Q10. Will the IRS contact me about my Payment?

A10. The IRS will not call, email, or text you about your Payment. The IRS will not contact you to request personal or bank account information. Watch out for websites and social media attempts that request money or personal information and for schemes tied to Economic Impact Payments.

The IRS urges taxpayers to visit IRS.gov – the official IRS website – to protect against scam artists. The IRS has issued a warning about coronavirus-related scams.

For security reasons, a letter about the Payment will be mailed to each recipient’s last known address within 15 days after the Payment is made. The letter will provide information on how the Payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the Payment.

Calculating My Economic Impact Payment

    • Q11. What is the amount of the Payment I will receive?
  • A11. Eligible individuals will receive $1,200. Two eligible individuals filing a joint return will receive $2,400. You will receive an additional $500 Payment for each qualifying child you claimed on your tax return being used to calculate your Payment who meets the following conditions:
  • The child is your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of any of them (for example, your grandchild, niece, or nephew).
  • The child is claimed as a dependent on your tax return.
  • The child was under age 17 at the end of the taxable year.
  • The child was a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien.
  • The child has a valid SSN or an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN)
    • Q12. What is the amount of my Payment if I haven’t filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 and am receiving an automatic Payment based on benefits that SSA or RRB paid me in 2019?
  • A12. Your Payment is limited to $1,200. An additional $1,200 will be paid to your spouse if SSA or RRB also paid benefits to your spouse in 2019.
  • Because the IRS would not have information regarding your qualifying children, you will not receive the additional $500 Payment for any qualifying children unless you provide additional information to the IRS.
  • You must also provide additional information to claim the full $2,400 Payment with your spouse if your spouse didn’t receive benefits from SSA or RRB in 2019. Provide this information by using the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool or by filing a federal income tax return. You must provide this additional information before your additional $1,200 Payment is scheduled.
    • Q13. Will my Payment be reduced if my income is too little or too much?
  • A13. Eligible individuals don’t need a minimum income for the Payment.
  • However, for higher income individuals, the Payment amount is reduced by 5% of the amount that your adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000 ($112,500 for taxpayers filing as head of household or $150,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return), until it is $0.
  • The $1,200 Payment for eligible individuals with no qualifying children ($2,400 for married couples filing a joint return) will be reduced to $0 once adjusted gross income reaches the following thresholds:
  • $198,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return
  • $136,500 for taxpayers filing as head of household
  • $99,000 for all others
  • Each of these threshold amounts increases by $10,000 for each additional qualifying child. For example, because families with one qualifying child receive an additional $500 Payment, their $1,700 Payment ($2,900 for taxpayers filing a joint return) will be reduced to $0 once adjusted gross income reaches the following thresholds:
  • $208,000 for taxpayers filing a joint return
  • $146,500 for taxpayers filing as head of household
  • $109,000 for all others
    • Q14. I filed a joint return with my spouse. Will we receive a Payment if I have a valid SSN and my spouse has an IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)?
  • A14. No, when spouses file jointly, both spouses must have valid SSNs to receive a Payment with one exception. If either spouse is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year, only one spouse needs to have a valid SSN.
  • If spouses file separately, the spouse who has an SSN may qualify for a Payment; the other spouse without a valid SSN will not qualify.
    • Q15. What is meant by a valid SSN required for a Payment?
  • A15. A valid SSN for a Payment is one that is valid for employment and is issued by the SSA before the due date of your 2019 tax return (including the filing deadline postponement to July 15 and an extension to October 15 if you request it) or your 2018 tax return (including extensions) if you haven’t filed your 2019 tax return.
  • If the individual was a U.S. citizen when they received the SSN, then it is valid for employment. If “Not Valid for Employment” is printed on the individual’s Social Security card and the individual’s immigration status has changed so that they are now a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, ask the SSA for a new Social Security card. However, if “Valid for Work Only With DHS Authorization” is printed on the individual’s Social Security card, the individual has the required SSN only as long as the Department of Homeland Security authorization is valid.
    • Q16. Is a child born, adopted, or placed into foster care in 2020 a qualifying child for the Payment?
  • A16. The Payment in 2020 will not include an additional amount for these children because the Payment in 2020 is based only on information from your 2019 or 2018 tax return. You may claim the child next year for an additional credit on your 2020 tax return.
    • Q17. I received an additional $500 Payment in 2020 for my qualifying child. However, he just turned 17. Will I have to pay back the $500 next year when I file my 2020 tax return?
  • A17. No, there is no provision in the law requiring repayment of a Payment. When you file next year, you can claim additional credits on your 2020 tax return if you are able to eligible for them, for example if your child is born in 2020. But, you won’t be required to repay any Payment when filing your 2020 tax return even if your qualifying child turns 17 in 2020 or your adjusted gross income increases in 2020 above the thresholds listed above.
    • Q18. I claimed my child as a dependent on my 2019 tax return. She is graduating from school in 2020. Will she receive her own Payment?
  • A18. No, your child will not receive a Payment in 2020 because you claimed her as a dependent on your 2019 tax return. She will not receive a $1,200 credit in 2021 if you can claim her as a dependent on your 2020 tax return.
  • However, if your child can’t be claimed as a dependent by you or anyone else for 2020, she may be eligible to claim a $1,200 credit on the 2020 tax return she files next year.
    • Q19. I claimed my mom as a dependent on my 2019 tax return. Will I receive an additional Payment for her or will she receive her own Payment?

Receiving My Payment

    • Q20. Is the Payment taxable as 2020 income?
  • A20.No, the Payment is not income and you will not owe tax on your Payment. It will not reduce your refund or increase the amount you owe when you file your 2020 tax return next year.
  • A Payment also will not affect your income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs.
    • Q21. If I owe tax, or have a Payment agreement with the IRS, or owe other federal or state debts, will my Payment be reduced as an offset?
  • A21. No, with one exception. The Payment will be offset only by past-due child support. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service will send you a notice if an offset occurs.
  • If you are married filing jointly and you filed an injured spouse claim with your 2019 tax return (or 2018 tax return if you haven’t filed your 2019 tax return), half of the total Payment will be sent to each spouse and your spouse’s Payment will be offset only for past-due child support. There is no need to file another injured spouse claim for the Payment.
    • Q22. How will the IRS know where to send my Payment?
  • A22. If you received direct deposit of your refund based on your 2019 tax return (or 2018 tax return if you haven’t filed your 2019 tax return), the IRS has sent your Payment to the bank account provided on the most recent tax return. If you filed a Form 8888, Allocation of Refund, with your tax return to split your refund into multiple accounts, your Payment was deposited to the first bank account listed. You cannot change your account information.
  • If you filed your 2019 or 2018 tax return but did not receive your refund by direct deposit, your Payment will be mailed to the address we have on file even if you also receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits by direct deposit. This is generally the address on your most recent tax return or as updated through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
  • If you did not receive your refund by direct deposit based on your 2019 tax return (or 2018 tax return if you haven’t filed your 2019 tax return), you have the opportunity to provide bank account information through the IRS Get My Payment tool before your Payment is processed. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your Payment.
    • Q23. What if the bank account number I used on my recent tax return is closed or no longer active? Can I switch and be mailed a Payment?
  • A23. If the account is closed or no longer active, the bank will reject the deposit and you will be issued a check that will be mailed to the address we have on file for you. This is generally the address on your most recent tax return or as updated through the United States Postal Service (USPS). You do not need to call the IRS to change your Payment method or update your address at this time.
  • As required by law and for security reasons, a letter about the Payment will be mailed to each recipient’s last known address within 15 days after the Payment is made. The letter will provide information on how the Payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the Payment.
    • Q24. I already filed my 2019 tax return and owed tax. I scheduled a Payment (electronic funds withdrawal, Direct Pay, or Electronic Fund Transfer Payment System (EFTPS)) from my bank account. Will the IRS send my Payment to the account I used?
  • A24. No, the IRS will not send Payments to accounts used to make a payment to the IRS. After you properly verify your identity, the Get My Payment tool will allow you to submit your bank account information if your Payment has not been processed. Providing your bank information is the fastest way to receive your Payment. If we do not have bank information for you, your Payment will be mailed to the address we have on file for you.
    • Q25. I already filed my 2019 tax return, but I didn’t provide bank information. Can I use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool to provide my banking information?
  • A25. No, the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool cannot be used if you already filed a 2019 tax return. Use the Get My Payment tool to provide your banking information or learn the status of your Payment.
    • Q26. How do I find the bank account information the IRS needs?
  • A26. You can find this information on one of your checks, through your online banking applications, or by contacting your financial institution directly. Make sure to enter the routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings) correctly.
    • Q27. What if I don’t have a bank account?
  • A27. We will mail your Payment to the address we have on file for you. This is generally the address on your most recent tax return or as updated through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
    • Q28. My address is different from the last tax return I filed. How can I change my address?
  • A28. To change your address:
  • If you have not filed your 2019 tax return, enter your new address on your tax return when you file. When your tax return is processed, we’ll update our records.
  • If you have filed your 2019 tax return and you do not receive direct deposit of your refund, your Payment will be mailed to the address we have on file for you. This is generally the address on your most recent tax return or as updated through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
  • The change of address must be processed before we schedule your Payment.
    • Q29. Where did you get the bank information for me, and what if I need to change it?
  • A29. Your bank account information is obtained from the most recently filed tax return or from our Get My Payment application if you provided the information through it. If Get My Payment indicates your Payment has been processed, you cannot change your bank account information.
  • If you haven’t filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return and you received a Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099, your bank account information may be obtained from SSA. You will receive your Payment as a direct deposit or by mail, just as you would normally receive your benefits. You will not be able to use Get My Payment to provide your bank account information.
    • Q30. I requested a direct deposit of my Payment. Why are you mailing it to me as a check?

A30. It is possible we do not have the correct bank account information for you, or your financial institution rejected the direct deposit. In either case, your Payment will be mailed to the address we have on file for you.

More About the Economic Impact Payment

    • Q31. As a U.S. citizen living abroad, am I entitled to a Payment?
  • A31. Yes, U.S. citizens living outside the country are eligible for the Payment. Anyone eligible to file Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR is an eligible person if they have a valid SSN and can’t be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer. Nonresident aliens who file or would file Form 1040-NR or Form 1040-NR-EZ are not eligible for the Payment.
    • Q32. If I live in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, will I get a Payment if I’m eligible?
  • A32. In many cases, the answer is yes. But special rules in the law apply to these five U.S. territories (possessions). In general, the tax authorities in each territory will make Payments to eligible residents. People in these territories with questions about the Payment should contact their local tax authority.
    • Q33. Will I get the Payment if I am not a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or a resident of these territories?

Get My Payment FAQs

EIP Eligibility and General Information

    • Who is eligible?
  • U.S. residents will receive the Economic Impact Payment of $1,200 for individual or head of household filers, and $2,400 for married filing jointly if they are not a dependent of another taxpayer and have a work eligible Social Security number with adjusted gross income up to:
  • $75,000 for individuals
  • $112,500 for head of household filers and
  • $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns
  • Taxpayers will receive a reduced payment if their AGI is between:
  • $75,000 and $99,000 if their filing status was single or married filing separately
  • 112,500 and $136,500 for head of household
  • $150,000 and $198,000 if their filing status was married filing jointly
  • The amount of the reduced payment will be based upon the taxpayers specific adjusted gross income.
  • Eligible retirees and recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement, disability or veterans’ benefits as well as taxpayers who do not make enough money to normally have to file a tax return will receive a payment. This also includes those who have no income, as well as those whose income comes entirely from certain benefit programs, such as Supplemental Security Income benefits.
  • Retirees who receive either Social Security retirement or Railroad Retirement benefits will also receive payments automatically.
    • Who is not eligible?
  • Although some filers, such as high-income filers, will not qualify for an Economic Impact Payment, most will.
  • Taxpayers likely won’t qualify for an Economic Impact Payment if any of the following apply:
  • Your adjusted gross income is greater than
    • $99,000 if your filing status was single or married filing separately
    • $136,500 for head of household
    • $198,000 if your filing status was married filing jointly
  • You can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. For example, this would include a child, student or older dependent who can be claimed on a parent’s return.
  • You do not have a valid Social Security number.
  • You are a nonresident alien.
  • You filed Form 1040-NR or Form 1040NR-EZ, Form 1040-PR or Form 1040-SS for 2019.
    • How much is it worth?
  • Eligible individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for head of household filers and $150,000 for married filing jointly are eligible for the full $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 married filing jointly. In addition, they are eligible for an additional $500 per qualifying child.
  • For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$112,500/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000, $136,500 for head of household filers and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible and will not receive payments.
    • Do I need to take action?
  • People who filed a tax return for 2019 or 2018
  • No additional action is needed by taxpayers who:
  • have already filed their tax returns this year for 2019. The IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount.
  • haven’t filed yet for 2019 but filed a 2018 federal tax return. For these taxpayers the IRS will use their information from 2018 tax filings to make the Economic Impact Payment calculations.
  • People who aren’t typically required to file a tax return
  • Social Security and Railroad Retirement recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return need to take no action. The IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate Economic Impact Payments of $1,200 to these individuals even if they did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019. Recipients will receive these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients are also part of this group who don’t need to take action.
  • For Social Security, Railroad retirees and SSDI who have qualifying children, they can take an additional step to receive $500 per qualifying child.
  • There are other individuals such as low-income workers and certain veterans and individuals with disabilities who aren’t required to file a tax return, but they are still eligible for the Economic Impact Payments. Taxpayers can check the IRS.gov tool – Do I Need to File a Tax Return? – to see if  they have a filing requirement.  
  • If you don’t have to file, use the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” application to provide simple information so you can get your payment.
    • Payment recipients: watch for an IRS letter
  • For security reasons, the IRS plans to mail a letter about the economic impact payment to the taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days after the payment is paid. The letter will provide information on how the payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the payment. If a taxpayer is unsure they’re receiving a legitimate letter, the IRS urges taxpayers to visit IRS.gov first to protect against scam artists.
    • Avoid scams related to economic payments, COVID-19
  • The IRS urges taxpayers to be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the economic impact payments as cover for schemes to steal personal information and money. Remember, the IRS will not call , text you, email you or contact you on social media  asking for personal or bank account information – even related to the economic impact payments. Also, watch out for emails with attachments or links claiming to have special information about economic impact payments or refunds.
    • Should I use Get My Payment or Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here?

Use our guide to figure out which IRS tool to use to get your payment.

 Accessing Get My Payment

    • When can I start checking Get My Payment for the status of my payment?
  • If you filed your 2018 or 2019 tax return and it has been processed, you can check Get My Payment for the status of your economic impact payment.
    • If I filed jointly with my spouse, does it matter whose information I use for Get My Payment?
  • Either spouse can use Get My Payment by providing their own information for the security questions used to verify their identity. Once verified, the same payment status will be shown for both spouses. 
    • I am not required to file a tax return, can I still use Get My Payment to check my payment status?
  • Depending on your specific circumstances,  it may not be  possible for you to access Get My Payment if you usually do not file a tax return. If your identity cannot be verified when answering the required security questions, you will not be able to use Get My Payment.
    • I receive a Form SSA-1099 or RRB-1099 and file a tax return. Can I use Get My Payment to check my payment status?
  • Yes, you will be able to use Get My Payment to check the status of your payment after you verify your identity by answering the required security questions.
    • I receive a Form SSA-1099 or RRB-1099 and do not file a tax return because I don’t meet the income requirement to file. Can I use Get My Payment to provide my bank information to receive my EIP by direct deposit?
  • You will not be able to use Get My Payment to provide your bank account information because you did not file tax returns for 2018 or 2019. The IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to generate your payment. You will receive your payment as a direct deposit or by mail, just as you would normally receive your benefits.
    • If I have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), can I use Get My Payment?

You can access Get My Payment using an ITIN, but in most cases, the law does not allow an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) for individuals who file a return using an ITIN. The only exception is when two spouses file a joint tax return and either spouse is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year, in which case only one spouse needs to have a valid SSN.

 Payment Status

    • How long will it take for my payment status to change?
  • Updates to your payment status are made no more than once per day.
    • Does Get My Payment display different stages of my payment?

Get My Payment will display one of the following payment statuses:

1. Payment Status (one of two statuses) –

  • A payment has been processed, a payment date is available, and payment is to be sent either by direct deposit or mail.
  • You are eligible, but a payment has not been processed and a payment date is not available.

2. Need More Information – You are eligible for a payment, but we do not have your direct deposit information. You will be given the opportunity to provide your bank information once you have properly verified your identity. Direct Deposit is the fastest way to get your EIP.

3. Payment Status Not Available – We cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time. For example, you didn’t file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return, or you recently filed and the return has not been fully processed.

If a payment date is not provided, updates to your payment status are made no more than once per day.

 Payment Status Not Available

  • Why am I getting “Payment Status Not Available”? (updated April 17, 2020)

The Get My Payment application will return “Payment Status Not Available” for several reasons, including:

  • You are required to file a tax return, but:
    • We haven’t finished processing your 2019 return
    • The application doesn’t yet have your data; we’re working on adding more data to allow more people to use it.
  • You don’t usually file a return, and:
    • You used Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here but we haven’t processed your entry yet
    • You receive an SSA or RRB Form 1099 or SSI or VA benefits; information has not been loaded onto our systems yet for people who don’t normally file a tax return.
  • You’re not eligible for a payment (see Eligibility).

We update Get My Payment data once per day, overnight so there is no need to check more often. If you are eligible for a payment and have provided your information either through a recent tax return or the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here application, please check back for updates.

Bank Account Information

  • Where did the IRS get my bank information, and what if I need to change it?
  • Your bank account information for your economic impact payment is usually captured from:
  • the most recently filed tax return if you received a refund by direct deposit in 2018 or 2019, or
  • if you provided the bank information on our Get My Payment application, or
  • if you had to use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool.
  • If Get My Payment indicates your payment is pending or has been processed, you cannot change your bank account information. 
  • My bank account information has changed since I filed. Can I update it using the tool?
  • Yes, in some situations. Get My Payment cannot update direct deposit bank account information after an Economic Impact Payment has been scheduled for delivery. To help protect against potential fraud, the tool also does not allow people to change direct deposit bank account information already on file with the IRS. However, people who did not use direct deposit on their last tax return to receive a refund, or when their direct deposit information was inaccurate and resulted in a refund check, will be able to provide that information and speed their payment with a deposit into their bank account.
  • I no longer have the bank account that I used for direct deposit on my tax return. Can I change it using Get My Payment?
  • If the bank account is closed, the bank will reject the deposit and you will be issued your payment to the address we have on file for you. If our Get My Payment application indicates your payment has been processed, you cannot change your bank account information.
  • I used direct deposit to split my refund between several accounts when I filed my tax return. Can I use Get My Payment to designate which account I want my payment deposited in?
  • If you elected to split your refund between several accounts, you cannot use Get My Payment to designate which account to have your payment deposited in. We will deposit the payment to the first bank account that you listed on Form 8888, Allocation of Refund. If your direct deposit is rejected, your payment will be mailed to the address we have on file for you.
  • I made an electronic payment from my bank account to the IRS (includes a Direct Debit Installment Agreement (DDIA)). Will my payment be direct deposited to the same account? Can I use Get My Payment to provide my bank account information?
  • The account information used to make an electronic payment to the IRS cannot be used as the account information for the direct deposit of your payment. If we do not have bank account information for you and your payment has not been processed yet, Get My Payment will allow you to submit your bank account information once you have properly verified your identity so that you can get your EIP via direct deposit. Otherwise, we will mail your payment to address we have on file for you.
  • What does it mean when Get My Payment says, “Need More Information”?
  • You are eligible for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP), but we do not have your direct deposit information to send your payment electronically. You should provide your bank information once you have properly verified your identity. Make sure the routing number, account number, and account type are correct. You can find this information on one of your checks, through your online banking applications or by contacting your financial institution directly. Direct deposit is the fastest way to get your EIP.
  • If you choose not to provide your bank information or prefer to receive your EIP by mail, your payment will be sent to the address we have on file for you.
     
  • Can I use Get My Payment to check the direct deposit status if I changed my payment method to direct deposit?
  • Yes. You can use Get My Payment to check the status of your direct deposit after you provided your bank information. Updates to your payment status are made no more than once per day.
  • If Get My Payment is unavailable, will Where’s My Refund or View Your Account allow me to provide my bank information?
  • No, Where’s My Refund and View Your Account will not allow you to provide your bank information for purposes of your payment. Get My Payment is the only option available to enter your bank information to receive your payment through direct deposit instead of by mail if your payment has not already been scheduled. If Get My Payment is not available at the time you access it, you will need to try again later.

Locked/Status Unavailable

    • What does it mean when Get My Payment says, “Please Try Again Later”?
  • Your account has been locked. You will be able to access the application after 24 hours have passed. Please do not contact the IRS.
    • Why can’t I get my payment status?
  • To use Get My Payment, you must first verify your identity by answering security questions. If the information you enter does not match our records multiple times, you will be locked out of Get My Payment for 24 hours for security reasons. If you are unable to verify your identity, you will not be able to use Get My Payment. No action is needed to contact the IRS.
  • If you verified your identity and received “Payment Status Not Available,” this means we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time. This may occur for a variety of reasons, for example, if you didn’t file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return or you recently filed and the return has not been fully processed.
     
    • Will Where’s My Refund or View Your Account provide my payment status?

No. Where’s My Refund and View Your Account will not provide the status of your payment. Get My Payment is the only option available to get your payment status. If it is not available at the time you access it, you will need to try again later.

Error Message

  • Why am I receiving an error message when answering the security questions?

To ensure the information is entered correctly, please use the help tips provided when entering the information requested to verify your identity. If the information you enter does not match our records, you will receive an error message. Check the information requested to ensure you entered it accurately.  You may want to check your most recent tax return or consider if there is a different way to enter your street address. If the information you enter does not match our records multiple times, you will be locked out of Get My Payment for 24 hours for security reasons. There is no need to contact the IRS.

 Address Changes

  • My address is different from the last tax return I filed. Can I change it using Get My Payment?
  • No. Get My Payment will not allow you to change your address. To change your address:
  • If you have not filed your 2019 tax return, enter your new address on your return when you file. We update our records when your return is processed. File electronically to ensure your return will be processed more quickly.
  • If you have filed your 2019 tax return and you did not receive a refund via direct deposit, your payment will be mailed to the address we have on file for you. This is generally the address on your most recent return or as updated through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
  • I requested a direct deposit of my payment. Why are you mailing it to me?
  • No. Get My Payment will not allow you to change your address. To change your address:
  • If you have not filed your 2019 tax return, enter your new address on your return when you file. We update our records when your return is processed. File electronically to ensure your return will be processed more quickly.
  • If you have filed your 2019 tax return and you did not receive a refund via direct deposit, your payment will be mailed to the address we have on file for you. This is generally the address on your most recent return or as updated through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
  • I requested a direct deposit of my payment. Why are you mailing it to me?