The familiar anxiety of checking your bank account for that promised stimulus deposit—we’ve all been there. With the third round of stimulus payments ($1,400 per eligible person) now being distributed across the country, millions of Americans are repeatedly refreshing their bank apps and mailboxes, hoping to spot that much-anticipated economic relief.
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Last Tuesday, I found myself in the same position. After hearing that several friends had already received their payments, I decided to track mine down using the IRS Get My Payment tool. The process was surprisingly straightforward, though not without its quirks and limitations that are worth knowing about before you dive in.
“This round of payments has been remarkably efficient compared to previous distributions,” explained Janet Holtzman, a tax preparer I spoke with from Cincinnati. “But the rollout is still happening in waves, and the Get My Payment tool remains the most reliable way to check your personal status rather than relying on general distribution schedules.”
Whether you’re still waiting for your $1,400 payment or just want to confirm it’s on its way, the IRS Get My Payment portal offers the most up-to-date information about your specific situation. Let’s break down exactly how to use this essential tool, what the various status messages mean, and what to do if you encounter problems.
How to Access and Use the IRS Get My Payment Tool
The IRS Get My Payment tool serves as the official tracking system for your stimulus payment (formally called an Economic Impact Payment). Unlike private sector package tracking systems with minute-by-minute updates, this government portal is more straightforward but still provides crucial information about when and how you’ll receive your money.
To access the portal, simply visit the official IRS website (irs.gov) and look for the “Get My Payment” button prominently displayed on the homepage. Alternatively, you can navigate directly to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment. The tool is available in both English and Spanish languages.
Once you’re on the Get My Payment landing page, you’ll need to click the blue “Get My Payment” button to proceed to the login screen. Before entering your information, you’ll encounter a disclaimer page explaining the tool’s purpose and limitations. After accepting the terms, you’ll reach the data entry page.
Required Information for Checking Your Payment Status
The system requires specific personal information to verify your identity before displaying your payment status:
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Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)
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Your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format
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Your street address (specifically the street address currently on file with the IRS)
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Your ZIP code
It’s critical to enter this information exactly as it appears on your most recent tax return. Even minor discrepancies like abbreviating “Street” as “St.” when your tax return spells it out can result in the system failing to recognize you.
“I couldn’t access my status for days because I was entering my new address,” shared Miguel Reyes from Phoenix. “Once I realized the IRS still had my previous address on file from my 2019 tax return, I entered that information instead and immediately got access to my payment status.”
After entering your information, click the “Continue” button to proceed. If the information matches IRS records, you’ll be taken to a page displaying your payment status.
Understanding Your Payment Status Messages
The Get My Payment tool will display one of several possible status messages, each with different implications for when and how you’ll receive your payment. Understanding these messages can help manage your expectations and determine whether any action is needed on your part.
Payment Status #1: “Payment Status Not Available”
This message can be frustrating but has several possible explanations:
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The IRS hasn’t processed your payment yet
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You’re not eligible for a payment
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The IRS doesn’t have enough information to issue your payment
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You’re required to file a tax return but haven’t filed for 2019 or 2020
“This message causes the most anxiety for people,” noted Holtzman. “But in many cases, it simply means your payment is scheduled for a later distribution wave. The IRS is processing millions of payments, and they’re being sent out in batches over several weeks.”
If you receive this message, the best approach is to check back in a few days. The IRS typically updates the system once daily (usually overnight), so checking multiple times within the same day won’t yield different results.
Payment Status #2: “Need More Information”
This message indicates that your payment was returned to the IRS because the postal service was unable to deliver it. In this case, you’ll have the option to provide direct deposit information through the Get My Payment tool. If you don’t provide bank information, you’ll need to wait for the IRS to mail your payment once you’ve updated your address through their official change of address process.
Payment Status #3: Specific Payment Details
The ideal status message provides specific details about your payment, including:
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Payment date
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Payment method (direct deposit, paper check, or debit card)
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The last four digits of the bank account number (for direct deposits)
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The address where your check or debit card will be mailed (for mail deliveries)
“Getting this message with a future date means you can stop worrying,” explained Reyes. “Your payment is scheduled and on its way, and the date shown is typically quite accurate.”
When I checked my own status last week, I received this exact message with a direct deposit date of March 24th. Sure enough, the funds appeared in my account on that exact date.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Despite the tool’s relative simplicity, users frequently encounter several common problems. Here’s how to address the most frequent issues:
“Technical Difficulties” or Locked Out Messages
The Get My Payment tool limits the number of times you can access it within 24 hours for security reasons. If you attempt to check too many times, you may see a message indicating you’ve been locked out for 24 hours.
“This is a fairly rigid security feature,” said Holtzman. “Unfortunately, there’s no workaround other than waiting the full 24 hours before trying again.”
To avoid this situation, make sure you have all your information ready before accessing the system, and limit yourself to one or two checks per day.
Address Format Problems
One of the most common issues stems from address formatting discrepancies. The system is quite particular about matching exactly what the IRS has on file.
Some tips for address entry:
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Use the standard postal format as shown on your tax return
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Include apartment numbers exactly as formatted on your return
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Don’t use punctuation unless it appears on your tax return
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For hyphenated last names or addresses with hyphens, include the hyphen
Recently Filed Tax Returns
If you recently filed your 2020 tax return, the Get My Payment tool may not reflect this new information immediately. The IRS has been dealing with a backlog of returns, and processing times are longer than usual.
“This tax season has been particularly challenging with stimulus processing happening simultaneously,” Holtzman pointed out. “If you filed recently, your payment might be based on your 2019 information until your 2020 return is processed.”
Payment Distribution Timeline and Methods
The IRS began distributing the third round of stimulus payments in mid-March, with the first wave focusing on people who had direct deposit information on file. Subsequent waves have included paper checks and prepaid debit cards sent via mail.
While most eligible recipients will receive their payments automatically, the distribution timeline varies based on several factors:
| Payment Method | Typical Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Deposit | 1-5 business days after being issued | Fastest method; requires bank info on file with IRS |
| Paper Check | 1-2 weeks after being issued | Delivery depends on postal service efficiency |
| EIP Card (Debit Card) | 1-2 weeks after being issued | Comes in plain envelope that might appear like junk mail |
| Economic Impact Payment | Varies | For Social Security, Railroad Retirement beneficiaries, etc. |
“The most common misconception I hear is that all payments are being sent simultaneously,” said Holtzman. “In reality, the IRS is sending them in batches, and your particular batch might be scheduled for a later date.”
Based on previous stimulus distributions, most eligible recipients should receive their payments within about three weeks of the initial rollout beginning. However, some payments may take longer, particularly for people who receive certain government benefits or don’t typically file tax returns.
Special Situations Affecting Payment Timing
Several specific circumstances can affect when you receive your payment:
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Social Security, SSI, SSDI Recipients: Many beneficiaries of these programs who don’t file tax returns will receive automatic payments, typically in the same way they receive their regular benefits.
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Veterans Affairs Benefit Recipients: The IRS has been working with the VA to obtain information for automatic payments to these beneficiaries.
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“Plus-Up” Payments: Some people are eligible for supplemental “plus-up” payments if their income decreased in 2020 compared to 2019, making them eligible for a larger payment.
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New Parents: If you had a child in 2020 or early 2021, you might receive an additional $1,400 for your new dependent after your 2020 tax return is processed.
“The most complex cases involve life changes that the IRS wouldn’t know about from previous returns,” explained Holtzman. “New children, significant income changes, and new eligibility for dependent adults all might require your 2020 return to be processed before you receive the correct amount.”
What To Do If Your Payment Amount Is Wrong
If you believe you’ve received an incorrect payment amount, the first step is to determine why there might be a discrepancy. The most common reasons include:
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Your 2020 tax return hasn’t been processed yet, so your payment was based on 2019 information
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A dependent’s status has changed between tax years
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Your income changed significantly between 2019 and 2020
“The good news is that these payments are actually advance tax credits for 2021,” noted Holtzman. “If you received less than you’re entitled to, you can claim the difference when you file your 2021 tax return next year.”
In other words, if you were underpaid based on your circumstances, you’ll have the opportunity to claim the additional amount as a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.
Alternatives If You Can’t Use the Get My Payment Tool
Not everyone can access or successfully use the online Get My Payment tool. If you’re in this situation, you have limited alternatives for checking your stimulus payment status:
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Phone Assistance: Unfortunately, IRS phone representatives don’t have access to detailed payment status information beyond what’s available in the Get My Payment tool.
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Tax Professional Access: Tax professionals also don’t have special access to stimulus payment information.
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Bank Alert Systems: Many banks offer notification systems for deposits, which can alert you when your payment arrives.
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Mail Monitoring: For those expecting paper checks or debit cards, services like USPS Informed Delivery can provide daily previews of your incoming mail.
“The harsh reality is that the Get My Payment tool remains the primary resource,” said Holtzman. “The IRS simply doesn’t have the staffing to handle millions of individual payment status calls, which is why they created the online system in the first place.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions about stimulus payment tracking:
When does the Get My Payment tool update?
The system typically updates once per day, usually overnight.
How long should I wait before worrying about my payment?
Allow at least three weeks from the beginning of the distribution before becoming concerned.
Will the IRS contact me about my stimulus payment?
The IRS will not call, text, email, or contact you on social media about your stimulus payment. Be wary of scams.
What if I changed banks since filing my taxes?
If your direct deposit bounces, the IRS will mail you a paper check or debit card instead.
Can I change my payment method from mail to direct deposit?
Only if your status shows “Need More Information” after a payment has been returned undeliverable.
What if I moved since filing my last tax return? Update your address directly with the IRS using Form 8822 or by filing your 2020 tax return with your new address.
Patience Remains Essential
While the Get My Payment tool provides valuable information, the most important thing to remember about the third stimulus payment is that distribution takes time. The vast majority of eligible Americans will receive their payments automatically without needing to take additional action.
“I always tell my clients that constantly checking won’t make the money arrive any faster,” Holtzman said with a laugh. “Check once every few days, and trust that if you’re eligible, your payment is working its way through the system.”
For most of us, that $1,400 payment will arrive exactly when we need it most—even if the waiting game tests our patience in the meantime. The Get My Payment tool simply gives us a window into that process, offering some certainty during uncertain times.
Whether you’re planning to use your stimulus for necessities, debt reduction, savings, or supporting local businesses, knowing when to expect those funds helps you plan accordingly. And in today’s economic climate, that kind of planning can make all the difference.
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