Stimulus Checks
06 / 12 / 20

Stimulus Checks

Are you still waiting for your $1200 stimulus check to be deposited in your account? If so, there is probably a reason why it has been delayed. The simplest explanation is that your check may be coming in the mail. This would happen if the IRS had already begun to process your paper check when you submitted your direct deposit information, or if you failed to submit any direct deposit information.

Another possibility is that your banking information is out of date. If this is the case, your payment will have to be re-processed. Your bank could have also had trouble depositing the payment; when this happens, the payment is returned to the IRS, and they will mail you a paper check.

Also note, your check may be reduced or rejected if you owe child support. If this is what happened, the Bureau of Fiscal Service will alert you. Finally, the IRS may have simply scheduled your payment to be issued at a later date.

If you are an eligible filer and have not received your payment, you will be able to claim it next year when you file your 2020 tax return. However, if you cannot wait until then, you can call 800-919-9835.

There is also the unfortunate possibility that you have been scammed. Even in times like these, there are people looking to steal from you. If you stay vigilant and pay close attention to any information you may receive about stimulus checks, you can avoid falling for these clever schemes.

Recently the IRS has reminded Americans to keep a close eye out for scammers trying to take advantage of the pandemic by committing tax fraud and stealing your money. Many criminals use these trying times of economic and social distress to steal from the most vulnerable.

Emails have been sent out asking the recipient to fill out a form of personal information and pay a fee in order to receive their Economic Impact Payments, or stimulus checks, early and possibly with more money. However, there is no alternative amount or timeline when it comes to receiving your stimulus check.

Oddly enough, rumors are sometimes the driving force behind these scams. For example, some Americans are asking questions about a second stimulus check which is not in the works at the moment. Even though the House of Representatives has passed the HEROES Act, which includes a second stimulus package, it is still in the hands of the Senate. Scammers are attempting to take advantage of this by sending emails to Americans saying they need to apply for the second stimulus check and ultimately they are stealing your private details and possibly money.

The best thing you can do to avoid scammers is to stay alert and make sure what you are reading is true. If you have any hesitations be sure to look at reliable sources before filling out any forms or paying any fees. If you are unfortunately a victim of fraud regarding your stimulus, you can report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

If you have any questions on receiving your stimulus check or if you believe you may be being scammed, please reach out to us. Bryson Law Firm, LLC is here and ready to help!