For many people, the third stimulus check was a lifesaver. It aided families with paying bills and putting food on the table. That was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It also issued the third Economic Impact Payments (EIP3). Do You Know the Status of Your EIP3? This guide will walk you through it. We’ll also explain what to do if you encounter issues, and where to seek additional help.
How to Track Your Third Stimulus Check Online
(Officially, the IRS had a tool for tracking payments.) It was the ‘Get My Payment’ tool. It enabled you to understand where your money went. Let’s look at how to use it.
How to Get a Payment Using the “Get My Payment” Tool
This tool was found on the IRS website. So you had to have some information in order to use it. This also included your Social Security number. You also had to have your date of birth and address. The tool then used this data to confirm your identity.
INTERPRETING THE PAYMENT STATUS MESSAGES
The “Get My Payment” tool provided different responses. One of these was “Payment Status Not Available.” That usually meant the IRS hadn’t processed your payment yet. “Need More Information” meant they needed additional info from you. “Payment Sent” was the best message. It meant your stimulus check was coming.
How to Fix Common Problems With the “Get My Payment” Tool
Sometimes the tool failed to operate correctly. Website traffic could break things. Incorrect info could, too. Verify that you typed everything correctly. If the site had been busy, try again later.
What You Need to Know About Who Qualifies and How Much the Third Stimulus Check Would Be
Not everyone received a third stimulus check. There had been criteria for eligibility. The amount you got depended on what you earned.
Income Requirements and Phase-Outs
There were income limits. If you earned too much money, there was no check for you. For individuals, it was $75,000. Married couples were capped at $150,000. Payments were gradually reduced over these amounts.
Eligible Dependents and Credit Avenues
You have received additional money for every dependent. This benefitted families with children. This article is part of a guide to the new $600 payment. You may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Credit. A: Do this when you file your taxes.
When You Might Not Be Entitled to This Information
Some people weren’t eligible. For instance, if someone filed you as a dependent. And non-resident aliens often did not qualify.
What to Do if Your Third Stimulus Check Didn’t Arrive or Was the Wrong Amount
What if your payment never arrived? Or if it was for the incorrect amount? There are steps you can take.
Requesting a Payment Trace
You can request a payment trace, as well. This requests the IRS to search for your payment. And can do this if it’s been a while. The Form can be found on the IRS website. Fill it out and send it in.
How to Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on Your 2021 Tax Return
Take the Recovery Rebate Credit! Here’s how to claim any missing stimulus money. Use Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR and read the instructions carefully.
How to Reach the IRS Directly for Help
You can call the IRS. Do not hesitate, it sometimes might take time. You can also write them a letter. Go to the website to locate the address.
Common scams and how you can protect yourself
Unfortunately, scams circulate about stimulus payments. Awareness of risk can help keep you safe.
How to Spot Phishing Emails and Phony Websites
Be aware of phishing emails eh? They all try to trick you with emails. They frequently request personal information. Do not click on links included in suspicious emails. There are other tricks, like fake websites. Always look at the address of the website. Confirm that it’s the official IRS site.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Do not share your Social Security number. Keep your bank account information safe, too. Just don’t give it to any you don’t trust.
How to Report Scams to the Right People
Report it if you think you’ve found a scam. Tell the IRS about it. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Here are some resources and support you can find out about
Need more help? There are places to turn to. These resources can offer additional assistance.
IRS Website and FAQs
A good place to start is the IRS website. This one contains a ton of information on stimulus checks. See the FAQs section to know more.
Taxpayer Advocate Service
That’s where the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) comes in. TAS is an independent organization within the IRS. It assists taxpayers in navigating disputes with the IRS.
Local Community Resources
National groups can help you as well. They’re useful with tax preparation. They can also give financial advice.
Conclusion
Keeping tabs on your third stimulus check can be simple. Know how to monitor its status and what to do if problems arise. Be aware of scams. Remember that resources are available. Stay safe and keep abreast with your monetary health.
