If you haven’t gotten your second stimulus check, here’s what you need to know - Houston Chronicle

If you’re wondering where your second stimulus check is, you’re not alone.

Around 8 million people may not have gotten the first or second of payments, the Treasury Department estimated at the end of January.

“We’re getting a lot of questions about stimulus checks,” said Ana Gonzalez, program manager for the Houston Financial Empowerment Centers, which offers free financial planning for City of Houston residents of any income. “A lot of our clients are in crisis right now. It’s hard for them to pay rent and they’re asking how we can save them.”

The IRS reports it has sent over 100 million direct $600 payments to Americans from the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill that passed in December. More than 12 million payments of that funding was sent to Texans, totalling $21 billion. The bill required the IRS to pay all eligible by Jan.15, but many are still wondering when their relief will arrive, if ever.

One major reason for the delays was that the payments were erroneously deposited with temporary bank account information that some used to file their 2019 tax returns, according to the IRS. The mix-up happened for people who use online tax preparation services and opted to use a temporary account instead of direct deposit to receive their returns.

“The IRS and tax industry partners are taking immediate steps to redirect stimulus payments to the correct account for those affected,” a statement from the IRS reads.

Another big push to ensure everyone eligible gets their funding came after President Joe Biden on Jan. 22 signed an executive order for the Treasury Department to ensure the expedient delivery of each missed payment.

There are a couple of other reasons why your payment may be delayed, Gonzalez said, including opening a new bank account, making more income or failure to file 2019 tax returns.

Some immigrants in the country illegally may not qualify for the stimulus, said Gonzalez. Recipients must have Social Security numbers to be eligible. However, some groups of undocumented immigrants may receive payments depending on their situations, including mixed-status families.

Experts say there are several things you can do to ensure you will get your payment and to check into why you haven’t received it yet.

Make sure you qualify: A single person making $75,000 or less a year is eligible for the second round of payments. Those making more than that and up to $87,000 will get a reduced check. Married couples making $150,000 or less will receive the full amount, while those earning a higher yearly salary will get a lower amount. A head of household making $112,500 and less can receive $600, but those making more and up to $124,000 are eligible for a lesser amount. For every juvenile dependent, families will get another $600.

Check online: The Get My Payment tool on the IRS website is where those eligible should check the status of their relief funds. Make sure that your account information on the website is correct. If the number is incorrect because a temporary account number was mistakenly entered, IRS officials said to allow time for it to be automatically updated. If the website shows that a payment has been made to an incorrect account, the IRS advises to continue to monitor your bank account for deposits as it works to correct the mistake.

File your 2020 tax return: If you didn’t get part or any of the federal COVID relief you qualified for, you can claim Recovery Rebate Credit when you file your taxes. The eligibility is the same as for the relief checks, but is based on 2020 income, according to the IRS. The amount owed will be issued with your tax refund. Gonzalez recommends filing your taxes as soon as possible, both to get faster access to the credit and to receive your refund earlier.

Be vigilant: Keep checking your mail for a paper check or a debit card from the IRS, the agency said it’s still in the process of sending out payments. Also keep checking your bank account, because direct deposits are still being processed.

Stay informed: Keep up with the latest news about stimulus payments, because it changes often. New developments may allow additional avenues for trying to get a hold of your money.

Get professional advice: Find a financial planning or tax filing service to get advice from professionals on how to get your payment. Any City of Houston resident can get free advice and ongoing help from the Houston Financial Empowerment Centers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax services to people making under $54,000.

hannah.dellinger@chron.com

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If you haven’t gotten your second stimulus check, here’s what you need to know - Houston Chronicle
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