If you are still eagerly waiting for that IRS stimulus check to arrive in the mail, you aren't the only one. In fact, one of the most common phrases being Googled right now is "where is my stimulus check." Furthering this confusion is the fact that the government reportedly started sending out stimulus payments
four days early. There are several possibilities why your stimulus check has not arrived yet, including the following.
- It Isn't Your Time Yet – Only people who opted for a direct deposit received their stimulus checks early. If you are expecting one by mail, it is possible that it simply hasn't been mailed according to the official schedule. If the last two digits of your Social Security number is higher than 18, you may not see the check until June or July, so sit tight.
- You Haven't Filed Your Taxes – Oops! Hopefully, you have filed your taxes on time. Given the fact that you are reading a tax blog, you probably don't forget that sort of thing. Keep in mind that if you have made the mistake of forgetting about your taxes, you have until October to file and still qualify for the stimulus check.
- You Filed Late – Again, you won't be disqualified for the stimulus payment if you file late. However, it will possibly delay your check, so don't rely on that payment schedule anymore.
- You Don't Qualify – Sadly, some people may be expecting stimulus payments that they simply don't qualify for. The IRS has laid out some very simple qualifications and the most important factor is that you filed a 2007 tax return.
- You Owe the Government Money – If you owe the government any money for things like taxes or back child support, this debt will likely be deducted from your stimulus payment. This, of course, means that you probably won't receive a check at all! A letter from the IRS will arrive to alert you of this, however, so don't expect to be left in the dark.
Still expecting a check and feeling a bit anxious? Well, you may be in luck, as the IRS has just instituted an official Stimulus Report Status checker. Simply fill in your Social Security number, your filing status and how many exemptions you had on your 2007 tax return. Mind you, your status will only be available if your check is expected to be cut within the next week or two. If your status is not available, simply call the phone number provided to find out more.
By-line:
This article is contributed by Heather Johnson, who regularly writes on the topic of small business finance. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: heatherjohnson2323 at gmail dot com.
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