The U.S. government issued multiple rounds of stimulus checks to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $1,400 stimulus payment, part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, was the third and final round of direct relief payments.
If you’re still waiting for your payment or want to confirm its status, the IRS provides an online tool to track it. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to use the IRS Get My Payment tool, what the status messages mean, and what to do if you haven’t received your money.
What Is the $1,400 Stimulus Check?
The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law in March 2021, providing $1,400 stimulus payments to eligible individuals and families. The payments were distributed based on income, tax filings, and dependent status.
Eligibility for the $1,400 Stimulus Check
You qualified for the full $1,400 payment if:
✅ Individuals earning less than $75,000 per year
✅ Married couples earning less than $150,000 per year (received $2,800 total)
✅ Heads of household earning less than $112,500 per year
✅ Dependents (including adult dependents) received an additional $1,400 per person
If your income exceeded these limits, the payment phased out and was completely eliminated for:
❌ Individuals earning $80,000 or more
❌ Couples earning $160,000 or more
How to Check Your Stimulus Payment Status
The IRS Get My Payment tool allows you to track your stimulus check in real-time. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Visit the IRS Website
Go to the official IRS Get My Payment tool at:
➡️ https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
Step 2: Enter Your Information
You will need to provide:
✔ Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
✔ Date of birth
✔ Mailing address (as listed on your tax return)
Step 3: Check Your Status
Once you submit your details, the system will display your payment status.
What Do the IRS Status Messages Mean?
The Get My Payment tool may show different messages based on your situation:
🟢 “Payment Status” – Your payment has been processed and will be sent on the specified date.
🟡 “Payment Status Not Available” – The IRS hasn’t processed your payment yet, or you may not be eligible.
🔴 “Need More Information” – The IRS was unable to send your payment and may need additional details (such as your bank account information for direct deposit).
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Payment
If the IRS tool shows that your payment was sent, but you haven’t received it, follow these steps:
1. Check Your Bank Account
If you provided direct deposit information, verify your account to see if the funds have arrived.
2. Look for a Paper Check or Debit Card
If you didn’t set up direct deposit, the IRS may have mailed your payment as:
✔ A physical check
✔ A prepaid debit card (EIP Card)
Check your mail carefully to avoid accidentally discarding your payment.
3. Request a Payment Trace
If the IRS says your payment was sent, but you never got it, you can request a payment trace.
✅ How to Request a Payment Trace:
Call the IRS at 1-800-919-9835
Fill out Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund)
Mail the form to the IRS address provided in the instructions
4. Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
If you never received the payment or got less than you were eligible for, you can claim the missing amount as a Recovery Rebate Credit when filing your taxes.
✔ How to Claim It:
File your 2021 tax return
Enter the missing stimulus amount on Line 30 of Form 1040
The IRS will add the amount to your refund
Tips for Using the IRS Get My Payment Tool
✅ Check at Off-Peak Hours – The tool gets busy, so try early morning or late night.
✅ Ensure Your Information Matches IRS Records – Use the exact address from your tax return.
✅ Be Patient – Payments process in batches, so your status may take time to update.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Still Get a Stimulus Check If I Didn’t File Taxes?
Yes, but you may need to file a tax return to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit.
2. What If I Moved or Changed My Bank Account?
If you moved, update your address with the IRS using Form 8822. Unfortunately, you cannot update your bank account for past stimulus payments.
3. Are Stimulus Checks Taxable?
No. Stimulus payments are NOT taxable income and do not need to be reported on your tax return.
4. What If I Received Less Than $1,400?
If you got less than you were eligible for, file a Recovery Rebate Credit claim on your tax return.
Final Thoughts
The $1,400 stimulus check provided crucial financial relief, but if you haven’t received yours yet, don’t panic—you can track it using the IRS Get My Payment tool.
➡️ Check your status: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
If your payment was sent but never arrived, follow the steps to request a payment trace or claim your missing funds on your tax return. Don’t leave your money unclaimed!
Need More Help?
📞 Call the IRS at 1-800-919-9835
📍 Visit the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov
By staying informed and taking the right steps, you can make sure you get every dollar you’re owed!