Receiving each of the checks was a simple and straightforward process for many Americans. In fact, many didn’t have to do anything except make sure they filed their 2019 and/or 2020 tax returns and verify their bank account information or address with the IRS. Others who qualified may have also had to verify their U.S. citizenship or resident alien status.

stimulus

The process to receive that much-needed financial boost to help pay bills was convenient for many, too. Typically, qualifying Americans received their stimulus checks in the same way they received their previous tax refunds. For example, those who had already linked their bank account with the IRS to get their tax refunds direct deposited also had their Economic Impact Payment delivered in the same way, for the most part. If someone preferred to get their tax refund mailed to their address, that’s also how they’d get their stimulus.

However, you’re required to file a 2019 or 2020 tax return in order to get your stimulus checks. But there are some who are not required to file their taxes if they don’t meet the minimum income amount. You would be considered a “non-filer” if you make less than $12,400 as an individual or $24,800 as a married couple filing jointly.

This status could have delayed your stimulus check, but you can claim your check through the IRS’s Non-Filer Sign-up Tool. It allows you to claim the third check’s amount you’re eligible for as a Recovery Rebate Credit. You can also use this tool to claim advance payments of the child tax credit, too.

Non-filers can also take advantage of the TaxAct Stimulus Registration tool, which allows you to safely provide your financial information to the IRS for them to process and send your stimulus payment. You can use the TaxAct Stimulus Registration tool in the following situations:

• You don’t receive Social Security benefits of any kind.
• You don’t receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
• You don’t receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments.

It’s important to note that the IRS has distributed the first and second stimulus checks and continues to send out third stimulus checks. If you have not received the full amount of stimulus checks, you can also claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on your taxes by using the online tool on the IRS website.

You may be wondering, “where is my missing stimulus check money?” If you go to the IRS website, find the page for Economic Impact Payments and use the Get My Payment tool, you can find the status of your stimulus check.

So whether you’ve used the Non-Filer Sign-up Tool, the TaxAct Stimulus Registration, filed your 2019 or 2020 tax return or claimed the Recover Rebate Credit, you can find out how much you qualify for, how much more you’re owed and whether the payment has been sent or is still processing.

This tool is likely the fastest way to get your updated stimulus check status as the IRS receives many, many calls everyday regarding Economic Impact Payments and other tax matters and it may be a time-consuming process to wait on the phone or get on the waitlist for a call back.