As you might already know, Congress recently passed the CARES Act, which authorized direct financial assistance up to $1,200 per individual and $500 per child. For the vast majority of Americans, no action is required to receive your economic impact payment and direct deposits have already begun. More information on eligibility is available here.

The IRS has just launched a new tool for you to check the status of your economic impact payment, and if you meet certain criteria, add your direct deposit information so you can receive your payment faster.

How To Check The Status Of Your Payment
To find out the status of your payment, you will need some basic information, including:

• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Street address
• Zip code
• You may also need basic information from your 2018 or 2019 tax returns

Click here to check your status. This new tool has just launched and is experiencing high traffic, so please be patient as you may experience a delay.

How To Update Your Bank Account Or Mailing Address
If the IRS doesn’t have your direct deposit information from a 2018 or 2019 return – and they haven’t yet sent your payment – you can also use the tool to let the IRS know where to send your direct deposit. In many cases, direct deposits will be preferable to paper checks because it will be distributed faster.

Please read carefully to see if any of these circumstances apply to you:

• 2019 Filers: If you provided direct deposit information when you filed your taxes, the IRS will send your payment using the account information you provided. You will not be able to change it.
• 2018 Filers Who Haven’t Filed In 2019: If you need to change your bank account information or mailing address, file your 2019 taxes electronically as soon as possible. That is the only way to let the IRS know your new information.
• Didn't File a Return in 2018 or 2019: If you have a filing requirement and have not filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you must file a 2019 tax return to receive the payment. If you are not required to file a 2018 or 2019 tax return, or you are a new beneficiary since January 1, 2020 of either Social Security or SSI benefits, visit Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here.

Finally, the following resources are also available to explain the details of how this money will be distributed:

• The IRS website
• Direct Financial Relief Frequently Asked Questions
• Guidance To Receive Individual Assistance For Social Security Recipients
• Timeline of Payment Distribution
• Additional Information For Non-Filers

As always, your 18th District Congressional Offices are open and ready to help. Please do not hesitate to contact the office at 202-225-3026 if you have any questions or need any assistance. You can also learn more and sign up for breaking coronavirus news alerts here.