As you may know, the IRS has launched a new tool this week 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. Since its launch, I have been fielding questions about what it means when the tool tells you that it is unable to determine the status of your payment. I want to stress that getting this response does not mean you are automatically ineligible or that you definitely won’t get a payment. Many individuals who are eligible for a payment, including social security recipients, will get this message and still receive their payment without any delay.

The IRS has informed me that there are several reasons you may receive this message, including:

• Social Security Recipients: If you are a SSA or RRB Form 1099 recipient, SSI or VA benefit recipient – the IRS is working with your agency to issue your payment, so your information is not available in this app yet.
• Non-Filers: If you are required to file a tax return and have not filed in tax year 2018 or 2019 – you should file your taxes to update your status.
• Recent Filers: If you recently filed your return or provided information through Non-Filers: Enter Your Payment Info on IRS.gov – your payment status will be updated when processing is completed.
• High-income or otherwise ineligible: If you are not eligible for a payment because your income is above the cap, you do not have a social security number or you are listed as a dependent on somebody else’s tax return, you may also receive this message – click here for additional information on eligibility.

If you are still unsure why this is happening to you, my office can help you determine the root of your issue. Please do not hesitate to call us at 202-225-3026. Additionally, the Get My Payment data is updated once per day, so you can also check the app again to see whether there has been an update to your information.

For more information on how to use this tool to check your status or update your direct deposit information, please click here. Answers to other frequently asked questions about this tool are available here.

You may find these other resources useful as well:

• 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.