Problems with the second stimulus check: what to do if the IRS portal ‘Get my payment’ shows the error ‘Payment status not available’

NEW YORK – As millions receive their second round of stimulus checks, many of those eligible have already struggled to secure their $ 600 payments.

According to the IRS, those who have filed tax returns for 2019 and provided direct deposit information should automatically receive the payments into their bank accounts from December 29th. Those who have successfully registered for the first payment on IRS.gov should also receive automatic payments. But this may not be the case for everyone.

This is what you need to know about stimulus testing issues, as Monday 4 January is the official payment date:

What does ‘Payment status not available’ mean?

The Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov is designed to indicate the status of first and second stimulus payments.

However, some people who received their first check round via direct deposit get the status “Payment status not available”.

“We are unable to provide the status of your payment at this time because we do not have enough information yet (we are working on this), or you are not eligible for payment,” the message reads.

However, the FAQ page of the website is unclear whether this status is temporary or indicates that the IRS cannot issue a second stimulus payment. The IRS appears to be updating its guidelines.

Those who qualify and do not receive a second COVID-19 lighting test may claim it when they file their 2020 tax this year. Technically, the second stimulus check is an advanced payment of this tax credit.

Taxpayers will see that unclaimed stimulus funds Refund Discount Credit on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR of their tax. Individuals and couples filing jointly may also claim the Refund Discount if they have not received the full amount of the first stimulus payment.

Click here for more information on the Repayment Short Credit.

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What happens to people who have changed bank accounts between the first and second payment rounds?

According to the IRS website, the agency only uses data that is already in its systems.

Payment information cannot be changed, so these people must claim the payment as a Refund Credit on their taxes.

What about address changes for those who received checks by mail?

If you have not submitted your tax return for 2019, enter your new address on your return when you submit it. The IRS also has forms to notify the change of address. Click here for more information.

Other problems with second stimulus payments

For those with more issues and problems with second-round stimulus payments, the IRS is currently working on updating its guidance. This means that in the coming days the agency will have clearer solutions to individuals’ problems.