How Can I Get My Stimulus Check After Filing Taxes?

Stimulus checks were issued to provide financial relief, but some people may not have received theirs despite filing taxes. Processing delays, errors, or missing information could be factors, but steps can be taken to claim the payment.

Understanding how to retrieve a missing stimulus check depends on tax status and whether further action is required.

Eligibility Criteria

Stimulus payments were based on income, residency, and tax filing status, determined using adjusted gross income (AGI) from the most recent tax return. For the third round of payments, individuals with an AGI of $75,000 or less qualified for the full amount, with payments phasing out completely at $80,000. Married couples filing jointly were eligible if their AGI was $150,000 or less, with a phase-out at $160,000. These limits were based on either 2019 or 2020 tax returns.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens with valid Social Security numbers were eligible. However, nonresident aliens and individuals claimed as dependents on another person’s tax return were excluded. Unlike earlier stimulus rounds, the third payment allowed mixed-status families—where one spouse had a Social Security number and the other had an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)—to receive funds if at least one filer met the Social Security requirement.

Dependents also affected payment amounts. The third round included all dependents, such as college students and elderly relatives, rather than limiting eligibility to those under 17. Each qualifying dependent added $1,400 to the total payment, provided the taxpayer met income requirements.

Options if No Return Is Filed

Individuals who did not file a tax return may need to take additional steps to claim their stimulus payment. Payments were issued based on tax records, so those who did not submit a return were not automatically considered. This includes people with little or no income who were not required to file, as well as those who missed the deadline.

Filing a tax return for the relevant year, even after the deadline, allows individuals to claim missing stimulus funds through the Recovery Rebate Credit. This credit applies to taxpayers who did not receive their full payment. By reporting income and dependents, the IRS can reassess eligibility and issue the appropriate amount. Filing electronically and selecting direct deposit can speed up processing.

Free filing options are available for lower-income individuals through the IRS Free File program, which partners with tax software providers. Additionally, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer in-person assistance. These resources help ensure tax returns are submitted correctly, reducing the risk of further delays.

Some individuals who rely solely on Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits may have received stimulus payments automatically, as the IRS worked with these agencies to distribute funds. However, if a payment was never received and no tax return was filed, submitting a return remains the best way to claim the missing amount.

Amending a Tax Return to Claim Payment

Errors or omissions on a tax return can prevent the IRS from issuing a stimulus payment. Filing an amended return using Form 1040-X allows taxpayers to correct mistakes and potentially recover missing funds. This form is necessary when income, filing status, or dependent information was inaccurately reported.

If a taxpayer mistakenly reported an income level that disqualified them from receiving a payment, adjusting the return to reflect the correct amount may allow them to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. Similarly, if a dependent was left off the original filing, adding them through an amendment could result in an increased payment.

Processing times for amended returns vary. The IRS now accepts e-filed Form 1040-X for tax years 2021 and later, significantly reducing wait times compared to paper submissions, which can take up to 20 weeks. Taxpayers can track the status of their amendment using the IRS’s “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool.

Submitting a Request for Missing Funds

If a stimulus payment is missing despite filing a return with accurate information, submitting a formal request to the IRS may be necessary. Payments can be lost due to misdirected deposits, incorrect mailing addresses, or issues with third-party tax preparers.

For direct deposits that never arrived, verifying account details on the tax return is the first step. If the IRS attempted to deposit funds into a closed or incorrect account, the payment might have been returned, requiring a reissuance request.

For mailed checks that never arrived, requesting a payment trace using IRS Form 3911 can initiate an investigation. The IRS typically allows this request after five weeks for domestic mail or nine weeks for international addresses. If the check was cashed fraudulently, the IRS will provide a claims package to dispute the transaction. Individuals should also check for address discrepancies, as payments sent to outdated locations may require updating records with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service.

Checking the Status of Your Payment

If a stimulus payment has not arrived, checking its status through official IRS tools can provide clarity on whether it has been issued, is still being processed, or encountered a problem. The IRS offers an online resource called “Get My Payment,” which allows taxpayers to track their stimulus funds by entering basic identifying information. This tool provides updates on the payment method—whether direct deposit or mailed check—and the scheduled delivery date.

For those who filed a tax return and claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit, the status of the refund, including any stimulus-related adjustments, can be checked using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. If the IRS adjusted the credit due to discrepancies in reported income or dependents, the taxpayer will receive a notice explaining the change. If the IRS has no record of issuing a payment, submitting a payment trace or amending the return may be necessary.

Reasons You May Be Denied a Stimulus Payment

Even if a tax return was filed, certain factors can result in a denied stimulus payment. The IRS enforces strict eligibility rules, and inconsistencies in reported information, outstanding debts, or filing status issues can impact approval.

Income exceeding the eligibility threshold is one of the most common reasons for denial. If a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income surpassed the phase-out limits, the payment would be reduced or eliminated. Additionally, individuals claimed as dependents on another person’s return were not eligible to receive their own stimulus check, even if they were financially independent.

Outstanding federal debts, such as unpaid child support or certain tax liabilities, could also lead to stimulus funds being withheld. While most stimulus payments were protected from garnishment, the first round of payments was subject to offsets for overdue child support. Additionally, if a taxpayer’s banking information was incorrect or their return contained errors, the IRS may have rejected the payment request, requiring further action to resolve the issue.