Second stimulus verification issues: what to do if the IRS ‘Get my payment’ portal shows the error ‘Payment status not available’

NEW YORK – While millions are receiving their second round of stimulus checks, many of those eligible already face problems securing their $ 600 payments.

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

Here’s what you need to know about stimulus check problems, since Monday, January 4, marks the official payment date:

What does “Payment status not available” mean?

The Get My Payment tool at IRS.gov was designed to show the status of the first and second stimulus payments.

Still, some people who received their first round of checks through direct deposit are getting a status that says “Payment status not available”.

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

The website’s FAQ page, however, is unclear whether this status is temporary or indicates that the IRS cannot issue a second stimulus payment. The IRS appears to be making updates to its guidelines.

Those who are eligible and do not receive a second COVID-19 relief check can claim it when they present their 2020 taxes this year. Technically, the second stimulus check is an advance payment of that tax credit.

Taxpayers will see unclaimed stimulus funds, called Recovery discount credit on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR of your taxes. Individuals and couples applying together can also claim the Recovery Discount Credit if they have not received the full amount of the first stimulus payment.

Click here for more information about Recovery Discount Credit.

Is the calculator not being displayed correctly? Click here to open in a new window.

What happens to people who switched bank accounts between the first and second round of payments?

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

Payment information cannot be changed, so these people will need to claim the payment as a Discount Credit for recovering their taxes.

What about changing addresses for those who received checks in the mail?

If you did not complete your 2019 income tax return, please insert your new address in the return when placing your order. The IRS also has forms that notify you of a change of address. Click here for more info.

Other problems with second stimulus payments

For those with more problems and issues with the second round of stimulus payments, the IRS is working on updating its guidelines. This means that the agency may have clearer solutions to people’s problems in the coming days.