When the IRS announced last week they were accelerating the economic stimulus payment schedule, it caused a lot of confusion. Since then, a lot of people have asked me when they will receive their economic stimulus rebate from the government. I have done my best to answer as many questions as possible, but I do not have all the answers. This post has the most accurate information as of the date it was published, and all information was sourced from the IRS website.
Everything you need to know about the economic stimulus payments
On May 1st, the IRS updated their Economic Stimulus Information Center page, which has just about everything you might want to know about the economic stimulus rebates, including:
- When? official stimulus payment schedule,
- How Much? the official stimulus rebate calculator (this calculator has been removed from the IRS website),
- Where is my rebate? and the stimulus payment tracker.
I have highlighted some of the information from those pages for you.
The Official IRS Payment Schedule
This is a copy of the official stimulus payment schedule from the IRS web page, as of May 1, 2008. Economic stimulus payments will be issued according to the last two-digits of the main filer’s Social Security number. For joint filers, the payments will go out based on the person listed first on the return. Payments will be made by either direct deposit or paper check, consistent with how people filed their 2007 tax return.
According to the IRS website, direct deposits will be made daily and will be completed by the date listed below (assuming your tax return was filed by the April 15 deadline):
Direct Deposit
| Last two SSN digits: | Payments will be transmitted no later than: |
| 00 through 20 | May 2 |
| 21 through 75 | May 9 |
| 76 through 99 | May 16 |
Paper checks will also go out based on Social Security number. For Social Security numbers ending in 00 through 09, the paper checks will be mailed starting May 9 and will continue through May 16. A similar process will be repeated in the following weeks.
Paper Check
| Last two SSN digits: | Payments will be mailed no later than: |
| 00 through 09 | May 16 |
| 10 through 18 | May 23 |
| 19 through 25 | May 30 |
| 26 through 38 | June 6 |
| 39 through 51 | June 13 |
| 52 through 63 | June 20 |
| 64 through 75 | June 27 |
| 76 through 87 | July 4 |
| 88 through 99 | July 11 |
Late filers. People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus payment, but probably about two weeks later than the schedule shows. A return must be filed by October 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment this year.
The Official IRS Rebate Calculator
The web based stimulus rebate calculator is easy to use and takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. You will need a copy of the Form 1040 that you filed with the IRS. Then, follow the instructions. Don’t worry, the IRS doesn’t ask for any personal data such as your SSN, nor does it store any of your information when you use the calculator. All entries are erased when you exit or start over. Keep in mind, this is only an estimate, and is not “official” until you receive the check.
Where’s My Stimulus Payment? – The Official IRS Rebate Tracker
The IRS created a web based tool to help you track the status of your economic stimulus rebate. You will need to have your tax return handy because you will need to input some key information from your return, including your SSN, filing status, and number of exemptions. The tool will locate your information in the database and give you the status of your rebate.
Important note about rebate tracker: The IRS recommends using the Payment Schedule prior to using the payment tracker since your payment information will not be available on this tool until the time that your payment is scheduled.
More questions about the stimulus package?
For more details or frequently asked questions, read the Economic Stimulus Package Frequently Asked Questions, or visit the IRS Stimulus Payment Information Center.
Most importantly – be patient! The IRS is processing millions of rebates in an extremely short time period. There are bound to be a few speed bumps along the way. Good luck!
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Jarhead~
Josaphine didn’t overspend, her friend did….and if you didn’t want to experience the whining of people awaiting their stimulus payment, then you should not READ the blog about people wondering where their stimulus check is!!!
Monica, I am almost positive that no one could garnish your stimulus payment except the government for tax payment or for student loans overdue. Unless you are receiving direct deposit and your bank account is garnished, they can’t get your stimulus.
this is just a comment to all it applies to! we got in trouble with the irs (my husband was very ill ) and i know nothing about taxes! he is on disability now and we are paying irs $431.24 a month. his check is 1,022.00 a month and i cannot work. we took out a life insurance policy because they were 100 percent positive it was lung cancer ;well it wasn’t thank the lord but now we have paid so much into it to cancel it .so we are living off of app $470 a month! a check from them would be greatly appreciated. i am not sure if we will qualify!! we paid in $ 145.00 but who knows ;we probably won’t getanything!we need a change in government but who can we choose one?? i think they all say they will help the middle or lower in come people but when they get in office ;that all changes! just wanted to sign off a little steam! thanks for listening! linda
Why are you blaming the media and government for your loose spending. I think it was very foolish of you to spend money you couldn’t afford. Stop blaming your problems on others.
I too thought I would get my refund last week. According to the IRS payment schedule it was supposed to deposited into my checking account on may 2nd, here it is may 7th and the Irs has no info on my stimulus refund.I just found out that those who used Turbo Tax to file their returns will get paper checks because the money came from Santa Barbera bank not the Irs.. The Irs then submits the return to Santa Barbera bank .Anyone who ever use Turbo Tax knows that the refund you get is a loan from santa barbera bank and thats why they charge you money to then direct deposit your money.. Oh well I now have to wait till may 23 for the Irs to issue a paper check.. They should really explain this on their website..
On the IRS website I found out that if you had ANY FEES for online filing or preparation deducted from your tax refund that you will get a paper check even if the remainder of your refund was direct deposited. What a bummer! . . . but hey it’s still money we weren’t expecting!
I filed and had direct deposit(paid my tax prep with credit card) but had to do an amendment someone said that will delay my check is this true??
Gloria,
If you received a check for your tax refund, you will receive a check for your rebate.
Jo,
The IRS has stated that all tax refunds that route through a 3rd party will result in rebate checks being sent (not direct deposits). Based on everything I have read, it seems like your rebate will be coming via check.
Lizzy,
If you owe money to a government agency, the chances of the IRS withholding your rebate are very good.
Monica,
It is possible the rebate will be garnished, but it depends if the IRS has this info in their system already. Sorry I can’t give you a solid yes or no… it may or may not be garnished.
Wendy,
If you filed an amendment, yes, your rebate may be delayed. Not sure how long though; it all depends on how long it takes the IRS to catch up. You will also receive a paper check if it is delayed.
Comments are closed, but don’t go away!
Thank you for stopping by. I have answered almost 500 e-mails and comments over the last few days. I enjoy helping others, but I am answering many of the questions multiple times.
Please read Frequently Asked Stimulus Questions.
Hopefully, your question will be answered in that article. If not, see these articles:
Regards,
Patrick
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