The IRS is Now Taking Phone Calls About Stimulus Checks (But Service is Limited)
You can finally talk to an IRS representative on the phone if you have stimulus check questions.
If you still have questions about your stimulus check (a.k.a., economic impact payment), you might actually be able to talk to an IRS representative now. The tax agency announced that it's starting to add 3,500 telephone representatives to answer some of the most common questions about stimulus payments. However, telephone assistance and other services will remain limited as the IRS continues to deal with staff shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (They plan to bring back additional representatives as state and local government advisories permit.) The announcement didn't say whether IRS phone representatives will be able to answer questions about individual stimulus check situations.
To get talk with an IRS representative, call the economic impact payment information line at 800-919-9835. You'll have to work your way through a series of automated messages, but the IRS says that people who need additional assistance at the conclusion of the messages will have the option of talking to a phone representative.
Check the IRS "Get My Payment" Portal First
Before calling the IRS, you should first use the "Get My Payment" portal at irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment to check the status of your payment. The portal is frequently updated as the IRS continues to process the remaining payments for delivery. (For more information about the portal, see Where's My Stimulus Check? Use the IRS's "Get My Payment" Portal to Get an Answer.)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you're eligible for a stimulus payment, but you aren't required to file a tax return, the IRS has another online tool for non-filers where you can register for a payment. That tool can be found at irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here. (For more information about the non-filers tool, see How to Get a Stimulus Check if You Don't File a Tax Return.)
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
Get These 40 Earth Day Deals and Discounts
Monday, April 22, is Earth Day. Many of your favorite retailers are celebrating with deals on sustainable products, recycling services, and more
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Home Energy Improvements Benefit Both Your Wallet and the Environment
Home energy improvements let you save on electricity bills while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
By Erin Bendig Published
-
'Instant' EV Tax Credits Are a Hit: $580M Paid This Year
EV Credits Claiming federal electric vehicle tax credits at the point of sale is a new and popular option in 2024.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Retirees Face Significant Tax Bills Due to Fraud
Fraud A new report sheds light on how older adult scam victims end up with big tax bills and lost retirement savings.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Tax Day: Is the Post Office Open Late?
Tax Filing Tax Day means some people need to mail their federal income tax returns.
By Kelley R. Taylor Published
-
High Earners: Beware of These Illegal Schemes to Lower Taxes
Tax Schemes The IRS says high-income filers are targets for several illegal tax schemes.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
Mailing Your Tax Return This Year? What to Know Before You Do
Tax Filing There are plenty of reasons not to mail your tax return this year, but here’s what you should know if you are.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated
-
A Bunch of IRS Tax Deductions and Credits You Need to Know
Tax Breaks Lowering your taxable income is the key to paying less to the IRS. Several federal tax credits and deductions can help.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
IRS Warning: Beware of Smishing and 'Helper' Tax Scams
Scams Tax season is a time to look out for email and text message scams.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
Most Expensive States to Live in for Homeowners
Property Taxes High property tax bills make the places on this list the most expensive states for homeowners to live in.
By Katelyn Washington Last updated