Stimulus Payment Phone Number Established

US Senator Brian Schatz has provided an update for stimulus funding including a special phone line established by the IRS for taxpayers with questions about their Economic Impact Payment (stimulus checks) issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act.

Taxpayers with questions can call (800) 919-9835.

Answers to common questions will be given via automated message, but there will be an option to speak to a representative.  Wait times may be significant due to high call volume.  Taxpayers are encouraged to first see if their question can be answered by visiting www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center.

Taxpayers can still check on the status of their payment at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment.  You will need your 2018 or 2019 tax return to access the portal.  Due to high demand, the site may take longer than usual to load.

The deadline to provide direct deposit information for your payment has passed.  The IRS has begun issuing paper checks starting with those with the lowest income.  It will take several months to send out all the checks.

Non-tax Filers

Those who are eligible for a payment but were not required to file taxes or do not receive social security benefits, can still visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here to submit your information and receive your payment.

Eligibility for Economic Impact Payments

• Anyone other than a nonresident alien, a dependent, or an estate, is eligible.
• You must have a Social Security number for you, your spouse, and any child you are claiming.  There is an exception for spouses of active duty military members.

Amount of Payment

• Individuals receive $1,200 (joint filers receive $2,400) plus $500 per child under 17 years old.
• Benefits start to phase out for those with incomes exceeding $150,000 for married couples, $75,000 for singles, and $112,500 for single parents.
• With the phase-out, payments will not go to single filers earning more than $99,000; head-of-household filers with one child, more than $146,500; and more than $198,000 for joint filers with no children.
• Your income is based on your 2019 tax return; if you did not file taxes for 2019, the Treasury will use your 2018 tax return.

More Information

• For more information, please check the IRS’s website at www.irs.gov/coronavirus.  The “2020 Recovery Rebates” program is established by Title II (Sec. 2201) of the CARES Act.
• To check the status of your payment, visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get- my-payment.  You will need your 2018 or 2019 tax return to access the portal.  Due to high demand, the site may take longer than usual to load.