Where's my stimulus payment (tax rebate)?

The IRS recently posted a new interactive worksheet on its Web site, "Where's My Stimulus Payment?" It's intended to help taxpayers determine the status of their stimulus payment: how much it is, when it should arrive, and how it will be delivered. You only need three pieces of information to use it: the Social Security number of the first person listed on the tax return, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the number of exemptions claimed on the return.

You are welcome to try it, but don't be surprised if you end up frustrated. The IRS interactive indeed told how much my husband and I, who filed separately, would receive of the basic stimulus payment by this Friday. But didn't explain why we wouldn't get credit for our 14-year-old daughter, whom my husband claimed as a dependent.

Several colleagues and commenters on this blog tried the system and got the equivalent of no answer at all. One got the response, "We are sorry but we cannot tell you the status of your Stimulus payment." Another got, "We are sorry. Specific information about your Stimulus payment is not available."

In fact, it appears that "Where's My Stimulus Payment" is only useful when the payment is nearly in your hands. As it told one colleague, "Specific information about your Stimulus Payment will not be available until about one week before your payment is scheduled to be issued. " An IRS spokesman told me basically the same thing.

A lot of good that does.

In the mean time, check the IRS's rebate payment schedule, which may be able to tell you the week in which you can expect your rebate.

And if you received your rebate and disagree with the amount or don't understand why you got what you got, call the Refund Hotline at 1-866-234-2942 and wait for a human being. An IRS representative wasn't able to help me because I didn't have certain information at hand, but perhaps you'll be luckier.

--Tobie Stanger

Comments

[Keith]

I filed my taxes and owed $4 to the IRS. I paid this amount with a check in March. I used turbotax to file, but did not have any loans or anything. After speaking to the IRS, they tell me that my return was not processed until 4/28. They also told me that it was not set up as a Direct Deposit, even though I put that information on my tax return. So much for DD, I will be looking for that money in July I guess.

[Lisa]

Hi, I live off of survivors benefits (Social Security) for myself and my two children and did not have to file ( a normal tax return ) ... I received in the mail a 1040A, which I filled out in order to get the stimulus payment. Included with this form was paperwork explaining that I could still get the stimulus even though I didn't normally have to file. The last two # of my SS are 76 but I'm getting the "no specific info" on the website. Is there anyone out there who is also on SS and filed this way - I'd like to know if you've received anything. Supposedly I'm getting 900.00 but I have no info as of yet.

[Kellie]

Well now I am wondering what is going on!! My fiancee and I both filed with TurboTax (individually of course) and did direct deposit. His SSN ends in 52 and got his rebate directly deposited into our account last Tuesday (the 6th). My SSN ends in 98 and it says that I should get mine by the 16th. So as far as the turbo tax statement about getting a paper check in the mail is confusing because like I said, we both used it and he already received his via direct deposit, so mine should be distributed the same way. Ill just have to wait and see I guess but just wanted to share our turbotax/stimulus check experience.

[Jessica]

I just came across this thread which is good because i was flipping out last night as to why i was supposed to get my rebate direct deposit by may 9 (26) no later than and it is the 16th and i still have nothing. I went over all my tax papers, went on the site and they keep saying "Sorry, we have no specific information at this time" which frustrates me because if you dont have information, dont tell me on the payment schedule i was supposed to get my money no later than the end of the business day May 9. I even tried calling and no live person comes to the phone it is just automated and i still get the same message as on the site. I was counting on this money to be here and i have been let down. I understand it is free money but dont put out all this information on when payment is coming and not follow through. But, at least i see i am not the only one who did not get the may 9th deposit. Also, i live in jersey and last night on channel 2 news at 11 there was a report segment about "Still have not recevived your rebate?" and it was about how thousands of people are still waiting for rebates and it turns out a lot of the rebates are being deposited in wrong bank accounts. I wish i stayed up to see the rest but if that's the case, somebody better let me know how our government plans on fixing that huge mess.

[MARC]

So the last two of my social are 05, I sent my taxes in on February and set up direct deposit. They announced they would start a week early and suprise nothing, then I used the date matrix on the website and suprise nothing. Now I am going from the date on the letter i received in the mail and the website for the tool to check your rebate status and again, no direct deposit. Also everything says we have to wait 6 weeks before contacting the irs, they might as well say, don't bother if you don't get one we aren't going to send you one. I love the fact that I have to pay in so much every year and I get nothing back, and when they say they are actually going to help, they can't seem to get that done either...

[Coco]

Check My Bank to day Bank of America and My Rebate was their 6:00am Ca time just like they said it would be their all $1,200 of it looks like it will be a great weekend after all SSN# 76 paid some bills saved a little and will play with the rest:)Hope everyone that should get one today gets theirs.

[Kelly Morris]

Was supposed to receive stimulus payemnt May 9th - still not there. We me all the correct criteria and had direct deposit for our refund. Very frustrating trying to find out anything.

[DEBORAH]

I was supposed to get this 5/9. IRS auto info says it has been processed. Still dont have it! Urrrgh.

[Steve]

I checked the fed site last night and it said the deposit was set for today(Friday the 16th) and checked my account this morning and it has been deposited. I'd seen a schedule a couple of weeks ago which said we'd get it the 9th. Glad to finally have it.

[DEBORAH]

Mark,

Tell it like it is! That's right. If the consumer makes one mistake, the IRS slams the hammer on us. Now, all of a sudden they doin' us a big favor--and I guess since it is a favor, we just have to sit back and wait to get this stimulus $$. They can't even stick to their own schedule. Mmmph.

[Nina]

This is so stupid. Why couldn't they just give everyone the stimulus money on the same date. The fact that you have to wait the entire summer before you get any help from the so called gov is rediculous. This money would be helpful now. I'm po'd.

[Lisa Muniz]

I have the same problem. My stimulus payment was due to hit my bank account today 5/16 my last 2 digits being 93. I do not owe any taxes, no fees were taken out, I did my taxes 2/1/08 and had my refund deposited 15 days later. No reason why it should have not been direct deposited today. I get the no available info. at this time whenever I go to check the status of the stimulus payment online at irs.gov or when I call. I have talked to the IRS several times the representatives say they dont know anything. I do qualify and it should be direct deposited but it wasnt they dont know anything and they wont let me talk to a supervisor. Has anyone got their stimulus rebate actually and have checked online and it stated there was no available info. after you were supose to recieve it.

Email me back: lisamariehalsey@yahoo.com

This is crazy.
Lisa

[Mel]

I would just like to know why the moderator deleted the responses and explanations from the Turbo Tax VP that was on here and also any related comments or questions directed to him? I happen to know that a SBBT employee was going to address some of the concerns voiced on here but was also rejected.

[Jeannette]

My deposit date was supposed to be May 9th.
I've been checking the IRS website every day and was getting the same "no information blablabla".
Today, I see that I am entitled to the $1200. However only $708 will be deposited on May 23rd. I have no idea why it's only $708.
Here is the exact response from the IRS:

"" Your total Stimulus payment was calculated as $1,200.00 and consists of the following:

* Basic Amount: $1,200.00.
* Qualifying Child Amount: $0.00 (Based on 0 qualifying children).

Your payment of $708.35 is scheduled to be deposited to your bank on May 23, 2008"

This whole process is driving me crazy. I have used the IRS calculating rebate link and it does show that I should be getting $1200.

[tina]

My family was due to receive the Stimulus Payment the 9th. Well, little did we know that we are being penalized for using Turbo tax and Santa Barbara Bank. Now the government decides to tell you if you had any fees taken off your refund you have to wait. Do anyone realize our government borrowed the money from China for this stimulus payment?

[DIANA]

This year me and my husband went to our usual H&R Block to do the taxes and we were informed that the military were not allowed to get the rapid refund so we didnt do that. Now we dont (from what im reading) get the direct deposit stimulus due to the way we filed..wow..what a mess the govt. has created. I also went into the Where is my Stimulus? and i got a vague answer. So I guess its the waiting game, and the checks in the mail..lol. If anyone hears any different, please post. My thoughts on this, It would of been nice for everyone to just get a simple check in the mail. That would of been a nice surprise. This is just one more thing for us americans to worry over. Thankyou IRS.
Yours Truly,,A Military Wife

[Tobie Stanger (Consumer Reports)]

Mel,

I am the moderator of this post. I do not delete posts, but leave unpublished those that are duplicates or verbally abusive rants.

Just to confirm your complaint, I reviewed the lists of comments. None of those unpublished comments match the type you describe.

Sorry, but you are wrong.

[nicole flusk]

I have was supposed to receive my payment via direct deposit. My refund was direct deposited this past Feb, I did not have any fees deducted. The last two of my social is 70 so this past May 9 should have been payday. I called them on the 9th and they said it all looked fine , but could take up to a week to post to my account. On May 16 NO MONEY!!!! The web site says that I should get $900 as I expected, but it says it is scheduled to be issued on May 16th. I am wondering of that will be a check since I have not gotton anything in the bank. How hard is this - so rediculus that they can not just do what they said they would do , when they said they would do it!!! If we owed money it would be a whole different story.

[Norene Millman]

I would like to no if I will receive a 600.00 dollar payment. My husband and I filed together and received a 600.00 payment all ready. I thought we were getting 1200.00 back. Do I have to wait for my husbands last two ssi numbers to come up, or is this all we are going to receive?

[msnjc]

I'm not really sure how to get answers. I filed my taxes back in February. I received my tax refund in March. No fees were taken out. I've reviewed the irs.gov website over and over.. From what I can tell, I qualify, have done everything right, am owed 1500 and was suppose to get my stimulus refund on may 9th in accordance with the ending 61 ss#. The "where's my stimulus" tool is no help as I keep getting a "sorry no info avail at this time" message. And I can't seem to get a live person on the phone.
I did not ammend my taxes, have money taken out, filed before April 15th, have not moved, etc etc etc... But still no info. COuld I have just fallen through the cracks?
Is there a form to fill out or a better number to reach a live person. Any info would be appreciated.

[Vicki]

Our taxes were in February, we received our refund in March. I never received a letter or two letters. The calculator at IRS.gov indicates we're to receive a rebate of $1500. According to the distribution list, we were supposed to receive ours by the end of the business day on May 16. We still haven't received anything and its senseless and aggravating to try and get a hold of a live person at the IRS. We keep getting the "sorry, we're unable to locate information..." The IRS shouldn't be putting out rebate information unless they can actually stick to it. We filed our taxes using TaxAct who in turn used Republic Bank to dispurse our refund. Even so, we had our tax refund within 3 weeks. The IRS has our account information - its clearly marked on our income tax return. I imagine most households are WAITING on that money...the economy sucks, gas prices keep going up. How and when are we going to get our rebate? Is there anyone out there who can actually answer that question?

[Laura]

okay, my husband and i qualify for 1200. so says the irs. i do as much research as possible to find out if we're getting it and it's like a run-around. we were suppose to have ours on the 16th, since we did direct deposit. but NOOOOOOO..... of course not... this is why i don't vote. i don't trust any of them to do what they say they're gonna' do........ *sigh*

[Lisa Wood]

Tina,
Really???? I used Turbo Tax, too. I haven't heard anything about that. It delays your rebate check??? I was supposed to get mine, according to the "schedule", directly deposited into my bank on the 9th of May, but have seen NOTHING nor have i heard anything! :( Also, does anyone know the reasoning behind not getting money for your 17 year old???!!! My son turned 17 in October which means I am two months shy of getting a credit for him. What's the reasoning behind this? He is still 100% cared for by me, the single mom. I dont' get it! Now I'm freaking out because I'm starting to wonder if i'm even going to get a check, since it's way past May 9th for a direct deposit. I went to the irs web site and they didn't have any information on my check...it was some vague answer. UGH!
Thanks for listening.
Lisa

[hopeful]

TURBO TAX FILERS: From checking out my situation, I may have found some reasons for delay. It seems a paper check is in order for those who opted to pay their filing fee out of the tax refund. Turbo Tax sets up a third party bank account in this instance, meaning your "direct deposit" does not qualify for the same status for the stimulus payment. More info is available on the turbo tax site:
http://turbotax.intuit.com/support/kb/tax-content/tax-tips

I was expecting mine May 9th, and even got the letter confirming the date, but no deposit for me. I am praying for a paper check on the 20th of June. I hope this helps, I don't know if I am right or not, but it was more of an answer than I had yesterday.

[A. Creighton]

That is correct if you filed your taxes through turbo tax or Tax Act. If you had them take filing fees out of the refund amount, it does not qualify as a "direct deposit" according to the IRS. I, too, was told that I would receive a paper check around June 20th. What a mess the IRS has created. Something positive has turned into something so negative for so many people.