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Where, oh where is my tax-rebate check?

Posted Jun 02 2008, 04:34 PM by Karen Datko
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We're in the same boat as "PT" at Prime Time Money. Our tax-rebate check has yet to arrive.

Just like PT, we thought our rebate would be direct-deposited into our checking account on May 9, based on our Social Security number and the IRS payment schedule. So, like PT, we dug a little deeper to find out where it could be.

Since the date we expected the check has already passed, we tried the handy "Where's My Stimulus Payment" tool and got this response: "We are sorry. Specific information about your Stimulus Payment is not available." It also said this: "Specific information about your Stimulus Payment will not be available until about one week before your payment is scheduled to be sent." So we know it's not going to arrive in our account this week.

What's going on?

PT notes that the IRS site says the payment schedule applies only if the IRS processed your tax return before April 15. Also, the schedule seems to apply only if you're getting a refund. (We owed Uncle Sam, and so did PT.) The IRS says: "If you are not expecting a regular tax refund, your stimulus payment generally should arrive a minimum of six weeks after you file."

The IRS also provides yet another reason to explain why the check's not in the mail (snail or otherwise). The IRS site says: "A small percentage of tax returns will require additional time to process and to compute a stimulus payment amount. For these returns, stimulus payments may not be issued in accordance with the schedule above, even if the tax return was processed by April 15."

We asked one other question, and so did PT: Are we getting direct deposit or is the check coming via U.S. mail? The IRS says that if you used direct debit to pay what you owed, but didn't also provide direct-deposit information with your tax return, your economic-stimulus payment will come through the mail. Yikes. It looks like we're not getting our check until late June.

Think there may be another reason why you haven't received a payment? Read Heather Johnson's post at Tax Daddy for other possible explanations.

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Comments

 

I work for a bank and I'm aware of at least 3 stimulus payments the IRS direct deposited into incorrect account numbers. If the account number on a direct deposit is valid, the bank's electronic system will post it, regardless of the name on the payment. If the IRS says your payment has been sent but you haven't received it, you need to file a tracer.

Tres (Posted 06.03.08 1:55 PM ) Report Abuse

Funny about not getting the Stimulus Checks. I never got any of those $300 checks but was certainly taxed for them. I hope I finally will get this one...but if I don't I know I'm going to get it in the rear at tax time...

Lori Luker (Posted 06.03.08 1:57 PM ) Report Abuse

so, if this is supposed to be "stimulus" then why would they tax it and use it for loans and a part of repayment to the IRS...like (PT) i too owe Uncle Sam.

shawna (Posted 06.03.08 2:22 PM ) Report Abuse

Fubarella,

Did you and your ex always file jointly? If so, you would have to have signed something (even if it's the IRS's form for e-file verification. Sorry, I don't have the form number).  Maybe you both have a neutral third party who can help with this issue?

Kitty (Posted 06.03.08 2:26 PM ) Report Abuse

The stimulus check issue was a bi-partisan venture. BOTH Democrats and Republicans agreed it was good for taxpayers.  Bush may have the signed the bill allowing it, but with the Dems in power in Congress, a good number of Dems needed to vote yes to get it to Bush's desk. Let's stop pointing fingers and look at the facts.

As for student loans, I and my husband both have student loans, and we received our stimulus payment in May.  I agree that what was meant was that those who had defaulted on student loans would have the stimulus check withheld.

Kitty (Posted 06.03.08 2:31 PM ) Report Abuse

thanks very much for the info.  I've been very frustrated trying to find out about mine too.  My ss ends in 00!!!   still no check or any way to find out about it. At least I have a little hope now.

j. Deurr (Posted 06.03.08 3:13 PM ) Report Abuse

Our stimulus check was "suppose" to be direct deposited on May 9th. We got the same garbage at the IRS website. We received a "paper check" yesterday! Go figure. We filed electronically, received our refund electronically, yet we got a "paper" check. What happened to speed and saving on mailing, paper, etc??

VB (Posted 06.03.08 4:02 PM ) Report Abuse

First, you have to be in default of your payments, like on a student loan, child support to loose your stimulus to that. If your student loan and child support is in good standing you will get your stimulus check. If not, You got your stimulus money and you applied it to your debt. Now if you owe IRS money and are making payments you will also apply the stimulus to that payment plan. My gripe is the monetary limits on the stimulus.  A family of 4 making 50000 a year pays little or no federal tax. They get a 1800 dollar stimulus check.  A family of 4 making 250000 a year not only looses the the credits and deductions for children on the return, including education credits they get 0 for the stimulus package. People think that people making higher end money pay no taxes.  Where do you think these refunds are coming from?

JCK (Posted 06.03.08 4:04 PM ) Report Abuse

Here's another scenario:  My husband and I filed electronically like you are supposed to (through a cpa) before 4/15.  We received our refund shortly thereafter.  However, because we split the refund via direct deposit into two different bank accounts, we were put on the paper check list too.  The good news is the irs website said the check would be processed by May 30, and we received it June 3.

B-Town Gal (Posted 06.03.08 11:17 PM ) Report Abuse

Perhaps the Fed is running short on cash after the billions they're shelling out to keep the banks solvent?

Not to worry though..... they can always print more but priorities first eh?

Marilyn Nelson (Posted 06.04.08 6:44 AM ) Report Abuse

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