What’s with the “Payment Status Not Available” Error Message?

The IRS set up an online portal called “Get My Payment” (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment) so that people can track the status of their coronavirus stimulus check. People can also use the portal to enter their bank account information if it is not already on file with the IRS.

However, some people are having trouble tracking their payment status. They receive a “Payment Status Not Available” error message and are not given the opportunity to enter a bank account for direct deposit. The IRS FAQ page provides the following possible reasons:

1) You are required to file a tax return, but: ● We haven't finished processing your 2019 return ● The application doesn't yet have your data; we’re working on adding more data to allow more people to use it. 2) You don't usually file a return, and: ● You used Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here but we haven’t processed your entry yet ● You receive an SSA or RRB Form 1099 or SSI or VA benefits; information has not been loaded onto our systems yet for people who don’t normally file a tax return. 3) You’re not eligible for a payment

There are a number of other reasons why the error message appears. For example, the error message can show up if the information you type doesn’t exactly match the information on your tax return. Even the capitalization must match exactly. In addition, a large number of people have reported receiving the error message if all three of the following apply to them: they filed in 2018, they have not yet filed in 2019, and they owed money on their 2018 tax return (see https://www.11alive.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/payment-status-not-available/85-9f7b0fa1-ae1d-4af2-9111-e10c7395d1b9)

People who are not offered the option to provide direct deposit information in the IRS Get My Payment tool must wait for a check in the mail. Stimulus checks will be mailed between late April and September based on a person’s annual income, with those in the lower income brackets receiving theirs first and higher income brackets last.

Reminder: First Estimated Tax Payment Due July 15, 2020 Instead of April 15th

Taxpayers can defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020 without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This applies to individuals, corporations, trusts and estates, as well as those who pay self-employment tax.

Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income that is not subject to withholding. This income includes earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, rents, and alimony. Taxpayers with such income are required to pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis.

Normally, the estimated tax deadlines are:

● April 15 ● June 15 ● September 15 ● January 15

For 2020, taxpayers have until July 15 to submit both first and second quarter estimated taxes. The other deadlines remain the same. Taxpayers should still check in with their states, as state deadlines may differ.

Employees do not need to make estimated tax payments on their income because wages and salaries are subject to federal withholdings throughout the year.

Beware of Government Stimulus Check Scams

With checks soon coming to millions of residents from the U.S. government as part of the coronavirus stimulus package, some con artists are already hard at work. As many people are hurting financially and urgently need the relief, scammers are seeing this as an opportunity to try to get your personal information. Don’t fall for it.

If someone calls or e-mails you to confirm personal details or ask for your bank information or money, it's a scam. The federal government will never ask you to confirm your information by email, phone, text, or social media, nor will they demand any “processing fee” to obtain or expedite your stimulus payment. Keep an eye out for phishing attempts as well. Do not click on links in email or text messages relating to the stimulus checks.

There are also reports about bogus checks. The checks are at least a few weeks away, so if you receive one in the mail now, it's a fraud. In addition, if the check requires that you verify it online or by calling a number, it’s a scam. The checks will come from the United States Treasury, so a check from a different source (such as “Stimulus Relief Program”) is not legit.

Further, don't engage any scammers, even if you're wise to the ploy. If nothing else, you'll confirm that your email address or phone number are valid. Scammers can then sell that information to other scammers.