Millions of Americans are receiving their second round of stimulus checks, but many are having issues securing their $600 payments. According to the IRS, those who filed 2019 tax returns and provided direct deposit information should automatically receive the payments in their bank accounts. But that may not be the case for everyone.
Some people who received their first round of checks via direct deposit are getting a status that reads "Payment Status Not Available" on the IRS website. The error message on The Get My Payment Tool reads: "We are unable to provide the status of your payment right now because we don't have enough information yet (we're working on this), or you're not eligible for a payment," the message reads.
The website's FAQ page, however, is unclear whether this status is temporary or indicates that the IRS is unable to issue a second stimulus payment. The IRS appears to be making updates to its guidance.
Those who are eligible and do not get a second COVID-19 relief check may be able to claim it when they file their 2020 taxes this year. Technically, the second stimulus check is an advanced payment of this tax credit. Taxpayers will see unclaimed stimulus funds referred to as the Recovery Rebate Credit on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR of their taxes.