What to do if you get a Second Economic Stimulus Check
On the heels of my earlier post about the possibility of a second round of economic stimulus checks, I though it would be worth pointing out that a handful of people have erroneously received a second tax rebate check from the original economic stimulus package. The IRS has issued a statement saying that:
If a taxpayer receives more than one stimulus payment the erroneous additional payment should be returned to the IRS.
They went on to say that, if the erroneous payment was a paper check, you should write “void” in the endorsement section on the back of the check, attach a note that says you are returning an “erroneous stimulus payment check,” and send it back to the IRS center where you filed your tax return.
If the errant payment was direct deposited, talk to your bank. According to the IRS, they should know the proper procedure for sending it back.
Confused? Just wait, it gets better…
In some cases, a second stimulus payment won’t be a mistake. The IRS will be mailing out about 350,000 additional checks starting in July to taxpayers whose original stimulus payment did not include a payment for their eligible child. The correct checks will be mailed automatically, so there’s supposedly no need to call or otherwise take action to get the additional payment (assuming you’re entitled to it).
Where is that check, anyway?
If you’re still waiting for your payment, just be patient. As of this week, they’ve only processed about half of the total payments that will be going out. It’s extremely unlikely that your check went to the wrong address. It’s far more likely that they just haven’t gotten to you, perhaps because you’re getting a check when you thought you’d be getting getting your payment via direct deposit. The most common cause of this is somehow splitting your deposit, either by having it sent to multiple accounts, or by have your tax-prep fee deducted from your refund.
Published on June 11th, 2008 - 8 Comments
Filed under: Economy, Taxes
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How much money did it cost to just print and mail out these stupid checks? I’ve gotten THREE notices about it, as did my wife. And now they are too inept to send out the correct checks? Ugh.
Comment by Chris — Jun 11th 2008 @ 9:36 pmI’ve heard there will be a refund available to reimburse us for the $0.42 postage we have to spend to mail back our erroneously-issued checks. There is a 2-page form that has to filled out in triplicate and mailed via certified mail along with proof that you received your erroneous check (preferably a full-color 8 1/2″ x 11″ copy), a certified copy of the postmarked envelope in which you returned your check, and a one-page authorization for direct deposit of your $0.42 into your bank account. Approximate postage on this will be $3.29. The government is hopeful that this will stimulate the post-office economy.
/sarcasm
Comment by Dreamybee — Jun 12th 2008 @ 4:58 amUgh! Thanks for the update. Everyone I know has received theirs … except for us.
Comment by Cheap Like Me — Jun 12th 2008 @ 3:11 pmI haven’t gotten my rebate check yet. But, wanted to know for those of you who’ve gotten a paper check…what color is the envelope that they send the rebate check…white or brown?
Comment by Terry Carter — Jun 16th 2008 @ 4:33 pmI know four people who has received the second stimulus check. It was the same amount of the first one. This was on July 11, 2008. So who got one the first time will receive one soon. So be patient because it is coming.
Comment by Melissa — Jul 25th 2008 @ 2:45 pmI haven’t received the first check yet, forget the second one. I guess I will not be getting mine until the rest of you get your 2nd check ! how frustrating
Comment by Diane — Aug 6th 2008 @ 10:11 amDo you have to return the 2nd check or is it yours to keep? I sure need it. I am filing for a divorce.
Comment by Mona — Aug 7th 2008 @ 8:54 amhappy me.
so…if im reading this correctly…the people who got their correct ammounts the first time, wont be getting an additional check? ive been hearing from all over that they will be issuing a second round of checks for everyone? im so confused.
Comment by michele — Sep 17th 2008 @ 7:43 am