The United States has passed three coronavirus economic stimulus plans to help offset the economic hardship felt by many during the current outbreak known officially as economic impact payments. The third economic impact payment has now been mostly distributed, but there are calls for a 4th, and some families will receive additional payments in the second half of 2021. But do US citizens living abroad get the Covid-19 stimulus check? The answer is yes, US citizens living overseas do get the economic impact payments. Read on to find out more about how to claim your economic stimulus payments aka economic impact payments if you live overseas. (*updated for 3rd stimulus payment, the advance child credit payments, and possibility of a 4th payment)
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*Last Update: September 11, 2021 – Note that this article was originally focused on the first round of coronavirus stimulus checks for US citizens living abroad but has now been updated to include information on how to get the second stimulus payment if you live abroad as well as the now confirmed third payment.
Many US citizens abroad eligible for the economic impact payment had to wait months for the first payment, although it appears most of the kinks were worked out of the system for the second round of stimulus checks for US citizens living in other countries. Many expats have received their third payment already, although I still have not.
This post has turned into quite the behemoth, and I can’t thank all those who have commented and shared their experiences getting their Covid relief payments below. If you’d like to skip to the information on the 3rd economic impact payment for US citizens living abroad, the information on the monthly payments set to begin in July, or the possibility of a 4th payment, scroll to the end of the article. You can also find information on how to claim earlier payments if you did not get them, on how you might qualify for an additional “plus-up” payment after your get the third payment, and when Social Security beneficiaries should get the third stimulus payment at the end of the article.
I will do my best to keep this as up to date as possible as more details come out about how expats can get any further Covid-19 economic stimulus payments. Also, please note that I am not an accountant or finance professional and nothing below should be considered financial advice.
Economic Stimulus for Americans Living Overseas
Officially called the Economic Impact Payment or Recovery Rebate, the United States will soon be distributing $1,200 to most US citizens, including an additional $500 for each dependent child aged 16 or less.
But does the Covid-19 stimulus include US citizens living abroad?
Do Americans abroad get the stimulus payments?
Yes.
There is nothing in the laws that prevent citizens that live abroad from getting the Covid payments. US citizens abroad qualify for the EIP with the same requirements as any other citizen.
That means that if you make less than $75,000 USD if you file as single, $112,500 if you file as a head of household, or $150,000 if you file as a couple, you should have received the full amount of the first two stimulus payments for taxpayers living abroad. If you make above those limits according to your filing status, the payments were reduced by $5 for each $100 you make over that limit.
There had been much debate in Congress about targeting the payments to lower income people only. Rather that would have been setting the income ceilings lower or phasing the payments out more quickly above them is not clear. The final bill for the 3rd economic impact payment passed by the Senate kept the same thresholds to qualify, however they will phase out more quickly for those that make above those limits. (see more about the 3rd check at the end of the article).
How much will Americans living overseas get in their stimulus payment?
The first and second stimulus payments for Americans abroad were no different than for those living stateside. Presumably that will be the same for the 3rd and any subsequent EIP for taxpayers abroad.
Of course, payments could scale down if you make above the limits mentioned above (for a fuller listing of requirements and income limits, see the information below) or if those limits are changed.
There was also additional money included in you second stimulus check for a US citizen abroad if you have minors under the age of 17. For each child under 17, the second Covid stimulus payment for US citizens abroad should have included an additional $600.
Unlike the first stimulus payment for people living overseas, that payment for children is expanded to include those under 17, not just 16, and is $600 rather than $500. It’s expected that the 3rd checks will include $1,4000 per child as well as adults claimed as dependents.
Note that if you are claimed as a dependent by another tax filer, you would remain ineligible for receiving the stimulus payment abroad.
Are there additional requirements for Americans that live abroad to get EIPs?
No.
Ok, well, maybe.
The second Coronavirus stimulus payment uses strictly your 2019 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). That means, you need to have filed your 2019 taxes, unlike the first stimulus payment that used your 2018 AGI if you hadn’t filed. The third economic impact payment for expats will use the most recent tax filing the IRS has on record for you, so if you have already filed for 2020, they will use that one, if not, they will use your 2019 filing.
So, if some reason, you haven’t filed your 2019 taxes, you will need to do so to make sure you are eligible for any future Coronavirus relief bill living abroad. If you aren’t required to file, you should make sure you have filled out the non-filers tool (see case 5 near the end below).
If you are required to file (most Americans living abroad, even if they don’t owe taxes are), then you should consider e-filing here ASAP to make sure you get your stimulus check if you live abroad (as well as the earlier checks if you haven’t gotten those yet!). Also, consider checking out my practical guide to filing with the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion/Deduction here.
It’s worth noting if your income changed (in particular, if it declined) in 2020 from 2019 or 2018, you will be able to claim both the first and/or the second stimulus payment for people living abroad based on your 2020 income when you file (technically the payments are advances on tax returns for 2020).
So if for some reason you don’t qualify based on your income in 2019 but would for 2020, be sure to file ASAP in 2021 to get the payment. Even if you don’t owe taxes or didn’t pay withholding tax throughout the year, you can still claim it as a return.
So, if you’re reading this in early 2021 and didn’t get payments based on your 2019 or 2018 income but qualify based on your 2020, again, you can e-file (likely for free) here. E-filing will surely speed the process of your stimulus money.
Social security beneficiaries abroad shouldn’t need to do anything else unless they didn’t for some reason receive the first round of payments. If that’s the case, they should look into why they didn’t receive the first round and go from there.
If you’d like to learn more about the requirements for either the first or second stimulus payments for citizens that live in other countries, how to go about different options of receiving your economic impact payments, or how others fared in receiving their first or second economic impact checks as citizens abroad, you can continue reading and see the comments below.
Do Americans that live overseas qualify for Coronavirus stimulus checks?
So, there was originally discussion of including minimum taxable income limits or excluding those who claimed the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion from the payments, which would have impacted if US citizens abroad qualify for the stimulus.
However, there are no minimum income requirements, taxable or otherwise, and no mention of any restrictions on the stimulus money for Americans living abroad. That means that US expats qualify for the full stimulus check subject to the same restrictions as everyone else.
You can see more about who is and is not eligible at this FAQ page from the IRS. That page has been updated now to include an explicit statement that US citizens abroad are eligible for the stimulus payment.
The exact words are as follows: “Yes, U.S. citizens living outside the country are eligible for the Payment. Anyone eligible to file Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR is an eligible person if they have a valid SSN and can’t be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer. Nonresident aliens who file or would file Form 1040-NR or Form 1040-NR-EZ are not eligible for the Payment.”
You can find that confirmation of the stimulus check for US citizens abroad under the section EIP Eligibility and General Information in question 8 on the FAQ page linked above. That page has changed a couple times, so if that becomes out of date due to further changes I apologize. Still it confirms that you should indeed get a stimulus payment as a US taxpayer abroad.
So, yes, US citizens who live abroad are definitely eligible to receive the 2020 stimulus check. This is not without precedent as stimulus money for US expats was also provided in 2008, as long as they met certain minimum income requirements. One of the requirements for receiving the stimulus if you live abroad is to be sure you have filed your tax returns for 2019 or 2018.
Note: If you need to file, make sure you use e-File as the IRS has stated that it will not be processing paper returns right now, so it could be sometime. You can get up to 50% off filing electronically and you may even qualify for free e-File.
Continue reading to find out what you need to do to get the stimulus money if you are an American living abroad.
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*Or if you’d prefer to spend your time cooped up doing something more productive to better yourself:
- Take a course through Harvard, MIT, or other top universities at edX.com. The even offer lots of free courses.
- Learn a new language at Lingoda or Rocket Languages.
- Or look into how you can teach English online, a great option for those who have had their incomes disrupted.
Who Qualifies for the Covid-19 Economic Stimulus Payments?
Below are the requirements to qualify for the coronavirus economic impact payment for expats or citizens:
Qualifying Conditions:
- Must have a valid US Social Security number (it appears this applies for the dependents you claim as well)
- You cannot be (and/or have not been) claimed as a dependent
- Must have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return (except for a few exceptions, including Social Security recipients, more on that below)
Income Thresholds to Receive the Full Stimulus Amount:
- People that File Taxes as Individuals: $75,000
- Married Couples that File Taxes Jointly: $150,000
- People that File as Head of Household: $112,500
- *These where the thresholds for the 1st and 2nd payments. There was some debate it could be changed for a 3rd but it looks as if they will stay the same. Please see the section at the end of the article on the 3rd payments.
What if I make over those thresholds?
After those numbers, the checks so go down by $5 for every $100 dollars over the thresholds to receive the economic stimulus above you make.
*This was the case for the first 2 checks. For the 3rd, it will be phased out more quickly for those making above the limits. For the third economic stimulus payment, individuals making more than $80,000, married couples making more than $160,000, and heads of households making more than $120,000 will NOT be eligible for checks. Presumably, for those that fall somewhere in the middle, your payment will be proportionally scaled back.
*Living abroad and worried about health coverage during the global pandemic?
- Consider getting health insurance designed for expats from Foyer Global Health, which offers three tiers of plans.
- Depending on your situation, you could also look into shorter term visitor or student insurance from VisitorsCoverage or travel insurance form World Nomads.
Do I qualify for the stimulus check if I claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion?
Yes, expats qualify for the stimulus money if they claimed the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion on their taxes. Again, there is no restriction on expats receiving the stimulus check whether they claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or not.
By the way, many US citizens abroad mistakenly believe they do not need to file taxes if their income is abroad (I believed this for years). That is not the case. Only very high earners are actually liable to pay taxes, but you must file. Learn more about how to file taxes using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion here.
There is an interesting question about the FEIE and the stimulus checks for taxpayers that live overseas. The FEIE allows you to deduct over $100k from your adjusted gross income (AGI), the number used to determine your eligibility for getting an economic impact payment. Therefore, theoretically, the economic impact payment for people living overseas could go out for those that make well over the normal limits. It’s not clear if the IRS is vetting the EIP payments for expats.
Regardless, with the IRS now explicitly stating that American citizens abroad are eligible for the coronavirus stimulus, there’s no doubt left that expats will receive their economic impact payment whether they take the FEIE or not.
Can people who claim the foreign housing exclusion or deduction receive the economic stimulus?
Yes, you can receive the 2020 economic impact payment if you claim foreign housing exclusion or deduction. Like above, there are not restrictions outside of those that have to do with your Adjusted Gross Income, requirement to be a citizen with an active Social Security Number, and having filed in 2018 or 2019.
How do US citizens abroad receive their stimulus checks?
What do you need to do to receive your stimulus payment if you live abroad?
You may need to do nothing or you may need to take action to receive the 2020 economic stimulus as an expat living abroad. There are five possible scenarios to receiving your coronavirus stimulus if you live abroad.
What US Citizens Abroad Need to Do to Receive the Economic Stimulus:
*Note, these cases applied to the first economic impact payment for US citizens abroad. For the second payment it was required that you had filed in 2020, including for normal non-filers, and it seems safe to assume that will be the case for any future payments. Therefore, everyone should make sure they have filed for 2019 except for Social Security recipients.
Case 1:
You have filed your 2019 or 2018 taxes 2018 AND your forms included direct deposit information:
You don’t need to do anything.
The IRS will use the account information they have on file to direct deposit your check. In fact, it’s probably already been made.
Do note that if you used one of the big electronic filing services such as TurboTax or H&R Block, and in particular if you received an advance on your tax return or received it in the form of a prepaid debit card, your payment may have been delayed.
My understanding of that is those companies sometimes have the IRS send your return to them, while they send you the money ahead of actually receiving it. If you used a service like that, it is worth following up and checking on, as there are reports some people are going to track their payments and seeing it’s already been paid out but not to their actual bank account.
Case 2:
You have filed your 2019 or 2018 taxes but DID NOT include direct deposit information:
This is probably the case for most of us waiting for our Economic Impact Payments for US citizens overseas, since few of us actually receive a tax return so there was no reason to include bank account information when we filed.
To receive the economic impact payment if you file taxes and live abroad, but did not include direct deposit information, then you will need to register a bank account for the IRS to deposit your stimulus money into.
How do I register my bank account information with the IRS to receive the stimulus if I live abroad?
There is a an online portal to enter your bank account information for people for whom the IRS does not have a bank account on file to register one for direct deposit of the economic stimulus.
After clicking Get My Payment, you will have to enter the following:
- Your Social Security #
- Your date of birth
- Your address as it appears on your 2018 or 2019 return
- Your zip code
The IRS portal to register for direct deposit is giving me an error message. What do I do?
I couldn’t advance successfully in the Get My Payment Portal until about mid May weeks of getting an error message saying either the IRS couldn’t determine my eligibility or the information submitted doesn’t match the information on file.
From comments below, it looks like this was happening to others as well. In fact, it seems like this was happening to practically everybody trying to register their bank account information to receive the economic stimulus living in a foreign country.
Finally, around mid-May I was able to successfully get into the Get My Payment tool. It appears, although this is somewhat speculation and hearsay, there was a problem with foreign addresses or formatting before.
Lots of others have commented below that they are also now able to get through with foreign addresses! So it appears, it was some formatting or data entry issue with the foreign addresses after all. But, it’s finally fixed and people with foreign addresses can enter the Get My Payment Portal!
But what if my stimulus check has already been sent to my address abroad?
That is what the Get My Payment was saying for me, that my check was mailed to the address on file on May 1st.
It looks like this was the case for lots and lots of expats. From comments below, it sounds like lots of people have received their checks (by the way if you need information on a good US bank account if you can’t deposit the check in a local account, see my comments below).
But what if I still haven’t received my Economic Impact Payment abroad?
Just to be clear it’s not 100% clear if checks are in fact going out on the exact day they are scheduled to be mailed. So, even if it’s been a few weeks since your check was meant to be scheduled, it might still be on the way, especially given that mail may be delayed given the current situation.
But what if there is no mail service where I live?
You can see all the countries that have suspended mail service on this page (many thanks to Steve for sharing this in the comments below by the way!)
If, your check has not been mailed yet, the country where you live is on that list, and you can’t successfully enter a bank account for direct deposit, then you may want to see if you can just change your address to a US one, if you have someone trustworthy who can receive the check.
However, if you check has been mailed and service has been suspended to where you live, I recommend calling and putting a trace on it.
The IRS website originally had a note saying that people who have their stimulus checks returned will get another opportunity to enter their bank account information through Get My Payment.
Basically, it sounds like once they have a chance to process and update the system with the returned check, you should be able to enter a bank account for direct deposit. However, I was doing that several times a week all through June and most of July, and nothing changed.
Now, on the IRS FAQ page, under question 52 (as of July 28) “How do I request a payment trace on my Economic Impact Payment?” it says that for economic impact payments sent to addresses overseas, you should initiate a trace after 9 weeks from the mailing date.
How to Initiate a Trace on My EIP if I live overseas?
The FAQ page above says you can call 800-919-9835 or file Form 3911 to request a trace on your stimulus payment if you live abroad. (By the way, you can call toll free 800 numbers from overseas free via Skype).
Here was my experience when I called:
I was on hold for probably 40 minutes or so. The people I spoke with were both pleasant and helpful. The lady helping me told me once I put a trace, after several weeks, they would resend the check. She told me there was no way to input direct deposit information except for when you file.
That of course contradicts the IRS’s own Get My Payment tool, which asked for bank accounts and just wasn’t functioning in time for taxpayers with foreign addresses, and also what they originally said to do if your check didn’t arrive. It also contradicts what others have said in the comments below.
So I decided ok, well, let’s put the trace, and also change my address to a US one, so if it does get sent out again, it will at least go to my mother’s address and not be stuck in limbo with the mail suspension to Colombia.
To do the trace and address change, I had to fill out Form 3911 anyway, even after calling. So, you could just do that first, although it was kind of nice talking to someone to confirm as well.
Interestingly enough, the woman I spoke to told me one address and fax number, and the page lists different ones for addresses overseas and from my home state. I faxed it to all three! I also included my direct deposit information and did the address change on the form just to be on the safe side.
You can find Form 3911 here. Make sure you write “2020 EIP” on the top, and you enter 2020 as the tax period and leave the date filed blank.
What happens if I don’t register a bank account for direct deposit of my stimulus?
According to the IRS, if you do not register an account for direct deposit, they will mail your check to the address on your 2019 return.
Comments below and people now successfully getting through on the portal indicates they will in fact mail it to foreign addresses, although service to some countries are currently suspended (see the link above).
So it sounds like direct deposit is hands down the best way for how Americans who live in foreign countries can receive their stimulus payments.
Can I receive the stimulus payment in a foreign bank account?
No, the IRS cannot deposit the economic impact payment into a foreign bank account. Thanks to Stephen in the comments below for sharing this page, where you can see it states the IRS cannot direct deposit funds in a foreign bank account. So we now have a definitive negative answer to that question.
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Can I receive my stimulus into another person’s bank account?
I’ve had a lot of people ask this in the comments. It makes sense if you don’t have a US bank account and you are unable to get it into a foreign one.
Theoretically, there are lots of US residents without bank accounts, so it seems to follow if you consent to it going to another account, there shouldn’t be an issue.
However, given stories of fraud and scams, I would lean towards this probably not working, not because you wouldn’t be able to enter another bank account, but because the bank might reject the deposit in another person’s name. However, that’s speculation on my part. If anyone has tried this, let us know how it went in the comments!
Update (August 3): Someone in the comments below confirmed they were able to successfully enter another person’s bank account and receive their payment there. So, disregard what I said above.
If you do decide to go this route, you’ll want a way for that person to transfer or send you the money. Below are several good options for sending money abroad:
- World Remit makes it easy and has better exchange rates and lower fees than many banks offer on wire transfers. You can even get your first 3 transfers free!
- Transferwise also has great exchange rates and low fees (it’s a good idea to compare rates!)
Reportedly, some fintech apps like PayPal (which owns Venmo) and Square Cash App are also allowing account holders to receive their stimulus payments there and can provide you with a routing number. So if you don’t have a US bank account but one of those, it is also an option.
Also, the IRS has sent out at least some payments as prepaid debit cards instead of checks. It’s not clear how they decide which to send, and if you can use a US debit card in your country will depend, but it may be a solution if you have no US based bank account. It’s unclear if you can request a debit card, but you could always try calling and asking.
Case 3:
You have not filed your 2019 taxes and did not file in 2018 either (and need to):
Almost all American citizens, even expats have to file taxes and report their income, even if you have no tax burden because you have received no income in the US itself. (For what it’s worth, I didn’t know that for years).
If you did file in 2018 but haven’t yet in 2019, doing so could possibly speed up your stimulus check. It is also worth keeping in mind if your income has changed and if that affects the amount you would receive (you can see the thresholds above).
So, you should file ASAP if you do in fact need to, and include direct deposit information even if you do not owe or receive a return. That should speed up when you do get the economic impact payment.
If you do need to file, consider using E-file where you can get up to 50% off filing and may even be able to file for free! *Do not that the IRS site has said it is no longer processing paper returns, so if you haven’t filed yet, you definitely should do so via E-file.
Case 4:
You are a retiree abroad who receives Social Security and do not file taxes:
If you are a US citizen who lives abroad and currently receives Social Security and are not obligated to file taxes, then you do not need to take any action.
The IRS will pay into the account registered on your form SSA-1099 (where you normally receive your SS payments). This also applies if you are retired from the railroad, and the account on Form RRB 1099 is where you will receive your stimulus payment.
Do note, that if you have dependents that qualify for the $500 payment, the IRS would not have this information if you have not filed taxes. So if that is the case and you’d like to receive those payments, then you should file even if you are not obligated to.
Case #5:
If you do not have to file and do not receive Social Security:
I don’t know tax law well enough to know if this applies to anybody, but in the event that you do not have a tax filing obligation and do not receive Social Security benefits, then you must file a simple tax return so the IRS will have your information.
The page for doing so is now up. Go here to double check your eligibility and enter your payment information if you are a non filer (and do not receive Social Security).
For the second payment, it was required that people who had filed for 2018 but didn’t need to file for 2019 use the non-filer tool to qualify. Therefore, it seems likely that any future payments will also require that there be information on file for 2019.
Information on 3rd Stimulus Payments to US Citizens Abroad
Will US taxpayers living overseas get the 3rd stimulus payment?
Yes. There’s nothing in the new law that prohibits US taxpayers abroad getting the new stimulus payment. Just like the first and second stimulus checks, US citizens that live in foreign countries are fully eligible for the third stimulus payment as long as they meet the other qualifying criteria.
How much will the 3rd economic impact payment for US citizens living overseas be?
The final law signed by President Biden provides for similar conditions to qualify for the first and second stimulus payments. However, there is one big change. The payments phase out much faster for those that earn above the thresholds for the full payment. That means some higher earners who received reduced stimulus payments in the first two rounds may receive further reduced checks or no checks at al this time around.
Another significant difference is dependents, whether they be children or adults no receive a full $1,400 payment. Well, they don’t receive it directly but it is made payable to the taxpayer who claims them as a dependent. This is an important boost for those who have college aged children or are caretakers for older family members. It is worth noting that the payments for dependents phase out at the same quicker rates based on the caretaker’s income for those making over the thresholds.
Here are the full qualifying thresholds for the 3rd economic stimulus:
- $1,400 checks for individuals making $75,000 or less with a proportional phase out between $75,000-$80,000
- $1,400 checks for heads of household making $112,500 or less with a proportional phase out between $112,500-$120,000
- $2,800 checks for couples filing jointly making $150,000 or less with a proportional phase out between $150,000 and $160,000
- That phase out will be $28 less for each $100 dollars you make over the thresholds
- $1,400 additional payment for each dependent claimed, including adult dependents
- *Note: the thresholds for the payments phasing out are considerably lower than for the first and second payments, so if you make above the full payment thresholds, there’s a good chance your check will be lower this time around or you may not receive one at all.
Note that those numbers are based on Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). There is a handy calculator in this Forbes article if you’d like to have a clearer idea of how much you will get in the economic impact payment for as US citizen that lives in another country.
When will US citizens living abroad get the 3rd stimulus payment?
President Biden signed the bill into law on Thursday March 11, sooner than many expected. There were reports that some received their payments via Direct Deposit as early as Friday and more receiving them over the weekend. I had expected that it would arrive this past week or at worst this week.
That holds with what most reports say, that the IRS should be able to make lots of the direct deposit payments within a week. That means the third stimulus payments for Americans living abroad should start arriving the week of March 15 or March 22. Direct Deposit payments should go out first, and if the IRS has your bank account information, you will likely get your 3rd economic impact payment before the end of March.
For Social Security recipients, the IRS announced many should have been sent out at the first week of April, and by April 7, they should start showing up in people’s bank accounts that have Direct Deposit set up (source here).
President Biden has said he is not planning to attach his own signature to the checks, which means physical economic impact payment checks for Americans living abroad will go out more quickly than the first two. If you’re wondering when you will get it abroad, how quickly you got the 2nd payment should be a good estimate.
Hopefully, the 3rd stimulus checks for Americans abroad receiving paper checks will arrive even faster as mail service has returned to more or less normal in most parts of the world. Either way, the next economic impact payment for US taxpayers abroad should arrive during the month of April at the latest for most American citizens living overseas.
As of the last update to this on Saturday September 11, I finally received mine mailed to my address in Colombia. The infamous Get My Payment tool had been saying payment status not available, eerily reminiscent of the first round of payments last year for a long time. For what it’s worth, I had not filed my 2020 taxes until late March, so perhaps that’s why. I was hoping it would help to e-file.
I did in fact e-file on March 28. I was hoping that would prompt the payment coming through but still no luck. Maybe my return just hasn’t been reviewed yet, or maybe I’ve just been unlucky.
Finally, my status did change to the check being mailed in July. So, of course, it showed up to my address in Colombia, after I had moved back to the states! Fortunately, my mother in law is holding it for me until we visit and I can cash it. The checks are supposedly not voided until after a year.
From the comments below, it sounds like some expats have been able to see the date of their payment via the Get My Payment tool and/or via pending deposits showing up in the bank accounts. So hopefully, mine and anyone else’s will be here soon. The IRS is issuing payments on Wednesdays, and supposedly the Get My Payment tool is updated over the weekend.
Calling the IRS was not very helpful as the customer service person was just reading from a script. She did say they will be issuing checks throughout 2021, so I guess that means maybe mine still just hasn’t been processed yet. That’s not that reassuring though, to be honest. It also does not look like you can file form 3911 to trace the payment of the 3rd round of stimulus money. I think I may just try to do so if I don’t see something different in Get My Payment soon though. I also think I may give these folks at GetYourRefund a try who offer free help getting refunds and filing.
Do I qualify for a “plus up” payment?
The IRS has announced that some people who have already received their third stimulus payment may get an additional payment they are calling a “plus up.” This applies to people for whom the IRS calculated their third stimulus payment based on their 2019 tax return but when processing their 2020 return, they are eligible for a higher payment. The “plus up” payment will be for the difference.
Reasons you may be eligible for a “plus up” payment:
- You had a child since filing in 2019 and therefore claim an additional dependent on your 2020 taxes
- You now claim an additional adult dependent (remember this is technically their payment and if someone is claimed as a dependent, they don’t get a payment themselves)
- If your 2019 income made you eligible for less than the full amount but your 2020 income declined to make you eligible for a higher or the full amount (see the income thresholds above).
- You got married and now qualify differently under the thresholds by filing jointly.
Note, the IRS will only send you this top up payment once it has processed your 2020 return. When you file does not equal when the IRS processes your return. They are experiencing delays with paper returns, which means if you qualify for a top up, it’s all the more reason to use e-file. The deadline for filing this year is May 17, but the IRS must process your return before August 16, 2021 in order to send you the extra payment this year. So best to file as early as possible.
Information on 4th Stimulus Payments for American Abroad
So there has been lots of news about a “4th stimulus.” That is sort of true, but also not true. There is another provision that will get cash in families’ hands over the second half of 2021, but it is not exactly another stimulus payment.
Monthly Payments for Parents
What many of the articles discussing a 4th stimulus payment are referring to is the monthly payments that will begin to US parents on July 15th. These payments are basically an advance on the Child Tax Credit, which would normally be a lump sum either as a tax deduction or return.
Recent legislation altered the Child Tax Credit in several ways. First, it expanded it from $2,000 a year to $3,000 for children aged 6 to 17, and $3,600 for children under 6. Secondly, all families are now eligible for it, regardless of if they have taxable income, making more of a payment than simple tax credit. Thirdly, it will be paid out monthly from July to December of 2021.
If you filed taxes for 2019 or 2020 and have children that are US citizens or residents, you should receive these payments automatically starting on July 15. These payments will only have half the value of the credit, and the rest will be sent as tax returns next year. As of now, these payments are only law for one year, but there are several proposals to make them permanent, converting the Child Tax Credit into something more akin to a child allowance.
The phase outs for the expanded Child Tax Credit start at the same thresholds mentioned above for the 3rd stimulus payment and phase out at $50 for each $1,000 of income over the thresholds. Starting at $400,000 for couples and $200,000 for other taxpayers, the payment is reduced below the standard $2,000 at the same rate.
Do citizens abroad qualify for the advanced Child Tax Credit payments?
Maybe. To be eligible, you must have as your main home for more than half the year one of the 50 states or Washington DC. That means that many expats will not be eligible for the Child Tax Credit advances.
There is a good IRS FAQ page on the Child Tax Credit payments here for more information.
Will there be a 4th stimulus payment for everyone?
It’s hard to say for sure. I think there’s enough opposition to it that it seems unlikely, at least for 2021, but it could be possible. They have been popular policies, and there is a petition for additional regular payments and according to this article from CBS, some lawmakers are also pushing for it.
So, we will have to wait and see, but as of September, it doesn’t look likely that there will be a fourth stimulus check for citizens abroad, or domestic, for that matter. Still, if any information comes out on it, I will update.
What should I do if I live abroad and still have not received my first or second stimulus checks?
If you did not receive the first two economic impact payments for US citizens living in foreign countries, you will need to take action to get them as well as to ensure you receive the 3rd and any other future payments.
First, you should file for tax year 2019 if you did not. That includes if you don’t normally need to file. While it may be too late to get the payments through the normal process, it’s still best to do it and hope for the best. That will also help make sure you get the 3rd payment immediately when it is sent out.
Second, check the Get My Payment Tool. It should say if your check was sent out and the date. If it was, and it has been a month or more, it is worth calling the IRS to initiate a trace. While calling has been a mixed bag, it’s best to start the trace so there is a clear paper trail that you never received the payment. Keep in mind that you can call 1-800 numbers for free via Skype.
Third, you should claim the payments on your 2020 tax return. This again includes for those people who normally don’t have to file. This also applies if you did not receive the full amount or if your income changed in a way that makes you eligible for a larger payment than what you received.
To claim them on your 2020 return, you should claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate. You can find the information and a worksheet on the instructions for Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR. You can see more on this IRS page.
If you need to file for 2019 or 2020, make sure you use e-File as the IRS has stated that it will not be processing paper returns right now, so it could be sometime. You can get up to 50% off filing electronically and you may even qualify for free e-File.
By the way, if you live abroad, you should be sure to check out my guide to filing the foreign earned income exclusion to help you file next year and beyond.
Cheers and Happy Exploring Be Safe (and Get Vaccinated)!
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Hi all, just a quick note. This post really took off in ways I honestly didn’t expect. I’m so glad it has been helpful for people, and I just want to thank everyone who has shared their experience in the comments and been nice enough to help each other out. It’s nice to see, and even when discussing the IRS, there hasn’t been any name calling!
If you’re now able to successfully get your payment, I’m glad, and if you ever want to come visit Cartagena or Colombia, I hope you’ll consider coming back to the site to help plan your trip. If you’re like me and your check was mailed to an address in a country where USPS has suspended service, then well I guess the saga continues!
Hi
Can you please tell me where you will be providing the portal link to the IRS page,where you can provide your direct deposit information for Americans living abroad? For the stimulus?I know it’s not up yet but just curious where it will be on here.
Thanks!
Hi Dana. I will put it there in that section on what to do if you have filed but the IRS doesn’t have your bank account information. Hopefully it will be up soon!
Hi Adam! I received my 1200$ check but I don’t have any open accounts in the USA because I moved to Europe. 5 months ago right before this devastating situation. Can my friend cash out my check or better to send me by mail ? can I cash the Check, out of USA? I live in Moldova it is possible?
Hi Sonia, you’ll have to ask at a bank there if they can cash it.
Lots of U.S. citizens abandoned any U.S. banking account when moving outside the country. Not good planning. Even more generous than Capital One about accepting foreign addresses is the U.S. Dept. of State Credit Union. See https://www.americansabroad.org/aca/sdfcuaccounts-description-and-faqs/
Hey, thanks for sharing Aaron!
Hi Sonia,
It it usually possible to cash US checks outside of the US. However, it may take a while and banks may charge a fee. Before you decide you may want to check with your local bank in Moldova.
Hi! So, I got my check sent to my foreign address in France. The check is printed with the foreign address on the front of the check. Now, where can I deposit it? Can I send it back to my bank in the USA or do I deposit it in France? Will a foreign bank accept it?
Hi Rebecca. This will depend on the bank I imagine. If you have a bank account in France, I would at least try that before sending it back to the US.
Hi Adam,
We’re Americans living in France, and we filed a 2018 U.S tax return without banking information. Yesterday the U.S. Treasury app returned “we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time” in several failed attempts. Today it failed again with a different message (I’m paraphrasing) we can find a record from the information you provided. I wonder if there’s a programming glitch, that overseas filers weren’t considered and the system can’t deal with non-U.S. ZIP codes. Yesterday we also tried 6140 FRANCE and 00000. Neither passed muster. It wouldn’t be surprising if our 64100 ZIP confounded the program, since in addition to France it’s a ZIP code in Pakistan and Finland. Has ANY American taxpayer living abroad succeeded with the app?
I’m a US citizen living in Ireland having the exact same problem. I filed 2018 as an overseas filer and my accountant is in the process of filing my 2019 returns. The IRS does not have my US bank details, and I’d love to give them to them, but I keep getting that message (can’t determine eligibility…). Frustrating.
Hi, I live in Ecuador and get the exact same error messages. It must be a system problem.
I had the same problem. I reside in Argentina. EXACTLY as described by the author. The message changed from not eligible to wrong information. So presumably one step ahead. The address/zip code fields don’t work. Very mediocre design. They should have a special page for us to take care of the nuasenc of foreing addresses
I had the same issue for several days, I live in Norway where we use 4 digits for our zip codes. When I added a 0 at the end of my zip code it went through.
Dave, also in France, zip 64570….. Tou are not alone, I have the exact same problem! In fact every outside US citizen appears too…. (2 may 2020)
not me mam!!!
Hey there,
that link I got after they the said that my check was mailed on June 1st then 2nd of July they asked for direct deposit info. Let me just tell you now, if you have a bank account outside the US it won’t accept the info you put in simply cause the IRS cannot deposit money into foreign bank accounts. Trust me I’ve tried so many times.
I can’t see where to comment except in reply, sorry Dana lol. So I’ve been in Australia for 10 years never filed to the irs 😳 so I did this as a non filer. (I’m on an Australian pension) it said to ‘watch my email’ to see if it gets accepted by the irs. So we’ll see what happens. I’d love to get a cheque or something.
Hi Rebecca… I also live in Australia and receive SS from the US because I was married to a US citizen and I also worked over there… I received my Stimulus check and took it to NAB in Geelong, Victoria…they said they could not deposit the check and they had to send it back so that they, the US, convert it to Australian dollars and transfer back to NAB via SWIFT/Text…I had to fill out a Lodgement Authority Form …then told it will take up to 8 weeks…since then I found out Bendigo back would have deposited it with a 25 day waiting period…now we are receiving a second stimulus check, but I’m not sure if I should wait for the check and deposit it to Bendigo or send IRS my new banking details, as i have read that they don’t direct deposit to overseas…it is such a hassle for us overseas…do you have any info…thank you.
Hi Everyone, im an expat in Medellin, Colombia. I received my stimulus check. but now is been impossible to cash the check. BANCOLOMBIA doesnt due it unless you have a “Cuenta Corriente” the check is less than 4 months old and it takes 2 month to clear funds. other banks are harder. I did try Paypal butI have a comlombian savings account which is not good enough for paypal. Can you please advise on what option I may have. I appreciate it.
A couple working stateside that makes $200k AGI is over the threshold and not entitled to a stimulus check. Thus, it wouldn’t make any sense (to me, anyway) that a couple working overseas and making much more than that, say $287k but excluding $138k (so AGI of $149k) would be entitled to the full $2,400 – thoughts?
Hmm, you know I hadn’t thought of that, if it is based on AGI, and that is I believe after the exclusion goes in as negative income. I would agree that no it doesn’t make sense, they at least should not get it. Don’t know if they will determine it differently for people taking the FEIE or if that is just an oversight and if it’s the latter if they will do something about it or it ends up being a weird loophole. I would think they will realize this as they go and address it somehow.
Adam I live in Europe
I do my taxes in Europe
I and my two children are American citizens with SSN
So I filled out 1040 via taxslayer and Will be sending it by mail to USA
It didn’t ask me if I make money abroad…..
So I just put in zero everywhere when it came to income seeing as though I don’t have any income From USA
I make under 15000euros…..
So I easily qualify for the stimulus package
Thing is I out in zero income everywhere on my 1040…. didn’t ask for my income abroad…..
Yuu think I should include a copy of my taxes here in Europe?? To send along with my 1040?
I just want to make sure I’m ok with the IRS
Thanks in advance
Hey George. Ok, so I’m not a tax expert so you may want to double check this with Tax Slayer, but to take the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, you have to attach Form 2555 (there is an EZ form too). You report your invime earned abroad in the box for wages, etc on the 1040, fill out 2555 or 2555 EZ, then in the line where it says other income you put in your income made abroad in paranthesis (a negative) so you end up with 0 adjusted gross income. You can take the exclusion up to like 105k.
Hello Adam. First, I’d like to commend you for your great website. If only the official governmental sites could be as clear and helpful as yours!
Like many other expats, I am inputting my info on the Get My Payment page, only to get the error message that my information does not match their records. I was not surprised, as I have failed over the years to open an IRS account with my Canadian address. My feeling is that there are difficulties with their software in dealing with non US addresses in general, and is not specific to this case.
If attempts over the next few days are unsuccessful, I will contact my US Senator’s office for help and report back any useful information I might get.
Excellent, thanks Brian and thanks for the kind words!
I am having the same problem. I am living in Prague and filed 2018 tax return with bank information and received a refund via direct deposit . I filed 2019 tax return with no income in the US as I lived in Prague for the whole year. I haven’t received the stimulus money yet and the website keeps telling me it can’t verify my information. I think it has something to do with the zip code requirement as well. So frustrating!
Question about my 18 daughter US citizen born abroad and now working part-time abroad. Is she eligible for this payment too. My wife and I are American and file jointly and she is a dependent saving for college. I have two other children under 16 which I think will be included in our check. Here are a few more questions
1. We live in Japan where they do not like checks either…could I have them send the payments dirrectly for the whole family to my USN bank in the US? Do they need to send it to a bank overseas? Last time we recieve a US check from OBama and had to mail it back to the US bank to deposit it.
2. I have a 21 year old son US citizen who is now a college student in the US who just moved to the US last Fall and thus did not file taxes. He is not a dependent since he works part-time….how can he register his bank details with the IRS without a tax filing history in Ohio? I believe he will recieve a check even if he does not have a tax filing history since he is 21 and registered for selective service…Ohio resident but has lived his whole life here in Japan. Please advise.
Hi Stephen. Ok, so my understanding based on whats been released so far is your daughter will not be elgible if you claimed her as a dependent on your taxes, of course claiming a dependent and her being dependent are not necessarily one and the same. Your other children under 16 yes should be included with 500 each.
For checks if you and/or your family members have filed with direct deposit info it will go there. If not, they are going to let you register an account online but not clear when that will be enabled.
For your son, make sure you have not claimed him as dependent on your taxes, if not he is elgible. Check the irs page linked above, he has to do a simple return so they have his address and bank account.
Hope that helps!
Stephen, I also live in Japan. You said Obama sent you a check? By this you mean the government has sent you a check in the past? I am very anxious to see if the US government will be sending stimulus checks to Americans living abroad, because with all the personal info registering problems I see no other recourse at this point.
Hi I’m abroad in Canada I have zero income so I don’t have to file
The gov does have my address on my from my SSN but I need to give them my banking info
How do I go about it?
Hi Jo. According to the guidance put out so far, people who normally do not file will need to do a simple return in order to give them your banking info. Check the IRS page linked above, the guidance isn’t up yet, but it should be soon. Also, even if you don’t have income or need to pay anything you may still be required to file, so double check that.
Hi Adam
Since I’m abroad they’ve told us that since my income is at 0 I don’t need to file
We’ll see I guess when the website comes out?
Yea wait and see. Im assuming youll have to some type of simple file but best to wait and see.
Hi Jo, I live in BC and am an expat. My US and Canadian income have been zero since 2017. I returned to school to complete my CPA and just graduated. While completing my accounting degree, I worked in cross border international tax for 10 years primarily with US citizens living in canada. Many were students or spouses with $0.00 annual income in either country. It’s very important you know that even with an income of zero, you ARE required to file an annual return with the IRS. The IRS requires all expats to file regardless of income even if they’ve never lived in the US or haven’t lived in the US for decades. There are no exceptions. All Americans Must file an IRS return.
Hi! I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba! I filed my tax return since 2018. I’m still getting an error on “get my payment”. I’m 100% sure that I have the correct information except typing the correct format of the address. Can somebody help me that got their stimulus check living in Canada? Thanks!
Thanks for the info. I do not have a U.S. bank account. Do you think a family member could cash the check for me?
Hi Mandy. Possibly if you are able to endorse it id think they could.
same thing here, no US bank account. But how can I endorse the check if I’m not physically there?
I have the same question!
Your are wrong with your information tried to with my Brother retired and living in Britain ,they wouldn’t cash check , Tried two different banks that I have accounts with nearly 40 years ! They couldn’t help me .
Rats, I’m sorry to hear that Rita. I hope you are able to find a way to get it.
Filing Form 1040 simply to inform the IRS of your bank account requires a 9-digit routing number. The first two digits must be 01 through 12 or 21 through 32. In Germany they use IBAN (22 digits) and SWIFT-BIC (11 digits). Plus, the requirements to set-up a Direcdt Deposit at the IRS includes a bank or other financial institution (such as a mutual fund, brokerage firm, or credit union) in the United States. So as far as I can tell, non-filers based on lack of tax-liability will have to wait for and hope that the Treasury portal has a form that takes IBAN and SWIFT-BIC. Otherwise, it may take a long time for a stimulus check — which may then incur various bank handling charges.
Hi agreed Bob. As noted above there’s nothing so far that says specifically foreign bank accounts will not be elgible but I would be surprised if they were. And it sounds like even people in country will have to wait several months for paper checks. I would again suggest looking into Capital One to open an online account. With no fees, even if it is just for this it may be worth it. Plus it sounds posdible there could be another round of payments later this year.
Hi! My wife & I have dual citizenship (US & Australian) and are retired and collect Social Security from the US and have filed tax returns in Australia only. Are Social Security is direct deposited in our Australian Bank Account on the 3rd of each month. I presume we are still eligible for the ‘Stimulus Check’ . Regards, Dennis
Hi Dennis. My understanding is yes you are both elgible and shouldnt need to do anything. It may be worth double checking once the guidance on registering accounts comes out but according to treasury, if you receive social security it should go directly to the account filed on form SSA-1099. Im not familiar enough to know how it works with foreign bank accounts but id interpret that as you should be fine but still I would double check.
Hi Dennis,
We are Expat US citizen living abroad. We Filed Taxes for 2018 & 19 as expat with 21 year old dependent college going son. In 2018, I paid US taxes and in 2019 I did not have to pay because in 2019 I claimed FEIE. Both these years my income was below 1/4th of income for eligibility
Are we eligible for this Federal Stimulus COVID-19 package? If yes how much should we expect?
Thanks & Best regards
Hi Madhav, my understanding is yes you are elgible for the 1200 each. Since your son is over 16, you wont get the 500 per minor and if you claimed him as a dependent on your 2019 return he also will not be elgible. Hope that helps and watch for when the irs puts the link to register your bank info.
Hi Adam
I live in Germany and receive my ss by direct deposit but the stimulus checks came by mail.
I do have a friend who received his as a direct deposit. The Germans don’t use checks so it was hard to get them cashed. My daughter’s Bank Sparkasse finally cashed mine.
I’ve lived abroad for the past 6 years, I have no received an income and have not filed taxes. I’ve noticed on the IRS website that there is a section where I can fill out for people have not filed their taxes in 2018-2019. I am scared to be penalized for not filing taxes for the past 6 years even though in my head since I made no income I did not have to. Suggestions?
Hi Luis. Im not enough of an expert to know for sure the filing requirements. In my case I work abroad and dont have to pay anything but I do have to file. With no income abroad I really dont know. I would look into that. I didnt think I had to file for a long time and did like 5 years at once a couple years ago. I wasnt penalized but again Im not a tax expert or financial advisor so I would look into it. On one of the IRS pages I feel like I saw something about people who are several years behind.
Since FATCA came into play, American expats have to file every year whether or not they earn an income. The IRS wants to know about what assets you own overseas, including bank accounts with a total (in all accounts) of $10,000 or more. There IS a penalty (I believe) if you are caught not filing a return unless you use the voluntary disclosure (If it is still in use) that requires returns for the past five years.Look up FATCA requirements on the IRS site
Hi Kathy. Thanks for posting! I think it should help several others who have posted. I will have to look into FACTA. Probably 3 or 4 years ago I had a friend tell me I still had to file after thinking I didn’t, and looked into it and sure enough I did. I filed I think 4 years together and wrote a letter explaining and saying I was willing to pay any penalty. Never heard back or had to, but I also didn’t have at the time that number of assets. Again to everyone, I am far from an expert and certainly not a professional and I’d encourage you all to do your own research and/or confirm with someone who is a professional, but looking up FACTA is a good place to start as I think many expats have a similar impression to what I used to that if you don’t get a W2 you don’t need to file.
I am an American who lives in Canada and files a tax return every year but receive my refund by check. We receive social security by direct deposit. Will I still need to give the IRS our direct deposit information?
Hi George. If you receive Social Security, you should receive it in the same bank account without needing to do anything.
I am an American who lives in Argentina, buenos Aires,i have not worked in a few years, no bank account, but i have a household address, my wife has a account at the bank, is there anything that i can do to recieve the Stimulus:,,
Hi Martin, you may need to file a return, even with no income. We will have to wait and see once the portal for entering bank account information is out if you will be able to use one belonging to someone else.
Hola Martin, tambien son americana viviendo en Argentina. No hago devolucion de impuestos porque hace años le escribi al IRS preguntando si tenia que hacerlo y me dijeron que solo tenia que hacerlo mientras ganara del minimo para arriba (creo que ahora esta en 10,200 dols)aun que no se si seguira siendo asi, estoy leyendo que muchos dicen que hay que hacerlo aunque uno no tenga ingresos. Para el stimulus payment llene el formulario especfico para los que no llenan devolucion de impuestos que aparece en la pagina del IRS, no puse cuenta bancaria porque tiene que ser de Estados Unidos que no tengo, no puede ser una en Argentina (y sinceramente no te conviene, por que te darian un dolar a 60). En fin, solo puse mi direccion de aca (vivo en Cordoba). Eso fue a mediados de abril, un par de semanas despues use la aplicacion (get my payment tambien desde la pagina del IRS) para ver como estaba el tramite y decia que el cheque habia sido programado para ser enviado por correo el 1 de mayo (entre varias veces porque me saltaba que los datos no coincidian). Estuve leyendo que ahora envian tarjetas de debito a los que viven en el exterior, lo cual facilitaria el cobro enormemente. Suerte con el proceso!
Hi there, I’m also an American living in Argentina. I dont have to file taxes (many years ago I wrote an email to the IRS asking if I had to and they said that I had to only if I make the mininum or more, which I, living in Argentina, clearly dont, lol) I’m now reading that that might have changed and you might have to file a return anyway. For the stimulus payment I filled the form for those who dont usually file a return (you can find it in the IRS web site) I dont have a bank account in the US, and u cant put an Argentinian bank account (and even if u could,it would be a terrible option cause the argentinian bank would give u a dolar at 60 pesos or so). I just wrote my home address (I live in Cordoba). That was in mid april. Three weeks later I used the Get My Payment tool (directly from the IRS web) and it said that my check had been scheduled to be sent on May 1 (fingers crossed!). These couple of days I’ve been reading about the EIP debit card, and that many americans living abroad were going to get it (those without a bank account in the US and that hadnt received a paper check yet), that would make getting the money way easier. Hope u can get it!
I want to thank you Adam! I got to your blog looking for information on the EIP and it’s been of great help to process my payment. So again, thank you so much!! Greetings from Cordoba, Argentina.
Hello,
I am an American citizen with a ssn. My wife is a Mexican citizen and has an itin. We file married filling jointly. Will I still be eligible for a stimulus check in spite of the fact my wife doesn’t have a ssn?
Hi Michael. So, I am not a professional, and you should see if you can double check this with someone who is, but I would think, yes, you are eligible, but your wife may not be since the guidance up on the IRS site about eligibility explicitly states you must have a valid SS #. There’s no mention of itins. Then again the guidance for filing jointly says the nonresident is treated as a resident. I guess maybe I’d say don’t count on 2 checks and hope to be pleasantly surprised.
Hey Michael, I read today that filing jointly where one has an ITIN then no stimulus check will be given at all. Let me know if I’m wrong, because I’m still waiting on mine (German wife). Let me know if you’ve received one.
Hey Adam- I fall under your case 2 category (filed but did not provide bank info as there was no refund to receive). I checked the IRS site and the “Get My Payment” link seems to be live, which is where one should update the bank account info. The site asks for SSN, DOB, address and zip. I filled these out but the response is “Payment Status not Available”. Do you have any info on what this may mean, or if other users in my situation experience the same thing?
Hey Johnny, thanks for letting me know it’s live! It must have gone up sometime yesterday after I updated the article. I just tried to do it myself and got the same message. Hopefully that just means they are still working on processing. Let’s keep trying over the next few days and see what happens.
I received the same message. I live in Canada and do file a return every year. I’m a bit curious about the very first line under “who is eligible” that says U.S. Residents. I also do not provide bank account info because I don’t receive a refund nor do I pay. I did receive a random treasury check last year for $132 for some sort of “overpayment”. So I’m hopeful the check will get to me if we are in fact going to receive it. I deal with BMO and they were able to cash it although they did “hold” the money for 30 days to make sure the check was legit.
So I tried myself just now, and got a message saying payment status not available. It sounds like it could be a hang up/glitch with the site just being rolled out as a google search seems to show it’s happening to a lot of people. So hopefully they will iron it out over the next day or two.
I am in the UK and fall in your category 2. I get the same message “Payment Status Not Available: According to information that we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time.” I suspect for some of us it has to do with the app not being able to process foreign addresses. I do know people in the US get the same message though so it might be a response to a number of issues.
Hello Adam,
I keep seeing sites telling US citizens with ssn # can be eligible for the stimulus payment. But I have not read anywhere on the IRS website that this confirm nor deny it. (unless I missed it). Other then it’s says US residents.
I have not seen nor have found where I can read the bill that has been put though. I’m living in the U.K. for the last 11 years. File my Fed tax every year, but don’t earn enough to pay taxes on it.
Thank for this page and your input!
Marv
I
Hi Marv,
Yea, it’s a little ambiguous. Based on what I’ve read elsewhere and the fact that people abroad that met the qualifications got the stimulus last time leads me to feel fairly confident it will be the case this time around as well. My theory is that the “test” for someone living abroad would be taking the FEIE, but there are a couple issues with excluding people from the stimulus for taking it, even if the intention is to provide it for people in the US only. First, you’re taking it on your taxes from last year, what if you are in the US now? The idea is you are getting money so you spend it, so would those people not get it? What if you way you’re in the US now, who verifies that and how? Also, for people not abroad the whole year and only applying it to part of their income, what happens? So, they could somehow verify where people are now and pour over documents to determine percentages or whatever, which I’m theorizing is more costly than just giving it to people abroad.
The portal is up now. But I am not listed. Ex-pat living in Philippines, filed joint 2019 return with wife having ITIN (NRA).
Hi Ron, yes I’m trying to get into it myself now, let’s see how it goes.
Hi All – Did anyone have luck with the Get My Payment IRS site? https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
I get an error message. Not sure if it is a foreign address issue or something else. It says:
Payment Status Not Available – We cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time. For example, you didn’t file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return, or you recently filed and the return has not been fully processed.
I filed both, so maybe they are processing the 2019 return. Maybe they never received the returns?
Hi Brian. I’m getting that too and it sounds like others are. I googled it and sounds like it’s happening to lots of non expats too. Hopefully it’s just a glitch in the new site.
Hi Adam McConnaughhay, thank you very much for your all the information you are providing here and your efforts!
just to share my actual piece of expierience with this, and i’m totally following your logic assuming that the IRS may have more work filtering “us” (Expats doing taxes and using FEIE) out, then just accepting this payments to take place too.
So, my case: Expat, Dual Citicen, filing 1040 etc since 2017, claiming Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.
For now, using the give tool, i get the message:
“Pament Status Not Available”
“According to the Information we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibilty for a payment this time.”
But, i’ll try again in a few days and would be happy to share my expirience here again with you.
Best wishes from germany and thanks for you work, Steffen
Hi Steffen, yea I’m getting the same message today, just updated the post sharing that. It looks like others are too, even non expats. And yes, I’d appreciate you sharing how it goes. Hopefully it’s just a glitch in the new site.
Hi Steffen. Was wondering if any expat has tried using the Get My Payment with a negative AGI. I understand the tool unable to process a negative number (AGI) and to use zero instead. Has any expat experienced a problem or success in entering bank account information?
My relative has filed taxes every year for the last 6 years while in Germany, so know their taxes on file. I am just trying to help them out.
i am an expat living in the philippines.. i dont have a u.s. bank account. and paypal doest work here.. is there any other way to get direct deposit. can the check be sent to another persons foreign account
Try the get my payment and see if it will allow you to enter foreign or someone elses account
Hello Steffen, My husband and I live in Ecuador we are USA citizens and we are getting the same message, Payment Status Not Available – We cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time.
We will keep you updated if anything changes tomorrow..
Hi, in the first line of “Who is eligible” on the IRS site it says:
U.S. residents will receive the Economic Impact Payment…
So, if you’re NOT a US resident (ie, an expat), will you still get the payment?
I’ve tried the IRS site, but it keeps giving me the “Not Available” status, which includes the text “According to the information we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time.”.
Has any expat actually gotten confirmation from the IRS site that they’re going to get the payment?
Hi Steffen, I’m a US citizen living abroad for the last 8 years, have not filed taxes and from what I read I don’t need to because I earn less than 12,200 but I know I have to use the new tool to enter my basic info. I have some questions, how would I receive the money if I have no US bank account? I lived with my parents before moving overseas should I put that address in the form to have them send the check there? How could I endorse it so they can cash it for me? Appreciate all the help!
Hi Adam, I don’t have a US bank account (it’s been closed) so no routing number, anyway I can do it via IBAN? Any other options? Thank you
Hi Daniel, I couldnt get the tool to work for me yesterday so couldnt see what options there were. Will update once im able to get in and register myself with the options it gave me. If all else fails you could try the capitalone account if you have a place to list as a mailing address in the us. You can see my review above
If I have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), can I use Get My Payment?
You can access Get My Payment using an ITIN, but in most cases, the law does not allow an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) for individuals who file a return using an ITIN. The only exception is when two spouses file a joint tax return and either spouse is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year, in which case only one spouse needs to have a valid SSN.
Hi Troy, Im not sure. The line for the Ssn does also say itin, so you could try. I think they may just put the two payments together through the account you listed on the joint return
Living in London, paper filed for 2018 but IRS don’t have my banking info. The Get My Payment button returns the same error we are all getting. Thanks for your efforts, Adam!
So, i’m in an odd position. I forgot to file my 2018 taxes but filed 2019 and was accepted by TurboTax 15th of January but the IRS still shows my refund as processing.
I read on the IRS that past years must be mailed and cant be efiled and also the IRS website says theyre not processing paper returns currently due to Corona. I cant call the IRS as all is shut down.
Im not sure why my efile has been stuck on processing for four months now but im assuming its because I forgot 2018?
Im not getting any money back this year and therefore couldnt put in my direct debit info.
I try to log into the stimulus check but its say my information is incorrect. I wrote my address exactly how it is on my tax return, with and without the c/o address I have but no success and also was locked out for 24 hours.
Do you or anyone else have the same issue as me? Im not sure what I can do since I assume the 2019 tax return info isnt in their system as its processing and my 2018 is missing so they most likely have no information on me and I really could use that check right now.
Hi, I was getting the error message all yesterday too. The irs has said that could be because your return hasnt been processed yet but it also sounds like it could be a glitch. Will try again today
Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to add my experience with the get my payment site. We live in Germany and file US taxes every year, but the foreign income exclusion usually means we owe no taxes, so the IRS does not have our direct deposit information. I tried the website yesterday and today for both my wife and I (total 12 different attempts) and always received the error that my information does not match what they have on record.
I am not sure if it is the website, or if there is something special about the address from Germany, but I tried a whole bunch of iterations (SSN with and w/o dashes, with and w/o zip code, street address all caps) but nothing seems to work.
Anyone have any bright ideas, how I might be able to find out what the IRS has as our street address?
Hi Joshua,
This is my case living here in Colombia too. Tried SS with and without dashes, including or not including the zip. It locked me out for 24 hours this morning as I had tried several times yesterday too. From comments here and reading elsewhere, it sounds like this is happening to lots of people. The official explanation of the IRS is this could be because you are not eligible, it could be because they haven’t processed your returns yet, or it could be because the website is overloaded because that is the default error message. How to find the street address I don’t know. I will try again tomorrow morning. If by Monday, I’m still getting the same, I’m going to start to worry and may be just do a free e-file online for 2019 (I mailed mine while visiting the states in mid March just before things started escalating with the virus, so maybe they never got to opening and processing it and they are saying they are not going to process paper forms for now).
Ditto here from Ecuador. Copy and pasted addresses from 2019, 2018 and 2017 e-filed returns, with and without punctuation and with and without accents… No luck thus far and, from what I could find, there is currently no way to either figure out what they have in their system or change it (since to change it, you’re required to mail in a form).
Update: According to IRS, “A9 . . . If you don’t receive a Payment this year, you can also claim it by filing a tax return for 2020 next year.”
So, that at least lets me know that we expats aren’t going to be SOL. May need to wait 9 more months, but it’s better than nothing. And living on ~$250/month, I’ll be damned if I’m going to turn down five months of living expenses.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center
This is interesting. Is it saying that if for some reason you don’t get the stimulus payment, then you can just take it off of your next tax payment (if you owe) or request the funds (if you don’t owe?)
Seems to be the case.
Also, an update: Finally was able to log in… And discovered they mailed the check to my Ecuadorian “address” half a month ago. Of course, since there is no rural postal service (address is just street name and barrio) and, even if there was, the postal service here was shutdown months ago, the check will never arrive. Also, there’s no ability to add/update bank account info in case check is returned to sender or additional stimulus payments are authorized.
Good news! The IRS Get My Payment tool now says that my wife’s stimulus check will be posted to her Australian address on July 31!
Hi, I just got off the phone with the IRS precisely to find out what address they had on file. While they refused to correct my address over the phone, the lady was able to verify that the address I gave her was the one on file (I wasn’t sure). 18008293093
how about a foreign national (adult) living abroad with two children born in USA with SSN’s. No taxes have been filed because parent is foreigner….. so technically my two children (US Born Citizens yet still minors under 16) are not claimed as dependents anywhere. Can they get economic impact payment? Off course neither child filed taxes in 2018 or 2019.
Would they technically be “Single” — and not dependent?
Hi Andy, it might be worth confirming with a professional, but my interpretation from whats on the irs site would say no as a work elgible ss # is one of the prerequisites. One of the critiques of the bill is that many dependents over 16 wont get payments nor will their parents get the 500.
However there doesnt appear to be a minimum age to file a return but i would think labor laws would prevent anyone under 16 from having income to file a return. Theres I guess an interesting theory there depending on the meaning of a work eligible ss #.
Hi, Adam, i live in colombia but I don’t have a bank account, can they send the checks to a foreign address? Also, you talked about a capital one online account, can u please tell us a little more about it, like how do you get your money out, do they give u a card? Thank you for your help
Hi Angelica. Its not clear if they can deposit to a foreign account or mail to a foreign address. Hopefully we can get through and see what it looks like soon. As far as capital one, you can read more at my review linked above but you do need to have an address in the us you can receive mail and the will mail a debit card there. Abroad that would be the easiest way to get money but if you are alrwady abroad you could look into both transferwise and worldremit also linked above as ways to get it from that capital one to your foreign account.
Thanks Adam, all, hope to hear we start being successful. I tried again, but think I have exhausted different ways of entering my address. Same result, Payment Status Not Available…
I am an American living in Canada and receive Social Security deposited to my Canadian bank account. It was announced today that the stimulus payment would be processed using the banking information from Social Security. I’ll keep you posted if and when I get the payment
Hi Adam, glad to find your post.
Three of us (married filing jointly and a son age 12) are US citizens working and living aboard. After foreign tax credits, no need to pay or receive any refund for the returns, filed for 2018 and 2019 using Turbotax. Try to use Get My Payment tool, to get the bank info to the IRS. Put in my SSN, DoB, and street address (foreign) and got “Payment Status Not Available. According to information that we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time” message.
The IRS portal says the street address needs to be a certain format. I tried the street address on the filed Form 1040. Not sure if it is the format of the address inputted that does not match the record IRS has. Our address (foreign) has no postal code either so I left that part blank.
Would the stimulus check be sent to the postal address on my tax return (foreign address). Any advice appreciated. Many thanks.
Hi Bernard, it is hard to say. I would keep trying over the coming days. I am getting that same message although i file by mail but have heard from someone else that files online the same.
The address format is a question I have too. If by Monday the same message keeps showing up it may be worth further looking into. Until then lets hope it is just glitches in a new website
Hello Adam,
Just wanted to share my experience as well.
I live in Japan and filed my Fed and State taxes for both 2018 and 2019.
I e-filed Federal and had to send in paper copies for State, as I claimed the foreign income exclusion for both years.
I’ve tried entering my US address, previous US address, and my current address here in Japan with no luck.
The first couple of times I get the “does not match our records” red error message on the form, and then get redirected to the “you’ve had too many attempts” screen.
I don’t know anyone living overseas that has been able to claim their credit yet.
Am I surprised a federal US site is having problems?
Haha, like I said, maybe it is a good sign some things are normal. I only know of ss recipients abroad who have gotten it so far but will keep ya’ll posted. Hopefully it gets sorted soon!
I live overseas, have a foreign address, efiled both my 2018 and 2019 (in February) returns with no tax liability or refund due (so no direct deposit info provided), both accepted by the IRS. Unfortunately, “Get My Payment” says “Your information does not match our records” at every attempt I make to enter the system. Looks like the problem might remain insoluble. There’s also the further hurdle, according to online reports, of the software throwing a technical error when inputting zero into the relevant field(s) in the case of those who do manage to log in and who neither owed money nor received a refund for 2018 or 2019 (my case exactly).
Well, at least we can stop wondering if we are getting it. New information on the IRS.GOV page.
The question asked was “As a US citizen living abroad am I entitled to the payment.” Their answer:
A31. Yes, U.S. citizens living outside the country are eligible for the Payment. Anyone eligible to file Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR is an eligible person if they have a valid SSN and can’t be claimed as a dependent of another taxpayer. Nonresident aliens who file or would file Form 1040-NR or Form 1040-NR-EZ are not eligible for the Payment.
Hey Kim, thanks for sharing! I hadnt seen that yet, and youre right that removes any doubt! Hopefully they get the site sorted soon
I live I UK, I don’t need to file taxes as I just live on my SS check (widows pension). I don’t have to
pay tax, I have not received my stimulus payment directly to my USA bank account. I have applied but what’s the delay?, Question: do I have to fill out 1040-SR form?
Hi Adam, I’m a US citizen living abroad for the last 8 years, have not filed taxes and I don’t need to because I earn less than 12,200 but I have to use the new tool to enter my basic info and get payment. I have some questions however, I’ve seen videos of people using the Non-Filers form its a basic form with basic info but when I use the tool I get a full blown 1040 form! what am I doing wrong? Also I have no US bank account, my last registered address was my parents house should I put that address in the form to have them send a check there or can I provide a family members bank account? and if I receive a check how could I endorse it so they can cash it for me? Appreciate all the help!
Hey Eddie. Youll have to see what options it gives you, i have a feeling it may need to be a US account but the endorsing for another to deposit could be an option. I also read somewhere that paypal could receive it but not sure about that, finally you may be able to list an account in someone elses name as it sounds like it will be some time before paper checks start arriving
Thanks for the response Adam. I was wondering however if I’m even innthe right form. In videos I see people using the toll get a basic form to fill out while I get a full 1040 form, do you know if thats the correct form I need to fill?
Hi Eddie,
Honestly, I’m not sure, it seems it wouldn’t be the full 1040, but since you have to make an account to see it, I can’t see the actual form it gives you. It seems like it’d be at least a 1040 EZ if not something even simpler, but I really don’t know. I hope you get it sorted.
Hey Adam! I’ve figured it out with help from a few others, hope this info is helpful.
To get the simplified form (instead of the regular 1040 form) you have to click on the “Start Over” button on the top right of the screen and then select “delete this form” from there it will take you to a page with 2 options, you will select the one on the top, that one is the simplified version of the form (for non filers) the one on the bottom is the regular 1040 form (for people who need to file their taxes)
Hi, Just adding my situation. I’m an expat on Social Security (and file taxes in the US). i haven’t received my check yet either. Thanks for your post and help to all. Take Care!!
I have the same issue that the GET MY PAYMENT portal says that the information does not match their records. I am entering a foreign address. No matter how I enter it, the message keeps popping up that information does not match their records. Has anybody, WHO HAS ENTERED A FOREIGN ADDRESS, NOT received the message that your information does not match their records? For example, has anybody who has entered a foreign address received the “payment status not available” message? Because that to me makes it seem it that in that case it is not an issue of your information not matching their records. If so, are you typing in the foreign address in any special way? I type it in exactly as it was on my return. For example, if your address contains a spanish word like CALLE instead of the english word STREET, do you type in CALLE or STREET? Thanks!
Hi,
I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to put this together as many of us are wondering how to get or stimulus money. It’s really clear and helpful.
As many, I’ve tried entering my info and got the “Payment Status Not Available…According to information we have on file, we cannot determine your eligibility for a payment at this time”. (I filed for 2018 but without bank info. Can’t file for 2019 yet as I have to first file in Spain before filing in the US, which I can only do in June).
I’ll keep you posted if I ever get anything else!
Cheers and stay healthy!
Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone in getting an error message on the IRS website. Please keep the article updated as you find out more info. Thanks again!
This is so helpful! I just tried to “get my payment” today and it showed an error message but at least reading this I know I am not the only one and I can follow so as not to worry too much. Thanks so much!
Hi Adam,
I just found your site while googling about their foreign address problem.
I just moved back to the US from Sweden in Feb and turned in a Form 8822 form when this was still being debated in congress (trying to beat it to the punch) but it seems that it did not get processed.
I read online that they are using the USPS address and NOT the 1040 address. Now I have not lived in the US for 10 years. Some people in the US (never living abroad) were able to use the USPS version of the US address to get in. So lets see if my parents address works.
https://tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress is the USPS tool to use for address formating
Hey Travis,
Thanks for sharing this! Definitely let us know how it goes!
Will do, sadly it will have to be tomorrow though, as I also have locked myself out for the day (again)…..
haha, im debating if it’s worth trying again today myself. Hopefully tomorrow….
Well to follow up, that didn’t work. Still no solution for me to get in. No matter how I enter my Swedish Address (same for 2018 and 2019) it says that it doesn’t match the information that they have on record. I will keep watching here for a update on how people did it.
Just adding my experience. I’m in Ecuador and keep getting locked out of the site after three failed attempts at putting in my info. I’m not sure what they want for the address: zip code or no zip code? # sign or no # sign? apt number or no apt number? I don’t know anyone who has been able to log in with an ecuador address. I keep trying with different combinations but hopefully it’s a problem with the site that will get fixed.
Hi Christine, I haven’t talked to anyone abroad who has been able to do it successfully either, so I think it’s a kink that needs to be worked out.
Hi Adam!! If I’m in Peru what do you think would be the best way to receive the funds? Could I give the account number of a trusted person in the US? Does the IRS check the name of the account and such? Or could I just put the account number of a trusted friend to receive my stimulus money to then transfer to me privately? Can they receive more than one stimulus payment in the same account? Many thanks in advance!
Hi, it’s hard to say for sure until I’ve been able to get the register form up myself. I would think it would be possible to use another person’s account as even in the US, there are people without bank accounts. But again, we will have to wait until the system is up and running to see for sure.
Thanks for your reply. Please do keep me posted on this!
Hi Adam,
Thanks for your site and the constant update you provide. My husband and I moved to Taiwan three years ago. We filed 1040 thru Turbotax every year since we left US, both 2018 and 2019 we didn’t have to pay US tax, therefore we did not provide our US bank account. In 2017, we also filed thru Turbotax and received a refund so we did include our bank account info then. I wonder if they would just use our 2017 bank info if there was none for 2018 and 2019? Anyway for now we also tried many times but keeps getting the same error message saying “payment status not available”, I think it’s because the system won’t accept foreign address? I basically just copied and pasted my address on form 1040 to the get my payment page but still no luck. Please keep us posted if you are able to get in. Thank you so much!
Hi Jenny, I moved from US to Taiwan back in 2015, has filed tax every year including 2018, haven’t filed 2019 yet. I am in the same boat, tried the “get my payment” link and no luck…
Hi all,
i just tried again to use the “get my payment” tool, with the same result like the last times,”Payment status not available.”
Let me try to sort a few things:
@ Lilian green quote:”I understand the tool unable to process a negative number (AGI) and to use zero instead. Has any expat experienced a problem or success in entering bank account information?”
I didn’t had this error yet, but it would be interesting if someone could report having this problem, because than we would that an expat already managed to log into the tool. Maybe worth mentioning: I had the problem with 0 doing my tax wit free file fillable forms. The engine allowed to insert zeros, but the IRS was rejecting the attempt automatically. After i found out that the zeros caused this, everything was accepted by the IRS fine.
@Joshua quote” I tried the website yesterday and today for both my wife and I (total 12 different attempts) and always received the error that my information does not match what they have on record.”
That is very interesting, because i never had that error, and i am filling in a foreign address too. So if we assume the tool differs in its error messages, and the message “Payment status not available” relly exclusivly describes the given error, that woul implicate that the adress format has beedn accepted by the tool. but we dont know that, thats just an assumption. i wrote my german address just like this:
11a Streetname,
left the second optional line blank
CityName Statename ZIP
@ C quote: “The first couple of times I get the “does not match our records” red error message on the form, and then get redirected to the “you’ve had too many attempts” screen”
Again interesting, because as saif i never had this errormessage, using a foreign adress as an expat from germany too.
@Austin quote: “No matter how I enter it, the message keeps popping up that information does not match their records. Has anybody, WHO HAS ENTERED A FOREIGN ADDRESS, NOT received the message that your information does not match their records?
Yes Austin, me! I just recieved the “payment Status not available” error message, as described above in this post.
Interestingly, but i don’t wan’t to confuse things, and this is another topic, i get the “unable to register” Error Message and 24h bans trying to register to the online account of the IRS, which just seem to be exist since this year. and i think the type of adress writing is the problem there. But again, that is not the “get my payment” Tool, and was just a noteworthy information at the side.Again Adam thank you for this platform.
Have a great time everybody, and keep on trying, i will too and keep you posted (-:
Hi All, From Sweden here. Lived several years in Sweden now, always filed electronically, never owed or got a refund. Mailed my 2019 tax in Feb. I keep getting errors that my information doesn’t match their records.
I have a question for Steffen.
First of all how did you enter in your information on your 1040? There are 6 boxes that can be used, if one has a foreign address. In the box: “City, town or post office, state, and ZIP code. If you have a foreign address, also complete spaces below (see instructions).” did you write ONLY city name? Essentially my question is, how did you fill in the 6 boxes on the 1040. If you could find that, it would give us some hints to how it is registered on their end.
And when you say you entered in your foreign address into “Get my payment” like this:
11a Streetname,
left the second optional line blank
CityName Statename ZIP
Did you put CityName Statename and ZIP in the “Zip or Postalcode” field?
You mentioned you have tried to Register an account with IRS (For transcripts?) and unsuccessful. That is due to it not being available for those with foreign addresses unfortunately (Can’t remember where on IRS.gov I read that). But it does help to see what latest tax return they have on file. If I enter in my information from the 2019 tax return, it accepts my address and gives me “other options”. But if I write the wrong address on purpose it says it doesn’t match their records. So it tells me that my latest Tax return is in their system, but that the “get my payment” has my address stored in a different way. I’ve noticed a lot of Americans living in US having similar experience.
Thanks Adam for setting up this discussion here, it has given some new light on how this system works!
@Steffen
I just looked at my 2018 tax return, because I do not believe my 2019 return has been processed yet.
The format of my Address entered on the first page of the 1040 is entered as it would be if you were mailing something in Germay:
Home address (number and street). If you have a P.O. box, see instructions.
-> Street Name Number (street name is two words, for example “Am Dorfplatz 11”)
City, town or post office, state, and ZIP code. If you have a foreign address, attach Schedule 6.
-> Town
The rest of the address is entered correctly on Schedule 6, as stated in the instructions. (Foreign country name, foreign state, foreign postal code)
One thing i forgot, because it was asked here what to do if you dont have an US Bank Account.
This site suggests Transferwise as a free service:
https://www.myexpattaxes.com/coronavirus-us-expat-taxes-extended-payment-deadline-checks-to-expats
“If you don’t have a US bank account, Transferwise is a great option.”
If i ever will reach through to the “get my payment tool”, i will check if this account is accepted and let you know.
Hi Steffen, any news on this? How does transferwise work and please verify if we can actually use this to receive our stimulus!
Hi there from Italy, we keep having the same problem as everybody else with “payment status not available”. This morning the difference was that for the first two attempts, it said that the information did not match the records. Then it kicked me out again….will try again tomorrow.
One question I have though, is that while I included my foreign address on the form 1040, for e-filing turbo tax required a US address and I left my sister in law’s….I wonder if I am inputting the wrong address.
I have the same error message: “the information does not match our records.”
Also I included my wife whom is a mexican citizen in the 2019 filing for married -joint. We were married in november 2019. She did have a SSN from working on a J1 in 2013 that is ‘Authorized for work with a DHS authorization.’ I’ll see if this is an acceptable SSN for the check. Also hope that if it is not that that does not disqualify me from an individual check!
US citizens, as well as permanent residents, are required to file expatriate tax returns every year regardless of where they reside and the amount of their income. Even if your income is below $12,200 you still have to submit a return if you reside outside of the US. Along with the typical tax return for income, many people are also required to submit a return disclosing assets which are held in bank accounts in foreign countries by using FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR). There are substantial penalties for not submitting your tax return and FBAR report (if required). When you renew your US passport outside of the US you are required to give them your Social Security number now which is forwarded to the IRS for verification that your taxes are up to date. I found this out the hard way. My income is always below the filing limit so one year I decided not to submit a return. I received a letter from the IRS stating that I had 90 days to submit a return or I would have to pay a penalty.
Hi Clifford, thanks for sharing. I think there’s lots of misconceptions out there about whether people need to file or not.
Hi Adam. Is it possible to submit the routing number and account of a trusted friend in the US in the IRS page for non-filers? Do they verify the name of the account against my name? Also can an account receive more than one stimulus check if several people who have (similar to my last question) submitted the same account (routing, etc) to receive their stimulus check as a direct deposit there? Many thanks in advance!
Hi David. I’m not sure, we are going to have to wait until it lets us see the actual form to enter the account information. If anyone has been able to successfully get in and register, please let us know if you can enter another person’s account.
Hey Adam I read your review about the capital one 360 account. What is the minimum amount you can deposit to open the account?
Hey Eddie. No minimim to open it. To get the sign up bonus I think you do have to put in a certain amount but theres no minimum to open or that you have to maintain and also no monthly or yearly fees.
Thanks for the quick reply Adam. This is weird, last time when I was applying for the capital one account it went through normally but I stopped at the deposit part. Now when I went back in to apply again after reading your reply it declines me and I get this message after putting all my info: We know this isn’t the news you were hoping for. We declined your application based on information we received from Early Warning Services, a consumer reporting agency. Any ideas what went wrong?
Hey no idea. Maybe try contacting them?
Hi Adam, I tried again and this time my info went through however it still takes me to a page where it asks to make a deposit, I don’t know how you got to open it with no deposit. I’m at step 3 and on top of the page it says “Let’s add money.
Transfer money from another bank account.” And it asks for a routing number, an account number, and amount to transfer.
There are no options to skip this part or fill in the info with anything other than what it asks for, I can’t get past this part 🙁
Hey Eddie. I cant remember exactly because it was several years ago but O was able to skip it or do it later. I remember I didnt get the bonus because I funded it with a wire transfer from my Colombian account, which I had to initiate from that account not the capital one.
This confirms you dont have to find it: https://www.capitalone.com/bank/checking-accounts/online-checking-account/disclosures/
I guess see if theres a small print skip or later somewhere or some other way to advance.
Thanks Adam. I managed to open the account but it turned out to be useless, the acc logged me off and when I tried to log back in it wouldn’t let me without a verification code, the only way to get a verification code is through a US phone number registered under my name. I’m living overseas so thats not possible. I even called capital one to see what we can do and they said nothing can be done unless I have a US number under my name. I can’t even make transfers or activate the debit card without that phone number so this capital one account turned out to be a useless dead end. Any other bank accounts you suggest? this is getting really frustrating just to get that stimulus money
Hi Eddie. Sorry, I don’t have experience with any others. Others have mentioned Transferwise as a way to get stimulus money. I can’t remember exactly how I got the Capital One up and running but I have the app on my phone here in Colombia, but yes I can’t activate cards without calling from the US. Hope you find something that works.
thanks for the quick reply. Which form are you refering to? the “get my payment” button? Because in the Non-filers page where you enter payment info it lets you put any routing number and account number I believe at least in “step-1. Fill out your tax forms”. Thanks in advance
Ok. Thats good to know. I would think at the chance of being wrong it would be the same.
hello,and thanks for a great site.This is the answer to question 14 on the IRA site where it is asked if spouses file jointly and one has a SSn and the other just a TIN nr,if they qualify for the check:
No, when spouses file jointly, both spouses must have valid SSNs to receive a Payment with one exception. If either spouse is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year, only one spouse needs to have a valid SSN.
If spouses file separately, the spouse who has an SSN may qualify for a Payment; the other spouse without a valid SSN will not qualify.
I have just filed 2019 and I am in this situation,and maybe lots more on this site.I am asking my accountant for advice,as it seems a bit weird.If anyone in this situation has received or qualified for payment please let me know,thanks.I aslo cannot get the “my payment ” tab to work
Hey Heidi, thanks for sharing, someone asked about this earlier and I wasn’t sure what to tell them. Still no luck for me either with the get my payment page.
Here’s my situation. I am not even a *legal* ex-pat as I spend at least 5 weeks per year in the USA, and have a residence in the USA in any case, which I use for my tax form, bank, etc. I had already filed for 2019, and had $0 tax liability and had no pre-payments, so there was no amount due or to be refunded.
I tried the portal on Friday, but the stupid system only allowed for the choice of amount due or refunded. I tried it both ways with the amount as 0, and it gave me an error. I just tried it a few minutes ago, and now it says that the check will be sent on Apr 24. This means that it will sit in my mailbox totally useless to me until I am back home in October (and that presumes the Coronavirus situation has stabilized by then), could very well be pilfered by a porch pirate, and in any case, will have expired by the time I could cash it.
I had an inkling that this could happen, so I filled a form for assistance with the Taxpayer Advocacy Service, but I had not heard anything from them. I have been discussing this possibility with my Senator’s office before this, and so I have relayed this recent status, and am awaiting a response.
One reason they give for “Payment Status Not Available”:
The application doesn’t yet have your data; we’re working on adding more data to allow more people to use it.
They may simply not have our data in yet. Maybe in the days to come. I feel like we wouldn’t be top priority.
You’re amazing! Thanks for all this work and info that you put together! This is the best resource that I’ve been able to find! Thanks so much!
Glad it helped Kayla!
Your suggestion to go ahead and do your 2019 income taxes now (as opposed to July) as possibly a way of spurring the process of receiving a direct deposit is only useful if you are receiving a refund and you didn’t receive one last year, in which case you then have that opportunity to give them your direct deposit info. I pay them every year and even though that bank info is there, they will not use it for a direct deposit. I live in Mexico but use a US address on the form. Even with a normal US address, I am getting the message everybody else is, “Payment Status not available.” So it isn’t just for those with foreign addresses..
Hey Erin. Thanks for letting me know. I figured it may help to fill in the bank details even if you dont pay or receive a return but it was speculation.
Hi!
This is such a helpful content. I just want to seek an advice for anyone with a similar situation who was successful in applying.
Here are some of facts in my situation;
1. I lived in Asia for at least 5 years now.
2. I have never filed my TAXES in the US as I’ve only had informal jobs to get by as I attend college.
3. I have 0 income for the past 2 years.
4. I have no US Bank accounts.
5. I no longer have a US address or phone number.
Any related advice would be appreciated.
6. I am a US Citizen
I forgot to add.
Hello everyone! So “glad” this portal is full of people that have my same issue. I would like to ask a question though: when you e-file as expats, most of you probably claim the FEIE so at the end they owe $0.00 and have a refund of $0.00. All the e-file tools I have tried won’t prompt the page to fill the direct deposit info in form 1040 and there is no way to insert them manually. Have anyone of you found a way or a e-filing tool to do that? Because I am waiting to e-file my 2019 return for that reason. Otherwise it will just end up like the 2018 return I e-filed and go in with the direct deposit info blank. I DO have a U.S. bank account, just cannot find a way to put in those info in my 2019 return. So frustrating. If you do have a way or use a tool that allows you to do that, PLEASE let me know, because I really run out of ideas and this “Get My Payment” tool just does NOT work for any of us. Please let me know ASAP if you have an idea to solve my problem, because here in Italy the economic situation is REALLY bad and if I don’t get this money before the end of the month I am literally screwed. I will be very grateful to anyone who can help. I look forward to your replies! Thank you all in advance!
Hi Sherif,
I e-filed 2019 with TaxAct, I’m not due a refund & there was no possibility of adding a bank account on the actual form. HOWEVER, before I submitted it, I clicked back and around on “Info” or “Additional Info” I believe, (on the left hand side) under Federal there was a line to input the bank details. It did not show up on the actual 1040 pdf though, so whether or not the payment goes to my bank account, we shall see. I’m in the UK, I have a US bank account, and I filed on 12th April. Also getting the error message. I hope this helps!
Hi Shannon. Thanks for sharing. I would love if you let us know
H&R Block 2019 (I bought it in amazon).
Hello,
Concerning the Get My Payment IRS tool:
Democrats Abroad have sent a letter to the Treasury Department/IRS
concerning the foreign address/information doesn’t match glitch (amongst other things), letter which you can download here (https://www.democratsabroad.org/taxation_news).
According to that missive, the snafu’s the zip code: “Unfortunately, the
tool will not let the user advance to the next screen without providing
a Zip Code. Putting a U.S. zip code, non-U.S. post code, no zip code,
“none” or 5 zeroes into the field gives you a message that the
“information provided does not match the information the IRS has on
file…”
ThanksCurt. Have the same error message and waiting for info!
Thanks! This is helpful!
I entered totally bogus personal information into the Get My Payment website and the “Payment Status Not Available” message pops up. It would seem, therefore, that this response gives no indication of whether or not an individual’s information is matched with data on file. The response “According to the information that we have on file…” is misleading since the same message appears when there is clearly NO information on file.
Hi, I’m a US Citizen living in Venezuela. I turned 18 not long ago and I don’t have a bank account nor an address in the US. Do you think I could enter a borrowed US bank account from (non US citizen) friends or family?
Hi Victoria. If no one could have claimed you as a dependent then you should be elgible. The bank account you are going to have to try once the portal is working.
Hi, Adam… What a great site. Thank you. I too am retired in Colombia. A zero-filer (no tax – no refund) on Social Security (via direct deposit to my bank in the US). The Get My Payment site does not recognize a Colombian address even though I entered it exactly as written on my tax return (Calle 102 No. 78 – 10, Apartment 2201, for example) nor the six digit zip code used in Colombia. I tried a lot of formats, removing the apartment, the No., the dash, removed a digit from the zip code, got locked up daily after 3 tries, and nothing). Since I am a filer on Social Security, I should have received my direct deposit in my US bank with the first wave of 80 Millions, but I did not. Not sure what else to do. Even if the Colombian address is accepted (unlikely), I learnt from other zero-filers that there is another challenge since I owe neither a tax nor a refund (the only 2 options offered for verification). The IRS and SSA talk about SSA-1099, but SSA-1099 only shows my mailing address in the US (for convenience, since 4-72 takes months to deliver). My tax return has my Colombian address and no direct deposit information. Ideally I should just get my stimulus payment the way I normally get my SS benefits via direct deposit in my US bank. My concern if they use my SSA-1099 and mail the paper check to my US address and there will be no one to receive it till 2021…. or if they use my tax return and mail the check to my Colombian address, and that may get lost or cashed by someone.
What are your thoughts? and any advice you may on how to write to (and get a response from) the Treasury department? Thanks again.
Hey Rick. So Im not familiar with the SS forms but my understanding was that yes it should deposit automatically into the account you get your ss payments into. Do you normally receive them by direct deposit? If so I would sit tight for now, I think that SS recipients were part of the 2nd wave and it is possible they are still processing.
I apologize for posting this (Please feel free to remove it). I posted a reply and it does not appear. The URL says UNAPPROVED:
https://www.cartagenaexplorer.com/how-to-receive-economic-stimulus-americans-abroad/?unapproved=1523&moderation-hash=db219ff5ee8aea7ed6a7338e32ca041a#comment-1523
I provided my e-mail and I have not a verification e-mail.
Hey Rick sorry I have to approve the comments since there is a fair amount of spam too. Just got a chance to do so.
Hi, Im a college student in the Philippines, and read about the terms of EIP, found out I could qualify to the non-filers form in the IRS site. Quick question though could I use my mother’s bank account, my mother also applied for EIP and last tax return she didnt claim me as dependent. She has 2 bank accounts and wondering if I can use the one she didnt use, to have my EIP deposit directly to that account. Or i have to have my own bank account in my name? Thanks !
Hello again everyone! Does anyone know a solution for the issue I posted in the message before this one? Thanks again!
Hello again, I live overseas, I submitted the form through IRS and it got accepted. I put my foreign address, no phone number and I didn’t enter any bank account, I un-checked ‘checking’ and ‘saving’ (since I don’t have one in the US), it said there that the IRS will mail me a check in that case. My question is, if this really goes through, would they really mail me the check overseas? and do I need to do anything right now? Here’s an excerpt of the email I got:
Dear Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info customer:
Congratulations, the IRS has accepted your Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info return.
Your Submission ID is: xxxxxxx
If you haven’t already, it’s always a good idea to print a copy of your return for your records.
Check the IRS website for the latest info on payment timelines at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
To confirm your return status, log in to your Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info account at https://www.freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd/EconomicImpactPayment and select the “Check E-File Status” button.
This email was generated by an automatic system that is not monitored for responses.
Hi Daniel,
How did you passed the first screen validating your overseas street address and postal code?
shaji
Hi Adam, I’m a US citizen living in Ireland for the past 14 years. I have always filed (always with a 0) but have recently returned to work after having kids and now file using the 1040, Schedule 1 and Form 2555 – again with a 0. I have always filed by mail and did so for 2019 but I entered my US bank details even though I will not get a refund. Should I file through e-file as well or just wait? I only read IRS are not processing paperwork after I filed 2019…
Hi, I think I would wait, unless you only mailed it after say mid March. It sounds like from what others have said in comments that if you e file with an agi of 0 it never gives you the option to put in a bank account so sounds like you would just be in the same boat.
Just thought I give my experience here: I’m having the same problem as an expat with a foreign address not matching their records. I e-filed with TurboTax in late January so I know they have my return processed. If you do get a paper check and have a US bank account, using mobile deposit from the bank’s app could be an option. I bank with Wells Fargo so I know that option exists for me.
Hi Tony, my Capital One has mobile check deposit but it only works when it is in the US with the phone gps. Hopefully they get this tool sorted. Fortunately Im still able to work and will be able to wait until Im in the US at some point to cash it but it would be nice to have it before.
I’m a US citizen living in Russia. I have been trying to access the irs portal for already 4 days. It appears to not working and constantly saying they can’t check my identity.
I’m guessing they have a glitch since I should be eligible for a check. I filed my 2018 return with the dd info on it and I also filed 2019 without the one. Hopefully the irs team would check my dd information from the previous 2018 year and deposit the money.
Otherwise, not sure how long it will take them to mail the checks to all foreign addresses
Hello everyone,
First of all, thank you Adam for this informative website. I live abroad and filed my 2018 and 2019 returns. I owe money for 2019 so the IRS has my US bank info. However, I heard that the ‘withdrawal’ info is not the same as the ‘direct deposit’ info. Is that true?
When I hear people say they put their bank info on their return, I am confused. My tax lady says you can’t put direct deposit info on the return unless you are getting a tax refund. My question is, can US bank info, even for a withdrawal (I owe taxes)
be enough for the IRS to deposit my stimulus payment? Has anybody received theirs with that info?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Elaine,
I’m not sure to be honest. Hopefully someone in a similar situation can give us some insight as I’m sure you’re not the only one with that question. And thanks for the kind words on the site!
The IRS website says that they cannot use withdrawal information for the purpose of receiving your Covid stimulus. You would have to use the online tool they have setup to enter your banking information for the direct deposit.
This article here says american citizens who are married to an immigrant who does not have a SSN and file their taxes jointly are not entitled to the stimulus checks. Perhaps this exclusion also applies to those who file separately, but I’m not positive. Could be the reasoning for a lot of the commenters above.
“But it excludes millions of tax-paying immigrants who do not have legal status — and it also blocks U.S. citizens if they file a joint tax return with a spouse who does not have a Social Security number.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/these-us-citizens-wont-get-coronavirus-stimulus-checks-%E2%80%94-because-their-spouses-are-immigrants/ar-BB12WWwR
Johnny, this is sad news.
I am an American citizen working in Japan.
My wife is Japanese, we file separately and she has ITIN.
If this is the reason why I can’t get the payment, it’s just sad.
Japan is providing something similar to EIP, I guess I’ll count on that for now…
Thank you for sharing Johnny.
Hi Adam,
I live abord for the past 9 years and I was not aware that even if I do make under $ 12000 a year that I am still obligated to fill my US taxes every year. How did you file you taxes for the previous year at once, do you have a link for it, and the second question is is there a way that we can receive a stimulus check in the foreign bank?
Thanks for your help
Honestly Mensur, this was several years back and I just found the forms for each year and wrote a letter explaining I didn’t know. If that is really the correct way, I’m not sure. Dig around on the IRS website. As far as a foreign bank account, again, I’m not sure since I haven’t been able to successfully access the portal, but it sounds like you have to enter a routing number, which I believe only US banks have.
Hi Adam, thanks for taking the time to deal with all of us! I also have a question. I’ve been living abroad for the past years and I’m filling taxes in Brazil. I no longer have a US bank account nor I did file taxes in the US since I’m doing it locally. I’ve tried to use the non fillers form but it keeps coming back because I did not fill the bank account info. What do I have to do in order to let the US know I did pay taxes and I (desperately) need the stimulus check? Would you walk me through, please?
Hi Flavia, you may still have to file even though you likely don’t owe anything by taking the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. As far as the bank account info, it sounds like it requires a routing number, so has to be a US, I’ve heard you can also get it into a PayPal account, and possibly Transferwise. Waiting for it through the mail will take months, so I’d recommend looking into one of those options, capital one, or if there is another online bank option with no fees, even if you only use it for this.
Hi guys, I’m an American living overseas. I’ve been following the conversation here regarding the IRS website problems for Americans abroad. I’ve been getting the same “Payment Status Not Available” message mentioned throughout the conversation. I would like to ask if any of you at all have had any luck getting past this message and through in order to enter your bank details. I’ve heard that there might be a glitch with the system that rejects a foreign post code in your address, and only accepts US zip codes. I, and probably many of you, only have a foreign post code and I’ve used it in my US tax return for years. So I’m asking: has any American abroad, with a foreign address, had any luck getting through the system and past the message “Payment Status Not Available?” Has anyone at all had any luck putting in your bank details and/or getting your $1200?
Hello Everyone!
I also have the same issue with the foreign address and the get my payment tool… I want to add my DD information.
if anyone finds a solution please let us know.
Quick question, what do you guys think will happen if we use the Non-Filer form to get through even if we filed? I am not sure what else we can do? I read a few times on Reddit that they’ll begin mailing checks this friade, the 24th but that’s an issue since the address on my returns is no longer actual since I recently moved.
Any opinions?
Hi Cory, the truth is I had a friend here tell me he did that. He didn’t actually file (although he probably is supposed to), and he got the money. I’m considering doing it myself. Don’t want to get myself into any hot water, but it seems a bit ridiculous that they are getting the money more quickly.
Have you had any luck? I’m just back to the states after 12 years overseas, and still get the same error daily. ‘ Information does not match’ etc etc…
Hey Cory, I tried this a few days ago after many failed “information does not match” attempts. It looked okay in the beginning, the form was submitted no problem but the next day I got an email saying it was rejected because of this:
Here is your error(s):
Issue : Business Rule R0000-902-01 – Taxpayer TIN in the Return Header must not be the same as a TIN of a previously accepted electronic return for the return type and tax period indicated in the tax return.
My 2019 taxes were already filed so that is the issue it would seem. I guess the good news is that this proves they did receive my taxes but still no luck to get the check. I am already locked out of the site today but will try again tomorrow to see if I can do some funky things with the post code.
FYI: I learned the hard way- if you file married joint with a non-resident alien spouse (either via TIN or SSN ‘work authorization only by DNS authorization) the US citizen filer is disqualified from the economic impact payment (1,200). Only way around is to file married separate. In this case you can qualify for the 1,200. Down-side in my situation would be loosing 1 year of paper trail for if we go through an immigration process to reside in the US.
Anyone else have the same situation?
Josh,
I am in the same boat, been filing jointly with my wife (NRA) for the last two returns. I haven’t filed my 2019 return yet, not sure what I will do. Although I am not planning on having her applying for green card anytime soon, so I may just go ahead and file as individual this year. Not sure if there is any legality issues. We registered for marriage in China and Taiwan, but not in US.
hello,
your info ( “if you file married joint with a non-resident alien spouse…the US citizen filer is disqualified from the economic impact payment” ) seems to contradict other info.
it has been reported that persons married to an alien, filing a joint return are eligible for this payment.
however, it has been pointed out also that:
“Millions of U.S. citizens won’t get federal stimulus assistance under the $2 trillion pandemic aid package because there are also unauthorized immigrants in their families. The CARES Act excludes unauthorized immigrants and most U.S. citizens or legal immigrant spouses who file taxes jointly with unauthorized immigrants or immigrants without a Social Security number, making an exception for military families.”
i’m not sure how the USA gov would be able to tell who is an “authorized” immigrant/alien however….
Josh,
I am in the same boat. My wife is a NRA, jointly filed 2017/2018, haven’t decided what to do with 2019 filing.
We registered for marriage in China and Taiwan, but not in US, not planning on applying for her Green Card anytime soon.
I am leaning towards filing as single in 2019 if that guarantees I will get that 1,200 payment, but with all the expats having problem so far, I don’t think that’s a guarantee.
UPDATE:
So I was able to get in touch with the IRS (1-800-829-3903 press 1 and the press # multiple times so that you get connected to a person) and I was able to update my address to a US address. The nice gentleman also confirmed to me that paper checks will be mailed starting April 24th and that they are not processing ANYTHING anymore since they have been shut down. So anything mailed will not be opened or processed until after they open up again which as of right now will not be until after July 15th, 2020.
So it may be a good shot to get in touch as I did above to correct any information needed. They will ask you your SSN, DOB, current address and full name. Hopefully I could help you guys!
Cory, did you mention anything about foreign addresses and why us expats can’t access the site? Have you tried using the updated address to access the Get My Payment link?
Cory, Thanks for the info. How did you get through on that number? When I call, it just says the office is closed.
Nevermind, I just pressed 1 and # like you said and got a list of options and talked to a real person! I also changed my address, so fingers crossed the check will be mailed to the US.
Thanks for the tip Cory, I tried it too, but it seems its on the luck of the person that you get. The person that I talked to basically said “F* off”. So, I guess it’s worth a try, but it’s the collections department and I guess they are getting many calls about this right now.
I have been trying to help my parents to ge there stimulus but the site always says not available. They are both senior citizens. 🙁
Hi Adam,
First of all, thank you for your effort and this informative page.
As Cory said above, I called 1-800-829-3903 pressed 1 and then pressed # 7-8 times:) Finally I got connected to a real person in 2 min. At least I confirmed my foreign address on my IRS file. The lady I spoke to doesn’t know why I am getting error while I try on IRS get my payment tool.
Actually, I don’t know what to to do other than waiting or trying more. I finished my 2019 return. If it takes so long, maybe re-filing like non-filers is another option :/
Thank you Adam for this incredibly useful resource!
I am a U.S. citizen living in Chile. I filed my 2019 taxes electronically (as I do every year), but did not include my bank information as I knew I wouldn’t be getting a refund due to the FEIE.
Like many of you, I am trying to access the “get my payment” tool so that I can enter in my banking information and hopefully receive a direct deposit. I’ve been trying every day this past week and a half, but I am always given the message that my information does not match what they have on record and then I am locked out for 24 hours. I’ve tried many different variations of my address, SSN with dashes/no dashes etc. to no avail.
Has anyone had any luck? Or does anyone have any updates? Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I am in the same boat and everyone else I’ve talked to is too. Interestingly I don’t get the your information doesn’t match what’s record error but one that says according to our records we can’t confirm your eligibility right now.
I’m also in the same situation; filed for 2018 with my account details but filed for 2019 without my bank account details; apparently the IRS is too lazy to look at the 2018 return since I have not received anything yet. Using the Get My Payment site I also get the “information doesn’t match what’s on record” error message. Just wanted to flag that the site says that it will be down for a few hours here and there over the next few days for maintenance, so hopefully they will be fixing the overseas post code issue then! Overall, thanks for the primer Adam, this has been a great source of information, and I hope we can collectively find a way to fix these issues for expats!
Yea maybe the maintenence is a good sign!
I am on the same boat, I thought the Italian administration websites were bad, but this IRS site is a travesty, what a shame!
There are some members of Congress who are working on behalf of American living abroad to fix the known issue with the Get My Payment tool. Today, a letter was sent from Rep. Dina Titus to the IRS and Treasury Departments calling attention to this: https://www.democratsabroad.org/carmelan/rep_titus_d-nv01_champions_congressional_ask_for_fixes_for_cares_act_tools_for_americans_abroad
Furthermore, the IRS Get My Payment website now says it will be undergoing maintenance starting today and lasting through Saturday. I am CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC that they may fix the issues we have been having as part of this maintenance. Fingers crossed.
Hello everyone,
I’d like to share my conversation I had with an IRS customer service representative this morning.
After calling 1-800-829-3903, dialing “1” then “#” 7 times, and waiting for about 20 min, I was connected to a very kind representative who asked me to verify my credentials, then asked what address I’d like to have registered. I was able to successfully change my mailing address to one in the states.
The funny thing is, he said the check is actually going out in the mail tomorrow to my foreign address. He wasn’t sure how long it would take to get here though.
My advice for everyone is to call that number, verify what address the IRS has on file, and then see if you can inquire when the check will be sent.
Good luck and stay healthy everyone.
Get my payment is IRS (it really sucks)
Haha, good one
The site will be down for maintenance for 3 hours Fri, Sat, and Sun. Let’s hope they do something to fix it! There are still a lot of people in the US that haven’t received anything yet so it could be awhile before we will see it.
Hi, all,
My trouble is more complicated. First, when I filed my 2019 Return, the software recorded my foreign address without street info and I did not check it up; Secondly, the postal code is more than 5 digit where Get My Payment limit it to 5; Thirdly, I tried to call to correct it but nowhere to go as IRS reduced its stuff number and now no one answers phone call. Mail address change form would take months to process at this time.
Any suggestion and comment? Thanks a lot!
Allen
Hi Alan,
Call 1-800-829-3903, dialing “1” then and then press “#” 6-7 times and it connects you a real person. I did like that and confirmed my foreign address. I canno still access to IRS Get My Payment tool but at least I know they have correct address on my file. Good Luck
Following for the Get My Payment issue. Having the same. Frustrating. I can’t even get mail here where I am as the postal service is shut down (not essential), not that I ever received mail here anyway.
Hi Adam! Thanks for all this info. I can login to the IRS page and enter my US bank info to receive the direct deposit. I am an expat who files tax returns but pays no taxes because of the foreign earned income exclusion. On the IRS page where I put my bank info, it also asks me if I “received a refund” or “owed money” on my last tax return. It forces you to choose one of those options and then there’s a line to enter how much money you were refunded or owed. But neither apply to me because I paid no tax! Unsure what to enter in those fields.
Hey Andrew, honestly no idea, it sounds like you are one of the fortunate few who have made it that far.
I have been getting the “information does not match our records” error for several days, today I was searching online for help and it seems that the Get My Payment tool just cannot handle foreign addresses. The organization Democrats Abroad, as well as some members of Congress, have recently sent letters to Treasury and the IRS asking them to fix this issue along with some others.
https://www.democratsabroad.org/carmelan/rep_titus_d-nv01_champions_congressional_ask_for_fixes_for_cares_act_tools_for_americans_abroad
Adam, I think we are now getting the “Information Doesn’t Match” message because the IRS is doing planned maintenance on the site from 23-25 April. I just started getting that message today, whereas I always got the “Can’t Confirm Eligibility” before 23 April. And Adam, thanks so much for creating and maintaining your website. The info here shared by other Americans overseas has been really helpful and reassuring.
As of today things look different – instead of “Status Not Available” it is now saying “Data entered does not match our records”.
Look like we came to the same issue as local Americans experience – can’t just input the address in a format that system accepts.
I live abroad, filled 2018 and 2019 taxes through Turbotax, the last one was submitted on April 17, as due date was extended to June.
Today our switched from “Stutus Not Available” to “Data Entered does not match our records” and after a few attempts it went to a warning that too many attempts were made try back tomorrow.
We live in Central America. Are residents but filed and paid taxes in 2018 and are still waiting on tax documents to complete our 2019 return. IRS drafted our taxes due directly from our WF account over the last ten years.
We have had not direct deposite and can’t get through the site. We do qualify for the CARES stimulus.
If you have any luck please pass info on…I will do the same.
Still waiting and I receive Social Security, live in France and filed my taxes in 2018.
After five failed attempts I made it through this morning and got my address changed using Cory’s method mentioned above! (Thank you again for that Cory!).
Some tips to get through and win the IRS agent over.
Read the address from your latest tax return directly, and don’t mention trouble with the website. It seems all 4 of the agents I spoke with this morning were VERY annoyed when that was mentioned.
Good luck to the abroad community out there!
Democrats Abroad has found support in congress for fixing the problems with the IRS website for expats:
https://www.democratsabroad.org/carmelan/rep_titus_d-nv01_champions_congressional_ask_for_fixes_for_cares_act_tools_for_americans_abroad
Fingers crossed they can get it done soon!
Excellent, thanks for sharing Ben!
Hello, US citizen from Germany here. In the same boat with the IRS website issue. We moved last year within Germany and I have always had to mail a paper return since living here. I file with the foreign income exclusion so TurboTax does not allow e-file. Concerned my old address was on file I tried the tip above and reached someone without waiting at the IRS. I also just stated I wanted to verify my address on file and a very friendly lady on the other end did so. It appears that even though the paper return was not processed the current address was entered. If a check will be sent at least it will go to the right place. Hope this helps any of you out there with a similar experience. Thanks for all the information everyone is providing!
This is a great website to connect and stay informed about expat issues.
Hope after the weekend we have good news from the IRS website that they are able to match our addresses.
Greetings from Argentina!
Hi all. Will here, an American living in Brazil since 2009. I usually spend about 3 months a year in the States at my parents’ house because I have a long summer vacation. Anyway, the my payment site had been giving me the “we can’t determine your blah blah blah” error until last night. I logged in and it said I was eligible for the stimulus. The problem was that it asked for how much I owed or was owed based on my 2019 returns which I filed about 2 weeks ago and haven’t been processed, and I didn’t file in 2018, which was their other option to choose in order to determine my latest situation with the Irs. I was going to just select 2019 and select that I was owed 0 but I’ve read that many people have tried that and it gave them an error message putting 0. So, as I was searching for my bank routing number and all that other stuff, I got logged out twice, resulting in getting locked out for 24 hours when I tried logging in again. I just ask you all how I can put in my direct deposit info without having filed in 2018 and my 2019 returns not being processed yet. I’m utterly lost here and I’m sure some of you have been having the same problem. Any help would be appreciated. By the way, I make less than 12,000 dollars a year due to the exchange rate being so high. So I would owe the irs nothing.
Hi, everyone! I live in Spain. My son (22 years old and a non-dependent) and I each opened online Capitol One-360 accounts just to get the stimulus checks. Let me just forewarn everyone that, if anyone decides to open a Capitol One account, he or she will need to introduce a US telephone number to “set up” the new bank account once it’s created. We both resolved this easily by just using my mother’s, who lives stateside (she just told us the verification code she was texted). Although Capitol One expressly states that you must use a US phone number registered to you, personally, we were both able to work around this hurdle in the manner described. Also, any issues are resolved in a very friendly manner by calling their toll-free number, which I did thru Skype, so it was totally free. Hope this helps. Aside from that, neither my son (“Non-filer” tool) or I (E-filed my 2019 taxes with Turbotax) have gotten the checks, and I am encountering the same problems that everyone else is experiencing. Patience is a virtue! Stay safe, you guys.
Hey Kris. Yup thats how I have mine set up too. On my end same for the payment still, maybe this coming week?
Hi, Adam. I keep getting the error message. Today I tried putting in my apartment number with the # sign before it (as the IRS shows when you click on the question mark) but no dice. I’m still getting the Status Not Available. Cuídate!
hi can i ask if im calling the 1-800 from a different country other than u.s. do i have to type in also phone codes?
Hi, Annalisa… On Skype you have to put +1 (US country code) before the toll-free prefix (800, 888, etc…). Hope that helps..
Hello All,
UPDATE: It Finally Works
After multiple attempts over the past week or so, I was finally able to get past the error message we have all been receiving and made it to the page which asked for updated bank account info. This happened last night but unfortunately, I got a new error message which suggested the info in at least one field was not acceptable, although accurate.
Well I am delighted to report that I just tried again a few minutes ago and this time it worked. If you are like me and have a negative AGI since you claim FEIE, the trick is to simply follow the below steps i did differently tonight:
1. Select ‘Received Refund’ even if you did not receive one (as was the case with me)
2. For AGI, type in your exact AGI from your most recent return but without the negative sign or without parenthesis. Random example: 145000 as opposed to -145000 or (145000)
3. For refund amount, type in 0
4. The rest is pretty straightforward. Type in your US routing number and your full account number.
For those of you who are unable to make it to the page above, you may try the following that worked for me. Not sure if it will but it is worth a try. The only thing I did different was to:
1. Use the calendar icon to select my DOB as opposed to typing it in
2. After I typed in my address and zip code, I hit the space bar after each one just so that I wasn’t autofilling my info. Weird, I know, but that these are the only steps I did differently than all the other attempts which resulted in the error message.
I wish you all the very best and do hope it works out for you like it did for me. At the very end, this is the final message i received:
“BANK ACCOUNT CONFIRMATION”
“You have successfully submitted your bank account information. Your payment will be direct deposited into your account using the information you provided”
Hey Troy. Thanks for sharing! Glad you got in, am going to try myself right now. Fingers crossed!
Well no luck getting through for me, although I was not getting past the first page, with a little red message appearing above saying it doesn’t match the info on file. Assuming it is something with the address and/or zip. It would be nice if it indicated. Locked out after 3 tries, so will have to give it another go tomorrow.
Adam thanks for all this information and greetings from Switzerland. I have the same problem — I am now getting the new error message: “Your information does not match our records.” I think it has to do with the address and zip code. In Switzerland, our zipcodes have only four numbers rather than five. Maybe they’ll fix this later this week? It would be great to get the direct deposit rather than have to wait for a check.
Troy, your comments and information have been so useful. I’m still not able to get passed the initial page, but hopefully I shall have more luck this week.
What tool are you talking about? Tool “For non-fillers” or “Get my payment”? Here we mainly talk about the last one and as I know it doesn’t have anything related to AGI, FEIE etc..
We are all waiting for the first successful attempt to add the bank account info on “Get my payment” tool.
Hello Troy. I can’t find on which page I can select ‘Received Refund.’ Can you please help me? Thank you.
Hello Ekmll,
This is the second page once you move past the first one that asks for SSN, address, etc.
Hopefully members of Congress can have the current state of the IRS website fixed. The reason so many are getting the “Data entered does not match our records” message is probably because it forces you to choose either “received refund” or “owed money” for your last tax return, followed by a line to input the amount. However, that won’t apply to anyone who used the foreign earned income exclusion because you wouldn’t have paid tax, therefore you wouldn’t have received a refund or owed money. That applies to me, so of course the “data entered doesn’t match records” because they’re forcing me to input false info just so I can click the enter button!
Troy, same thing worked for me today. I selected owed a refund and then put 0. I was then able to put in my routing number and acct number and it said the money will be deposited. I just found it a little strange because I didn’t file in 2018 and my 2019 returns are still in processing. I guess I am seen as being eligible of not needing to file because I don’t make enough money in dollars so the system accepted everything. So keep trying guys. Maybe these updates are fixing things.
Hi Troy,
1 How did you enter your SSN with or without dashes?
2 Did you enter a foreign address and if so how did you enter your zip/post code?
3 Will the portal take foreign bank account?
Thanks in advance!
Hello Jo,
1. I entered without dashes
2. No, i entered a US address and made sure it was the same one the IRS has on file. I called them last week to verify. I entered the 5 digit zip code.
3. Not sure. I put my US bank account info.
US citizen who has lived in Norway for the past 4 years. Moved back to the states right before COVID. I’ve been getting the “ we can’t determine your payment status” since the website was launched. Today it changed to “does not match our records” and then I was locked out.
Maybe it’ll work soon, but I have a feeling it won’t til I complete my 2019 and update it with my US bank account and address.
I am also an expat living abroad and tried keying in details “Get My Payment”
1. SSN with and without hypen
2. Choose DOB from the calendar
3. Typed in my foreign address and Pincode
I keep getting only below message “We are unable to provide you with the status of your payment or perform the action requested because:
The tax return information you entered does not match our records; or
You have already accessed the system the maximum number of times today.
Please come back after 24 hours and try again.
For whoever it worked, please share how you entered the details.
Has anyone (expat) received their Stimulus money yet? I still have no success using the “Get My Payment” link (error message).
Hi Troy,
Thank you for sharing your successful experience! Just two questions:
1. did you enter a foreign address, including a foreign zipcode? If so, is there a particular format you used? I live in the UK so my address should be easily recognizable in English, but I am still not able to get past the first page. I have a 5digit/letter zipcode and entered it just like I did on my tax return.
2. when you called IRS, was there an option to submit your bank info with them or just correct an address?
Thanks!
No, he did NOT enter a FOREIGN ADDRESS, he entered a US one, which he revealed in a later post after sending everyone on a silly wild goose chase. We want to hear from people LIVING ABROAD, who filed in 2018/2019 with a FOREIGN ADDRESS, who either can or cannot LOG IN to the GET MY PAYMENT tool with a FOREIGN ADDRESS on the FIRST PAGE, where you enter your SSN, your DOB, your STREET ADDRESS, and your ZIP or POSTAL CODE.
Will, did you enter a foreign or US address? The only person who was successful, Troy, entered a US address, which is not the typical situation of a US citizen living abroad. Thanks!
Any luck with IRS website anyone this weekend?
Can i have my stimulus check mailed to my family’s home in the USA and they FedEx it to me? Could i cash it here in UAE Dubai?
If you have your address changed (or its the one on file) I’m sure you could. You’ll have to ask your bank if they can cash checks from the US.
Hello: IRS extended the date were you can update your info (american bank and address) with the tool NON-FILERS GET PAYMENT INFO HERE. From now through November 21 @3 PM EST. I’ve been helping lots of my neighbors here in DR who are retired and get SS payment in local banks, to provide a trustworthy friend’s or relative’s american bank account.
Hi Deborah, thanks for the update!
Today after the first step (social security, DOB, address), it went straight to this message: “We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020 to the address we have on file for you.” It didn’t even give me a chance to input bank info. Previously at the bank info step, it always said my info about my previous tax return didn’t match what they had on file. So I guess it’s kind of nice that the money is actually being sent out, but it’s annoying that they got rid of the possibility of direct deposit because now I will have to figure out a way to cash the check. Besides flying back to my parents’ place in the States and signing the back of the check, anyone have any other way to get a check cashed without being there in person to do it?
Nevermind, just realized that my banking app has mobile checking. So my dad can just take pics of the front and back of the check, I’ll print them out over here, sign the pic of the back, take pics of those pics, and then upload to my banking app.
Can you let us know if that worked out?
Diana,
I still have a bank account in the States and an address in the States associated with the account. Interestingly, today, one day after entering my direct deposit information, the get my payment page says a check will be mailed to my address on record with them on the 31st. So I guess only addresses in the States are working as of now. I hope they fix that soon for all ex pats who no longer have bank accounts in the States.
I am also getting locked out with a UK address. I’ve tried over several days. I receive the following message:
‘Please Try Again Later
We are unable to provide you with the status of your payment or perform the action requested because:
The tax return information you entered does not match our records; or
You have already accessed the system the maximum number of times today.
Please come back after 24 hours and try again.’
Please, if anyone is able to succeed with a foreign address, let us know!
Hi!! American living in Spain.
I’ve tried calling the number mentioned above 1-800-829-3903, and dialing 1 and the # but it just keeps saying that the office is closed, and goes on to say there hours are M-F 8am-8pm.. which is during the time I am calling. I know lots of IRS functionalities are shut down right now so wondering if anyone has had a similar experience or if I’m doing something wrong, or if there is a better number to call now?
Thanks!!
Hola, Jordan! I’m in Spain, too, btw. I called the same IRS number today… After punching in SSN and waiting to be transferred, I was told that “due to brief technical difficulties” my call could not be transferred…. I’ll try again tomorrow.
hola kris!!! hope you’re doing ok!! hahah i just called them again (10.30AM east coast USA time, 4.30PM Spain time) and got through… did what everyone else said basically just kept hitting 0 and after about 15 minutes on hold got through to a very nice woman!!! in my case unfortunately my check was already mailed to my Spain address on April 24th but it is what it is! She said if I don’t receive it by May 24th to call them back hahah good luck!!
US citizen living abroad filed on 17th April through Non Filer portal with US banking account details, got the payment today (27th April). But, Get My Payment still doesn’t work for me. Not able to pass the first screen itself.
I actually went ahead and tried to the non filer portal just to see. It was rejected in my case due to the AGI not being correct. I think that is because I had a small amount of interest income, which I stupidly didn’t note. But thanks Tam for sharing, this may in fact be a work around for some.
I had the same problem a lot of people did with the portal not recognizing my foreign address even though it is the same as on my return. I took the advice of a few commenters above and called the IRS at 1-800-829-3903. This phone number can be found on the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/federal-payment-levy-program), so I know it is not fraudulent. I pressed 1 for english and then ignored all of the prompts and kept pressing #, the prompts kept telling me this was an incorrect input, but I pressed probably 5 or 6 times and was immediately connected with a representative. I was able to confirm my information and change my address to an address in the US (my permanent address). I will give them a few days to update their systems and will try the Get My Payment portal with my new info and update you on if I can put in direct deposit information then.
Yes, please let us know.
Ok, I do not have a fix to get the Direct payment to work but if you call 800 number, they will at least confirm your mailing address on file and tell you when the stimulus check is coming out. For me wait time was short, under 5 min.
For anybody who wants to call: 1-800-829-3903
The fastest way to get life person online is if you skip all the available options.
Meaning: do not punch in your SSN, keep on pressing zero will work
It will soon transfer you to the agent.
I was also told, that if my stimulus is already scheduled to go out as check, it probably wont matter if I add DD info on the website.
She could be wrong but that’s what the IRS agent just told me.
Mine is going out May1st . I ‘ll still try to add my bank info to the system but I doubt it will change anything.
I am already locked out today for the next 24hrs anyway.
Also, since I’ve been receiving checks/correspondence before, I know they take min 3 weeks to reach an address in Poland.
Also, the address the used for me was not exactly what i have in my 1040 so this only adds to the confusion.
Good luck everyone.
Hi Arthur, thanks so much for sharing. That note about the address being different may be what is causing our problems.
Update: I called the IRS and luckily was able to speak to someone. I was told that my stimulus check had already been mailed to the address on my 2019 tax returns (where I am currently living in Chile). Once the check arrives I will be able to upload it via my mobile banking app to my U.S. bank account. Since the check had already been sent out, setting up a direct deposit was out of the question. I’m assuming this will be the case for all of you as well! Keep an eye on your mail for the next few weeks!
Hi, Elizabeth. Question about uploading the check to your US bank account: do you do that with your bank’s native app or with another (3rd-party) one? Thank you!
Hi Kris! I will do it with my bank’s own app. For example, my U.S. bank is Wells Fargo, so once my check arrives (hopefully soon!) I will upload it with the Wells Fargo Mobile Banking app. Hope that helps!
Thanks!
Hi Arthur, The Soc Sec retirement is deposited directly to a European bank Account . The Q still remains if the IRS will direct deposit the $1,200 to that account, and if NOT what is next for those with no US Bank Accounts. Thanks in advance. Andy
hi adam. just got off the phone with a agent of irs. waited like 2 munute then was connected. i called the 1-800 using skype. the agent was really helpful. told me my check was mailed april 24.. i live in the philippines so dont know how long til i receive. unfortunately couldnt change my mailing address to my parents in the states. but at least i know im getting my check.
I also just called 1-800-829-3903 and got through pretty quickly. I found out that my payment was sent to my address in Canada on April 24. At least this relieves me of the burden of dealing with the glitches on the GetMyPayment page. Mail between the US and Canada is slow at best and will be even slower now, but it should eventually get here. Hang in there those of you living in more distant places if a check has already been sent out to you!
I understand that if you don’t get the payment this year, for whatever reason, you can claim it as a refundable tax credit on your 2020 US 1040, so theoretically you could request Direct Deposit then. I know this doesn’t help those of you who need quicker payment, but at least it will eventually materialize.
I had previously contacted my US Senator’s office about this problem and I’m going to keep in touch with them to request the IRS improve their on line service for Americans abroad.
Good luck to all of you and special thanks to Adam for his amazing website!
Thanks for the info Brian. I am in Canada as well. I pretty much gave up on the Get My Payment. At least I have a glimmer of hope that mine was or at least will be mailed to me soon. I received a random treasury check last year so I know they know where to find me. And yes, mail is at a turtles pace especially from the U.S. Thank you also Adam for having a place for us to share info!
Hey Adam and everyone,
I reached the IRS yesterday on the 3903 number you guys mentioned and changed my address from foreign to U.S, just in case they mail me a check. So thanks for the tip.
My question is this: has anyone been able to change their foreign address to a U.S. one and successfully login into Get My Payment portal?
I changed my address to a US one early last week by calling the IRS and as of Sunday, I was able to successfully login to the Get My Payment portal! Unfortunately, it was too late to update my direct deposit info, as my check is already scheduled to be mailed, but at least I know I’m getting a check now.
Hi , I just spoke with the IRS on this same number and the rep said she could not update the address over the phone?? (I just needed to correct my apt number!). And that she couldn’t give me info about the payment status (it has nothing to do with my case in particular becuase she didn’t even have my ssn). arrggg I’ll try again tomorrow
I changed my address to a US one early last week by calling the IRS and as of Sunday, I was able to successfully login to the Get My Payment portal! Unfortunately, it was too late to update my direct deposit info, as my check is already scheduled to be mailed, but at least I know I’m getting a check now.
Hi, American living in Japan here.
Get My Payment site giving me “Payment Status Not Available” for over a week now.
I called IRS today on 1-800-829-3903 press 1, SSN and press #.
Connected to a kind lady on my second try and I was able to check the address registered in the IRS.
They checked their system and I was able to confirm that my address in Japan is registered correctly(at least).
So if I’m eligible for the payment, I guess I’ll just have to wait for the mail to arrive…
I was connected to a mean lady on my first try,
she told me to read the instructions on the IRS and she hang up the phone.
If this happens, my advice is try calling the number again.
BTW, IRS didn’t accept my phone call from Japan but
I was able to get by this by calling 1-800-829-3903 via Skype.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that Skype will let you call IRS with no credit(for free),
so if you haven’t tried it, give it a try!
I just tried to call the 800-329-3903 number listed in the comments. It’s the only currently functioning number at the IRS – the collections department. A person answered quite quickly and was very nice, but unfortunately was unable to assist. She could offer no information regarding the checks and was not able to change our address to a US-based postal address. She personally had attempted this with previous callers from China and Japan, but the system did not allow her to make the change.
She did say, however, that another department within the IRS was set to come ‘online’ in a week or so, and that this department would be in a position to assist expats regarding stimulus checks. Let’s hope…
Hi everyone,
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I’m also in a similar position as most of you. I have few questions if anyone is able to answer:
1. I’m a regular tax payer however, I owe taxes rather than receiving a refund. Although I use direct bank transfer to pay, IRS may not use this bank information for direct deposit?
2. I have not filed 2019 tax return yet. My 2018 tax return had an international address that is out of date and I have moved since January 2019. Therefore, if the IRS mails a check to the address on file and it’s never cashed or lost, is there a way to obtain it any other way?
3. What’s the source of the number listed above, 800-829-3903, as it doesn’t come up on search on IRS website? When I call the number it says we are currently closed – our timing are 8 am to 8 pm. What time zone is it? What time have you guys called and in what US time zone?
Thanks.
1. I would think the IRS would use your source bank details used to pay your amount owed for 2018 taxes. But that is just a guess.
2. I asked my congressman a similar question, and asked him to help us expats get answers. No answer yet. He’s probably hiding from the virus. Somebody above in the comments (Adam, April 18) mentioned those who don’t get their Economic Impact Payment, would get it at the latest via 2020 tax return. He mentions A9 and a link to an IRS FAQ, It has changed to A8 for Question 8: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center
3. Unsure, haven’t called.
Good Luck.
Hi Abdul,
1. If you don’t get a refund your direct deposit bank information won’t be saved by IRS. I have the same problem, so the need to get into the portal, but cannot. See Q24 at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center
2.Same problem with me. Nothing could be done for now.
3. The phone number is local time 8am to 8pm, so if your phone number is a CA number, it is CA time 8-8.
Hi Abdul,
For question #3, the number is listed here:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/federal-and-state-levy-programs
I would assume that they are located in Washington D.C… locate the time zone you are in and do the math. That’s exactly what I did, and it worked like magic.
I too was facing issues with accessing the Get My Payment portal like everybody was describing.
I file my 1040 every year, and I’ve owed no federal taxes thanks to the Foreign Earned Income Tax adjustment, and tax exempt investments. I’ve also never had a refund, so I can’t recall if the IRS ever had my bank details. But all this is over 9 years. So, I think they didn’t until this:
April 13 I filed my taxes via Free Fillable Forms, like every year.
April 29 I get the Economic Impact Payment credited to my US account.
When I filed my taxes, Steve Mnuchin was talking about direct deposit for the Economic Impact Payment (Get My Payment portal not yet available), but I knew the IRS had no bank account for me on file. So, before I submitted my taxes on April 13, I plugged in my bank details in the refund area, even though I was owed no refund.
I can only guess, but I think the computer system mined the bank details from the 1040 form, and also from the submission page on the Free Fillable Forms system.
YMMV – Good luck everybody. Hopefully this insight will work for folks who haven’t yet submitted their 2019 taxes.
I live in Ecuador and had problems getting the portal get my payment to work also after checking daily for the last 2 weeks. I figured I would not receive the economic relief payment. But received my payment in my acct yesterday. But I did not get credit for my children under the age of 16. Any body else having problems with receiving the dependent payments?
Hi everyone
Has anyone been successful getting through the Get My Payment tool as an expat living in a foreign country? I live in New Zealand and filed taxes in 2018 and 2019. When I enter the first page of information I get a “can’t match records trying again “message. And of course after 3 attempts I get locked out for 24 hours. I have been trying and it’s now May 1st.
Hi all, I managed to call the IRS number 800-829-3903 and spoke to a helpful lady, who confirmed they have my correct UK address on record and my check is on its way, ready to reach me by May 11. I already have US bank accounts, but there is nothing I can do to switch this to a direct debit. However, I have found out most US banks (two of mine) have an option of depositing checks online. You typically need to download the bank app on your phone, take a pick of the check and it will deposit it. This is just to cut on all the expenses associated with cashing a USD check in the UK. I can then use Revolut or other platforms to transfer my money for free to the UK. I just thought this might be of help to those who are getting a USD check abroad but have or could open a US bank account. Thanks all for the useful tips!
Hi Diana,
When did IRS mail your check?
I tried calling the number provided. The IRS had transcription error with my account — my street name misspelled within the IRS system — and a nice man was able to help fix the error. As of now, it is corrected, and I will try the portal again tomorrow. He couldn’t offer any information or further assistance with the stimulus check, but having the correctly spelled international address is important too! The IRS struggles with foreign addresses and spellings, and so it is worth having this verified if you are in doubt.
PS: Just for the record, I live in Switzerland. (The IRS confused an “r” for a “tz” in my Swiss address.)
Were you able to successfully access ‘Get My Payment’ portal with your Swiss address?
Hi Tim! Even after the IRS fixed my address, I still cannot get into the portal. (I’ve tried twice now.) I still receive “The information you have entered does not match our records. Please try again” prompt. Now my concern is that because the IRS didn’t transcribe my address correctly in 2018, I will never receive the check in Switzerland. Ugh! Endless frustrations. I may call again tomorrow and reconfirm…maybe I’ll get lucky and have someone tell me that a check is on its way.
Hi All, Just following up (living overseas.. filed in 2018.. filed in April for 2019.. moved in April.. Get my payment errors..). We called IRS and got through. They said check was sent weeks ago to old address, but we don’t think it has arrived yet and we are hoping we’ll be able to track it down. Due to covid, mail forwarding services are cancelled. Not sure what to do if the check never arrives in hand…
D. Michael – I was unable to file using free fillable forms in the past when using the 2555 form. I would fill stuff out, print and send. Can you efile through free fillable forms with 1040 and 2555 forms?
good luck everyone!
Hi everyone,
I’m a US citizen living in Germany. However, as I’m also a German citizen and pay taxes here all my income falls under the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, meaning I earn 0 USD for the purpose of taxation. I filed Form 1040 once about 6-8 years ago and sent along a letter explaining the circumstances, and afterwards never heard from IRS again. Since I technically earn 0 USD I never bothered to file again since there is no reason to do so.
Now it says on the IRS website under Q2 that I should still be eligible to receive the payment through the Non-Filers tool. Since I don’t have a US bank account and the tool doesn’t allow foreign bank accounts, I’d probably have to request a check, which might need some time to arrive. The problem is that I don’t know what type a check it’ll be, and if I can just take it to my bank here to process. I have never handled checks before (they’re almost unused in Germany) so if anyone has any information or advice in regards to this I’d like to ask for your help.
Also, is my thinking above all correct or am I missing something that might make me not eligible to receive the check? Again, information or advice would be appreciated. I have written an email to IRS several days ago but haven’t head back from them.
Thank you! 🙂
Joseph, it’s the same situation in Switzerland. The Swiss haven’t used checks since the 1990s, and I know of no bank that will accept checks these days. One option for you is to open an account with the State Department Federal Credit Union. I know a lot of US expats who use it: https://www.sdfcu.org/. There’s no monthly minimum required, but I think there’s a small, sign-up fee.
I Adam…
Thanks for the thread and the great expats sharing their story, as it seems we are all in similar situations.
Just to share my case, American in France. File US taxes every year, regardless of income, but never had the need to add my direct deposit info (I do have a US based account).
So, the 16th of April I quickly (perhaps hastily) filed the Free-File option in the IRS-CARES Act website. There, I filed my taxes for 2019 and added my US bank info. According the Free-File status check, the IRS accepted my return quite quickly. Since then I have been checking my status in the “Get My Payment” platform. Until last week, it was getting the “Payment status not available”, but then this week it changed to “The information you have entered does not match our records. Please try again.” Before finding this thread, I was re-checking daily, trying different versions of my address, with zip code, without zip code, etc..to no avail. Now, I see by the other expats in the thread that perhaps it’s a glitch in the system. Let’s hope they fix it soon.
Hello,
I live in the U.K. US citizens and have filed my taxes. Getting error message on get my payment. On the help section for error message,It does NOT take about foreign addresses or post codes. So, the only thing I can think of it the it’s not excepting my post code of six numbers, and letters. I was reading in the previous comments that someone said IRS are working on a section that will help with our dilemma?
I have what appears to be a similar situation with many here. Lived in France for 20 years, no US bank account. I was able to open an account that gives me a US bank number, in order to receive direct payment. Visible here:
https://transferwise.com/invite/u/mauricef52
Legit website, cheeper transfer rates. Hope that can help some people without US bank accounts!.
As of today, the error message about not entering correct info is still there. Hopefully they will fix that, so people can add a US bank account and not receive a check they can’t cash!!
I don’t see my scenario fully represented. My husband and I are retired in the UK. He has dual UK/American citizenship. Our social security is direct deposited into an English bank account. Our last US tax return was filed in 2014 from our current address.
The idea that Social Security Administration has no difficulty managing to both deposit our benefits into our English account with no issues, as well as manage to get our yearly forms to us on time without incident begs the question, what the he’ll is wrong with the IRS.
Until they figure out international banking codes as well as post codes all expats with no US bank accounts seem to be sol..am I right?
Hey Donna. My understanding is it should just be deposited into your account but no idea if they are getting hung up on the foreign account
Hi Adam.
My parents received my stimulus check at their home in the US, which is the address the IRS has on file. However, I’m living abroad in Romania without plans of getting back soon because of work. I have bank accounts both in the US and Romania. Any ideas how I can deposit or cash the check since it’s physically 10.000 miles away?
Thank you.
Id say have your parents look into if your bank has an app that allows mobile check deposits or maybe teach them your signature
Hi everyone
İ have the same problem. No usa bank account.. there is no routing number here in turkey.. ı have tried payonner but it doesnt recieve payments from the irs? Has there been any new updates??
My information “doesn’t match” on the portal. Calling the numbers provided only allowed me to confirm my address. Currently, USPS is not accepting mail for the country I’m in…so my best bet is to wait for the issue with foreign addresses to be resolved.
A few days ago, I saw that the portal was accepting anonymous feedback (https://survey.foreseeresults.com/survey/display?cid=BAZQsB5xRUYZtxB5gM5BUw==&sid=link-payment-en). I’m sure the IRS is aware of the problem. But it might also be good to share your two cents.
Wishing everyone good luck and a speedy resolution to this mess!
Hey thanks for sharing that link!
Found a link to a Forbes article giving a schedule of when checks will be sent out to us:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2020/04/21/stimulus-checks-schedule/#7299ecb27b84
It’s not based on geography but on earnings. Then just need to add estimated postage time to your geographic location.
Hi Julia, thanks for sharing, I’ll add that in up in the article this week when I get a chance to update!
I m here in Thailand with my wife. I received my notice 1444 dated 29 May 2020 today 15 July. I logged onto the IRS website and my payment was scheduled to be sent on 1 June. I guess I’ll wait a couple more weeks to see if the check will come. Filing jointly, they could have just deposited it in my wife’s account. Her SS security already goes there. I can’t believe they don’t allow the stimulus check to be deposited using a SWFT code account.
Thanks everyone for the information shared. I live in a tax treaty country. Australia which requires pensioners to apply for US Social Security if eligible and discounts local payments accordingly. I have not been filing tax returns as those are my only source of income and neither payment is taxable in the other country. I can’t tell when or if the IRS intends to pay me or not. It would be a trip to have to file, given the different tax years, but there is an IRS amnesty process of sorts called Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures (https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/u-s-taxpayers-residing-outside-the-united-states). The IRS says SSA recipient non-filers should use the Get My Payment and I receive the message Payment Status Not Available. SSA payments are made by direct deposit via a European bank. Regarding direct deposits overseas, the Federal Trade Commission website (https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/economic-impact-payments-us-citizens-abroad) in warnings on scammers says that “The IRS will deposit your payment directly to your U.S. bank account (THE IRS CAN’T DIRECT DEPOSIT MONEY TO A FOREIGN ACCOUNT), or mail your payment using information from your 2018 or 2019 tax return or from your Social Security retirement or other federal benefits programs.” I’ve had experience depositing a US dollar check here. It can be done, but takes weeks and even months to clear.
Unfortunately, you won’t get a live person with the 800-919-9835 number
Trying to call that number many of you listed. Says they are closed and normal hours 8-8. It’s after 8am there in DC Are they shutting it down now or what? I’m overseas too.
Hi all! I commented before but have new info today. I am a US citizen who lives in Spain and did file my 2019 tax return, 0 owed, 0 refunded, so did not give my bank info. I have tried scores of times to enter my bank info into the Get My Payment portal and have always received the same message that the info I entered was not correct, and then would be locked out for 24 hours. Today, I followed the advice of other commenters and used Skype to make a free call to the IRS at 800-829-3903. Once it answered I pressed 1 to continue in English, and then continued to press 0 until it told me it was connecting me to agent. I made two separate calls today. The first time I got a very unhelpful lady who said she could confirm my Spanish address but said she had no access to any other information even whether the IRS was mailing checks to Spain. She said, “You have to check ‘Get My Payment,'” which I then tried to explain to her was not working for foreign addresses. She basically said she couldn’t help me with anything except to confirm that they had my correct address in Spain, so I hung up. Then I thought, I’m going to call back and ask again. I did using the same procedures above and I got a different lady, really nice, and she confirmed my address here in Spain, told me my check had been mailed 10 days earlier and was on its way to my Spanish address. LOL. She even confirmed the dollar amount. So crazy! She also gave me another number to call “to check on things…” but told me not to call more than once per day, because the info was updated every 24 hours. That number is: 800-919-9835. Good luck y’all!
The guy I spoke with was only able to confirm my address. He said, “he didn’t have access to any other information relating to Get My Payment.” He told me to call the same number you put on the bottom but when I called that number there is no way to talk to a person. At least I was not able to figure out a way after a few times calling it. At this point, I am just hoping the check is already in the mail and will arrive in the coming days. Fingers crossed!
thank you for this helpful article with amazing insights in the original post and comments!
wanted to share my experience in case it helps others – i followed same directions above (call 1-800-829-3903 press 1 and the press # multiple times so that you get connected to a person), spoke with an extremely nice and patient lady who at first said she couldnt help me regarding stimulus payments bc she works in collections. she shared another 1800 number that is focused on stimulus payments but she said she knows its only an automated system, no person to speak with.
i explained my situation: filed 2018 taxes with a japan address, now have a US address but have not yet filed 2019 returns, info not matching on the “get my payment” website for weeks, concerned that the check would be mailed to japan. she then very kindly said she would try to at least confirm my address in the system. i gave her my ssn, japan address, and US address, and she said that indeed my japan address was on file. then she proceeded to try to update the info to my US address about 10 times – she was getting error after error in trying to update, which may have had to do with the spelling of the US address (ST versus STREET, etc – in the end what worked was the address exactly as the USPS has it on their website https://tools.usps.com/zip-code-lookup.htm?byaddress). finally she succeeded by using what she said was a different system, which would take up to 14 days for my address to update, rather than the typical 24 hours, and that if the check was already mailed to japan and my address was no longer valid, it would have to be mailed in return back to the IRS, and they would then send it to my US address. she said she was not able to look up the status of the check.
i asked if i would be able to use the “get my payment” website after 14 days to input my direct deposit info, and she said in her experience, people have been putting in the direct deposit info but that can also take up to 14 days to update, and in some cases checks are mailed out before the info is updated.
huge workaround but even if the payment takes a while to reach me, at least i can breathe easy knowing that the IRS finally has my correct address!
Hi! I am a 23 year old, dual (US and PH) citizen currently studying in the Philippines. I have never filed any taxes whatsoever in the US before since I have been studying (from pre-med until now in medicine school) all these years. Am I eligible for the economic stimulus check? I do have a SSN but a friend insists that I need to have filed my taxes before and a US issued ID… I’m sorry, I am still confused despite the abundant and helpful information you have provided.
If no one claimed you as an independent you are elgible. However, you will have to do the non filer file on the irs website and it is worth the double check if you should be filing.
Hi Alex, another thing to consider is a Bank Account /Credit Union in the USA. Maybe you have a family member stateside who can help you with that? Receiving a paper check in the Philippines might not be useful to you.
Hi everyone,
I am living in the UK and received my cheque in the mail today. I tried to register my payment details via the portal previously but was getting the same error as others. Now I just need to figure out how I can deposit my cheque into my UK bank account without losing a lot of money through fees and currency exchange…
Thank you Sophia for sharing this information. I have been trying to find out if the IRS sends stimulus checks to foreign addresses. Was your address from your 2018 or 2019 taxes?
Hi Wendy,
My listed foreign address on my 2018 and 2019 tax returns were the same. I filed my 2019 returns quite early, around late January.
Has anyone living abroad actually gotten a check in the mail? I”m in Vietnam and the postal service here isn’t the most reliable and I’m worried that it will never make it to me.
There’s a few people who have posted on here that they’ve received their check or it’s coming!
I received my check by mail here in the Parisian suburbs yesterday, May 7. I never was able to log in to the Get My Payment tool in order to provide my direct deposit info because of the foreign address snafu. I actually sent the check back where it came from (more or less) to be deposited in my US account to avoid the exorbitant fees and poor exchange rates I would’ve been victim to here if I put the check into my French bank account (not to mention the fact we’re still semi-confined, I’m uncertain whether they have any physical presence in their offices, and to cash or deposit a foreign check I’d be obliged to make an in-person appearance at my bank). Good luck and keep the faith.
I live in Germany (for the last 20 yrs). I am an American citizen, my wife is a german citizen. We both have American social security numbers. For 2019, we filed joint using Taxact (in Feb 2020) and used our german address. We owed money which was paid via direct debit.
so far i haven’t gotten past the “Get My Payment” 1st screen of verifying my info. Today (5 May20) I called 800-829-3903 at 6 pm central European time. Spoke to a nice lady. Verified my info and address but learned that “some” IRS “systems” do not show my zip code (in Germany, the zip code is listed on the same line as the city); other “systems” show it as a period.
just tried a blank for my zip code but was locked out. I will try again tomorrow night.
‘Please Try Again Later
We are unable to provide you with the status of your payment or perform the action requested because:
The tax return information you entered does not match our records; or
You have already accessed the system the maximum number of times today.
Please come back after 24 hours and try again.’
Hello, I wanted report that I was pleasantly surprised to get the mail today and see an envelope from the US treasury in their. I did not expect to receive anything at all since we are still waiting for an Easter card from my parents. Nonetheless a check dated the 24th of April was in there. We live in Germany and I am a citizen with my wife and son as dual citizens. I did not do anything special to receive the check. I still have my bank account in the US from before we moved and was able to deposit the check without problems via the bank’s app. I hope you all have the same to report soon that you have received your check. Best regards from Hamburg, Derek
I am living in Canada and have called the 1-800-829-3903/7650 and have been told “the number you have dialled cannot be reached from your calling area…(and then an error code)”, has anyone else received this message? How can I call the IRS from Canada?
I have just called on Skype to 1-800-829-7650 and was told that I can not be given any information.
If you are calling from phone number from a different country you may have to use “+” so it would be +1-800… Hopefully that is the only problem for you!
Congrats Derek! I hope we all get our checks just as you did!
Living in Taipei, Taiwan. Just received my check in the mail today, sent to the Taiwanese address on my 2018 and 2019 returns, where I still reside.
Previously, when I tried to use the IRS tool I would get the “information does not match our records” error. I found that the address printed on the check that I received today is formatted differently than the address as it is printed on my 1040 forms. Specifically, all punctuation marks (commas and periods) have been removed and the word “DIST” (for “district” here in Taiwan) was also not present on the check. Not sure if this different formatting would have worked in the IRS website, but it doesn’t really matter because I would have never been able to guess it on my own.
Hi everyone, I live in the UK and have filed both 2018 and 2019 tax returns with my UK address. Like everyone, I wasn’t able to log onto the Get My Payment website – it kept telling me that the information didn’t match what they have on file. I followed the advice on here and called the IRS. She told me that they couldn’t provide any information on the status of my payment, but she did change my address to a US address. However, despite putting in the US details, I still couldn’t access the website! Anyway, today what shows up in the post? My stimulus check for the full amount!!! It was dated April 24th and was posted directly to the UK address that was on my tax returns. My advice is hang in there. They clearly are paying expats, and they are posting those checks out to foreign addresses that are on file. I hope this helps those of you who are still waiting.
A few people have, apparently. They all seem to be living in the UK, however (which is not my case).
Is there a way to subscribe to this article and get alerts to updates? I’d like to know when the portal is working for foregin addresses. I’ve been trying for weeks now.
Is there a way to subscribe to this article and get alerts to updates? I’d like to know when the portal is working for foreign addresses. I’ve been trying for weeks now.
My wife and I live in Colombia as well. We receive SS benefits with direct deposit through SS. I was able to speak to someone at the same 800 number given above to verify our address. There was a slight difference in how I filed and what they had. Tried the web page and no go. But had tried last twice so reached my limit for 24 hours. Will try again tomorrow morning. My issue is we filed in February before all this hit and afraid they my have sent a check. But can’t tell without advancing in the portal. Thanks to all of the responders here for your information.
Hi Pat. Good to hear from a fellow Colombia expat! Yea, I was actually in the US in March right around the time things started escalating and mailed a paper return with my Colombian address from there. I have the same worry.
Any luck with either of you? I’m also in Medellin, Colombia and the Get My Payment portal says the check was sent on May 1, but I still haven’t received it here. My 2018 tax statement had my Colombian address. I didn’t get the 2019 ones filed in time, but I did put my dad’s USA address on it just in case for the future…
Nothing here, but again, it looks like Colombia was on the list of countries with no current mail service. I need to try to look at the Get My Payment thing again to see if it says it’s been returned or something.
No luck using a blank or period for my zip code. Still says “the tax return information you entered does not match our records”
Hello I have been following this website, and i live in the Philippines. My information never matched on the get my payment IRS website. Because of my foreign address. So i called the 3903 IRS phone number like other people on this website did. They said they mailed my stimulus check April 24th to the Philippines. But the Philippines is on lock down until may 15th. So i thought at least its in the mail though. Unfortunately USPS has suspended mail delivery to some countries including Philippines. They are stamping MAIL SUSPENDED RETURN TO SENDER. In my case and country all mail effective April 24th. So i called the 3903 number again and changed my address to a USA one. Here is a link to the USPS countries affected and they have older updates at the bottom. https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm I hope this helps others. STEVE
Hey Steve. Thanks for sharing this!
I live in Turkey for the past 10 years. The last 2 years I have E filed with HR Block Software, and before that submitted paper returns registered mail to the Texas Treasury IRS office. I even sent the IRS an officiall change of address request back in 2011 upon their request. I have included my direct deposit information to a stateside bank including routing and bank number on my 1040. I have received refunds in 2018 to deposit directly into bank account. Both last 2 years I get E returns accepted by IRS via HR Block sent to my email account. I have entered the exact same information ( address) on my returns as has been the case on all of my previous returns. I have received numerous official letters from the IRS and Social Security Administration to this address since 2011. When I try to use the track your check portal (IRS SITE) I get the ” the tax return information you entered does not match our records”. I have tried at least 10 times using all caps and changing some of the punctuation but to no avail. What is interesting is that even though in 2018 I received a larger tax return deposit to my bank, the last 2 years I have received via postal system a rebate check for $1. each year in the regular mail. Go figure.
hi,
I was finally able to get through the Get My Payment tool by entering my UK address which is what I used on my 2019 tax return but by leaving out the postal code. So I just entered the house number and street name, my SS and DOB, and left the postal code part blank. This then brought me to the page where I could enter my bank account information. So I would recommend people trying that out as well and hopefully people can get through!
I wanted to send an update from a U.S. Citizen living in Canada as a follow up to my posts on May 5th.
I got a hold of the IRS at the numbers posted above on May 5th, but was told by 3 different agents that they, in fact, do not have access to the exact date that my check was mailed/will be mailed out. I’m not sure how the few people on here got a firm date on when it was mailed out.
Additionally, I have re-checked my “Get My Payment” website today and input my address with ‘Road’ abbreviated to ‘Rd’ and put my postal code as ‘XXX XXX’ (space inserted), and there is an update on when the check will be mailed out.
Progress! And thank you for the reply, Kevin. I ended up using Skype on my laptop but that’s a good tip should I need my phone to call abroad for anything else.
Morning. Tried the Get payment web page using my address as I was told yesterday. Didn’t work in three attempts. I have a friend in the states who got hers yesterday in the mail. She was expecting a direct deposit since she is a SS recipient. Way I figure is she filed a 2018 tax return without a refund so no direct deposit information for the IRS. based on everything I have read this kicked her into a check not direct deposit. Although I can’t verify it, my guess is our stimulus money is being mailed as well, because I filed our 2019 return in Feb without a refund. Thanks to Steve I know that mail delivery to Colombia is suspended right now. Feel fairly sure the check is in the mail but don’t know if or when we’ll see it. Anybody hear if there’s a contingency plan for checks not being delivered or returned to the IRS?
Hi all,
just to let you know, in my case (expat, FEIE, tax filed since 17, dual citicen, germany) the tool “get my payment” worked today.
It accepted my adress written exactlx like i had it on the 1040 (77A Streetname; Areacode). The tooll didn’t odder me a opertunity to fill in my Bank Account details – but it promptrd me: “We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 1st to the Adress we have on file for you.”
So i guess my 19 1040 has been processed, and thats why it “works” now, or they updated the tool. So for now, i cross my fingers that the check make its way over the ocean to my home adress.
Good luck everyone and have fun.
Thank you very much for the new ideas.
Regards Dan
The portal now works for inputting foreign addresses!! Well it did for me. My cheque was posted to my UK address on 1 May. Good luck to all.
I’ve been living in Switzerland for the past five years. I filed in 2018 but not in 2019. I’ve been trying Get My Payment for the last several weeks and getting the usual error messages, but today it finally worked! I assume it previously wasn’t working because of the four digit zip code in Switzerland but works now. It now takes me to a screen where I am able to enter in my direct deposit information. For 2018 I owed money so my bank information was not on file.
Larry, I live in Switzerland too, and I had filed in 2018 and not in 2019. The portal finally worked for me today. (Our Swiss zip code is what held us up.) I wish I could have added my banking information, but I was informed instead that “We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020 to the address we have on file for you. We will mail you a letter with additional information on this payment.” Not sure what I couldn’t add in further information.
I’ve been lurking here for a while. IRS’ website now seems to work for me as an expat in Canada
Hi everyone,
I have sent this to Democrats Abroad as well just so that they can maybe use the information.
Regarding using “Get My Payment” I was finally able to log in to the tool using my foreign address today. I called the IRS at 1-800-829-3903 and spoke with an agent, he looked up my information but said that it did not say anything about my payment. But then I had him read me exactly the address, with spaces etc that it seemed to show in their system. I then used EXACTLY this address with the same spaces, capitalization, etc (including the space in the foreign postal code) and it worked!!!! I was able to enter my bank account details and now I will wait for the deposit when it comes time.
For reference, my foreign address is in Sweden, I live in an apartment and here is the exact format that I used on the Get My Payment portal:
SSN with NO dashes (e.g. 123456789)
Date in format MM/DD/YYYY
Street address:
Streetname 1A APT 1234
(where Streetname = the name of your street in mixed case exactly like I had on my 1040)
(1A = the street number including if you have an alpha character after the number)
then the text ” APT ” as an abbreviation for Apartment
Post code was the foreign postal code in this format:
123 45
(note the space between 3 and 4.. this is exactly how it is in Sweden and how it was filed on my 1040)
I am not sure if there was some kind of fix, or the agent opening my account and poking around a bit somehow “triggered” something, or if just having the exact spelling and punctuation did the trick? But in the end, it worked!
Hope this helps someone!!
Am a Social Security recipient living in Germany. I file my tax return every year but IRS don’t have my bank account only the SSA. When checking my stimulus check status, it says a check will be mailed on May 1st. Do you know how long would it take for me to receive it…since they are not regular flights to Europe now with the corona virus situation, I don”t know how often the Post/Mail gets out to Europe.
Thanks for your help…
Thanks Adam for keeping this conversation going. Since the day the IRS opened the Get My Payment portal, I have checked daily and similarly had the progression from Payment Status Not Available, then the error changed to Info does not match records about a week ago. Figured it was the Korean address.
Then today, the portal worked with my foreign address and I received info that my check was mailed to South Korea on April 24th.
Reddit had some posts within that last few hours, that the also led them to believe that the foreign address issue had been fixed.
Hope this works for others too, it was nice to finally see a good result. Please check again today, you may see one also, or know that it looks as if they are still working on it. Seems April 24th was a big day for expat checks to be sent out based on the low AGI after the Foreign Income Exclusion.
Been following this thread since it was first posted, trying with mine and my wife’s SSNs almost every day. Finally got through today, with my Japanese address. Format was all capitals, and only some of the hyphens normally used in Japanese addresses. Postcode was hyphenated. Too late to add any bank details, but I was able to get confirmation that my check was sent out a couple of weeks ago!
Thank you Adam McConnaughhay for this great website.
American living in Japan, been trying with the same address since 23rd April 2020.
I got through today with my Japanese address(either with or without comma, both were accepted).
I have a Japanese wife with ITIN,
married filing separately,
and been filing tax return every year.
Here’s exactly what it said:
Payment Status
We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020 to the address we have on file for you.
We will mail you a letter with additional information on this payment.
If you need additional help or do not receive your payment, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Frequently Asked Question page : https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions#payment
Thank you once again Adam!
Greetings from Argentina. The portal finally worked with my foreign address!
I put in my foreign address and it is now working. I’ve been using the address in the address box from my 1040 for the last three weeks and today it finally came through.
I’m living in Japan and I just received the $1,200 check in the mail. I filed taxes in 2019 but didn’t contact the government site.
It’s sticks now. You can enter your foreign address and the portal will give you an update
Sorry voice to text did not work there. That should say it is fixed.
Not sure if they fixed it but I tried typing in my address a little differently this time with and abbreviation and it worked!
Payment Status
We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020 to the address we have on file for you.
We will mail you a letter with additional information on this payment.
If you need additional help or do not receive your payment, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Exit
After weeks of trials, finally being able to enter direct deposit information for my #StimulusCheck.
Tips:
1. Your address should be ALL in UPPERCASE (even foreign address without zip code works)
2. SSN format: xxx-xx-xxxx (don’t forget the “dashes”)
I confirm the page works now. I entered the address exactly as in my tax form (not capitalized or whatever) and it did work.
Re message is “We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020 to the address we have on file for you.”
Hey guys, like all of you, I’ve been trying to get my status update via Get My Payment. I also followed the advice regarding contacting the IRS via 3903 and changing my address, which I was able to do so (not on my first try, only on my second). This was done last Friday (May 1st). Anyways, I filed both 2018 and 2019 tax returns with a foreign address (two different addresses, since I moved). After changing my address to an American one, I tried checking my status, and kept getting the same error. I tried again today with the address I used for my 2018 tax return, and it seems to have gone through. I got a message that said: “We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020 to the address we have on file for you.” Now, which address will it go to? I am not sure. Either way, I hope to get the check soon. Also, if you have filed a 2555 form (Foreign Earned Income) when filing your taxes, try using the address and zipcode listed there (no city/country, just the street name and apartment). Hope this info help.
Well I can confirm as others have said, the site now accepts foreign adresses. Now I have a check in the way, and no US bank account to cash it with….. Anyone have any ideas about what to do???
Success! I’m an expat living in Ireland and Ive been checking the portal everyday for a couple weeks and, like alot of people, I’ve been locked out every day.
I don’t know if the IRS is making daily updates to the address parsing, but I finally got past address confirmation by inputting my street address as it’s listed on my 1040 and using XXX XXX as my postcode.
The check was mailed on 1 May.
Thank you Adam and other on this thread for all the info. I am American in Greece, filed my 2018 taxes jointly with my Greek wife ( non US citizen) . She has a US SSN from when she was post grad student and worked in the US. Question#1: Is she also eligible for the $1200 stimulus? We have a 23 year old daughter who files Greek taxes. She also has US citizenship and US SSN. Question #2: If our daughter chose to file 2019 taxes for the first time in her life before July 15, would she too qualify for the $1200 stimulus?…………….Thanks again.
Hi Marty. Glad it’s been helpful! So, first for your wife, the language on the site says work eligible social security number. I honestly don’t know what the work eligible part means. For your daughter, I would say yes, by my reading of the rules, she should qualify, as long as you didn’t claim her as a dependent. Hope that helps!
I just wanted to share that I was able to log into the get my payment portal with my foreign address today. I have been trying everyday since the portal was available. I entered my foreign address exactly as it was entered on my 1040. I changed my address 3 days ago to a USA address because the Philippines is on the USPS MAIL SUSPENDED RETURN TO SENDER country list.MY USA address must not be updated yet, because my foreign address was the one that let me login to the portal. It said my check got mailed on April 24th. Now I don’t know when or if I will ever get it. Hopefully once the IRS gets the MAIL SUSPENDED RETURNED TO SENDER,they will check if I got a change of address and send it to my USA address. Hopefully I didn’t cause myself more trouble and delays by changing address to USA. That’s the latest. I hope it helps.
UK ADDRESS ACCEPTED! After weeks of trying my UK address was accepted. I put the first line of the address in all caps and entered zip as 00000
Successfully updated with US bank account details.
Sounds like others are getting in so maybe app has been updated.
Thanks for everyone and their input. We are all clearly a frustrated bunch! So today – after weeks of trying to register a bank account (I filed 2018 with my foreign address but no account as I did not owe). Over and over various error messages as those above…. then today – it worked. BUT! It said the check was to be mailed May 1. Yay (I think). Now we go down the rabbit hole of figuring out how to cash a check in a foreign country that hasn’t seen checks in over a decade (Netherlands)… assuming they can manage to get the check here due to all the delays in postal services. Up side : they recognized me. And supposedly sending a check. Down side. A check here is as worthless as a candy bar wrapper. 🙂
I am living abroad. It finally gave me a status update. I have tried nearly everyday since the portal was up and running. Today is the first time I got in. It said my payment was scheduled to be mailed on April 24.
Yaaaaa! Irs get pymt tool just worked 4 me. I used a blank 4 my zip. Entered my bank info, it said I will get direct deposit!!!
Morning to all. I was finally able to enter our address in Get My Payment. It worked for our foreign address this morning. Payment was mailed April 24th. With Colombia shut down not sure when it will be delivered, but at least we know that it’s on the way. Hope all the posters here get the same good news.
So appreciate this forum, everyone! Finally had success today entering my Canadian address and it told me the check was scheduled to be sent May 1st. Woohoo!
Good news everyone…I, like most of you, have been logging into the “Get My Payment” everyday just to see the same old message that “the tax return information you entered does not match our records” However this morning I was pleasantly surprised to see a new message “Your check has been scheduled to be mailed on May 1 to your address on file. A follow up letter is in the mail as well” or something like that. So it looks like we haven’t been forgotten after all. I live in Canada and have been filing US taxes even though my income is considerably below $12K. Hang in there…I’m confident we will all get our checks eventually!
My daughter lives in Morocco. After many previous failed attempts to learn the status of her stimulus payment I just now entered her info into the “Get My Payment” website, and it says that her check will be mailed on May 1. I’m surprised that they will send a check to Morocco, and if they do, I hope she receives it since she lives in the Medina.
Got the check today in Osaka Japan 😊
Hello,
I was able to get though the first page of get my payment. I had to put in a dash between my 6 digit post code here in the U.K. xxx-xxx says my check is scheduled to be sent 15th of May. Only problem is they have my flat number but not my building number. Is there a number I can call to add in the building number? I sent in form 8822. Change of address, which they received About two weeks ago. Not sure if that department is operating.
Hi，
Thanks to all for sharing and posting!
My husband and I finally logged in with our foreign address. However, there are some tricks. Our address has street address， building number，unit number， and flat number. We could only log in with part of the address: street address and flat number following the website’s instruction on how to put the address in.
Hope it helps.
Hello, I am from one of the countries that is on the USPS MAIL SUSPENDED RETURN TO SENDER LIST. My check got mailed on April 24th to the Philippines. I called the IRS again and the nice lady said if the check gets returned to the IRS, which mine hasn’t yet, they will reissue a check and try to send again. If you have a change of address they will send it to the new address. She said its usually a 2-3 week turn around to reissue a check and resend, use the original address (foreign) address when checking the portal if that’s the one on your latest return. She Said to keep checking the portal so if possibly it would give the option to put direct deposit info. Especially if check got sent back to IRS. Also there could be a new sent date if check got sent back because of a mail suspended foreign country, I hope that Helps.
Great to know Steve. I may just have to call myself and try to change my address to a US one. It would be great if it just let me put in a bank account once it’s been returned though.
Hi, I am also in the Philippines. Do you have any idea how long will it take for the check to arrive here? My check got mailed on May 1st.
hi. im from the philippines too. my check was suppose to be sent april 24. but of was not.sent due to usps. i wanted to ask if the irs received your check?
Hey steve. Did you ever get a reply if your check was sent back to the irs? I’ve been able to get through get my payment with my foreign addy here in the philippines. But today i suddenly dont have a match. Before my check was suppose to be mailed april 24th too. Xhange my address last week
Annalisa, Our foreign address didn’t work just for one day on the get my payment app. But it did the next day again. we did call the irs and it shows that our address has been changed to usa. But we still check the get my payment with the foreign address. We have not received our check yet. It shows it was to be mailed on the 24th also. We are hoping that somehow its at philpost manila and they will send it to mindanao when the lockdown is over. Phil post never answers their phone. At least our address is changed in case any future stimulus checks. As of now we are just hoping its at Phil post, and we receive it when they start delivering again.
Hey Steve, I am also in the Philippines. May I know how you changed your Philippine address to your US address? Did you have to call IRS? May I please have the number you called, maybe I can have my address changed to my dad’s address in the US. But hoping the check is in the local post already. Thanks!
Hey Steve, I am also here in the Philippines. May I know how did you change your Philippine address to US address? Did you call IRS to make that change? Maybe I can have my address changed to my dad’s address in the US. My check was mailed out on May 1st. But still hoping that the check is in the local post already. Thanks!
Hi Steve, I too am an Expat in the Philippines. On the IRS portal I received (exact wording): We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 08, 2020 to the address we have on file for you (As filed on 2019 Form 1040 /Philippines address).
Am I correct to assume that your message was the same (different schedule date)? You described Your Message [ on the IRS portal] with the word “sent”. That’s why I’m asking and wondering if the IRS says “scheduled” WE should understand it to mean THEY actually sent a check in the mail. From your information I’m inclined to believe that they sent my check into USPS Limbo….
Hi Steve, I too am an Expat in the Philippines. On the IRS portal I received (exact wording): We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 08, 2020 to the address we have on file for you (As filed on 2019 Form 1040 /Philippines address).
Am I correct to assume that your message was the same (different schedule date)? You described Your Message [ on the IRS portal] with the word “sent”. That’s why I’m asking and wondering if the IRS says “scheduled” WE should understand it to mean THEY actually sent a check in the mail. From your information I’m inclined to believe that they sent my check into USPS Limbo….
Heyy Guys,
I am US citizen living abroad. I’ve tried many times on IRS web page without any luck. Today I re-entered my information as I did before. Luckily, I got the message : “We scheduled your check to be mailed on April 24, 2020 to the address we have on file for you.” I didn’t enter zipcode and I entered apartment number like APT 4..I hope it works fine for everyone..
Again and again Thank you Adam for this webpage..From now on, I will be waiting for the check;)
I finally got through as well, BUT I had to use a different browser. I had read that it was not always working with Chrome, so I tried the Brave browser and it worked immediately.
Bryan, mine worked with chrome… who the heck knows 😆
I suppose it could have been my ad blocker getting in the way….
Hi I have a SSA and I live in the Nederlands.The IRS first said SSA information will be used. All I have to do is wait so simple, ha Ha. For 7 years the SSA has put money into my Dutch IBAN bank account with no problems, The IRS needs to do it just one time but it seems to be not so simple. The SSA can use my bank number why can’t the IRS? I would like to find out when I use Get my Payment why there is no asking what city or country that I live in, it has only a street address. My post code is 6 places not 5 is this any problem for the IRS I hope someone can answer ?me
In the same boat, expat in Mexico who stupidly didn’t use our US mail service in the states on our tax return. Finally was able today to use Get My Payment tool today only to find that both my husband & I were sent checks to our Mexican address. The same Mexican address where we have zero mail service. Zero.
Entered this way:
SS with dashes
All caps street address
Left Zip code blank.
Unfortunately, since paper checks mailed already, no option to enter US bank account for when the checks will either be returned as undeliverable, or worse, thrown into someone’s yard or stuck on some poor person’s desk at the IRS to deal with whenever they are allowed to return to work.
Baby steps. Hang in there everyone.
Thanks Adam for doing this. It’s been super fun to see other expats from all over the world! 😉
Take care everyone & stay safe.
Vi Val and all:
Here in Dominican Republic all retirees who gel their social security monthly payment deposited in a Dominican bank have to go to American embassy to get their stimulus co. They were sent directly to the embassy as a “diplomatic mail”. The only problem was that American embassy didn’t made it public and we knew it through word of mouth. It won’t hurt to try your embassy in Mexico. Most cks arrived here in July; we got ours in January when emailed an inquiry to the embassy
Possible help for others like me, live outside the US, paper check already mailed. Will never get it, have no mail service where we live in Mexico. Filed a missing mail report with USPS to forward it to our US mailing address:
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Missing-Mail-The-Basics#When_to_file_Missing_Mail_Search
Hey Val, thanks for sharing this!
Hi Val, for the missing mail report, how did you know which IRS address to put as the sender and the details of what the envelope looked like?
Hi, I am a Soc Sec recipient (a widower) and a US citizen now living in Europe.
Although I turned in a 2018 return (which showed negative AGI),
I entered my banking info (a US bank where my Soc Sec arrives every month) for the IRS on “non-filers”‘
on April 16.
1. On “get my payment” I get the message :
“We don’t have enough information yet (we’re working on this), or
You’re not eligible for a payment.”
2. I have not received the $1200
3. When I try to file my 2019 return (which clearly shows that I am eligible, my income was low in 2019),
I get the message that my return has been filed [they probably consider the “non-filer” return
as my return]
I am stuck in this system. Where could I complain?
Thanks.
I live in Sweden, and i am waiting aswell. Anybody from Sweden who has managed to log in to the get my payment? I still have not :/ I have been filing my tax returns on paper the last 6-7 years, and i am starting to wonder if they even know who i am 🙂
Regarding this number that people have used to be able to get a hold of someone at the irs, which number do you use, and how to you actually reach someone? Do you try calling several times?
Best regards,
Doug
I will answer my own question. I spoke to a lady at the irs now on the international line with number 267-941-1000. She was awesome!! It seemed that my new adress that i have moved to was put in the system incorrectly. So she updated it for me now. I asked her about not hearing from them for many many years, and she said that is a good thing. The only time they will contact you is if you owe money, are waiting for a tax refund or something is incorrect with your return 🙂
So i will try my adress when the system updates it. Which she thinks might take a week or 2. Thats fine with me 🙂
Good luck everyone,
Best regards Doug
Hey. Great. Thanks for sharing Doug!
Hi Doug, How did you reach a human being in the menu-tree ? Lala
After weeks of trying to login, it finally worked for me today. I live in Germany and had to paper file for my 2019 tax returns. My 2019 address did not work, but my 2018 address did. I am assuming that my 2019 taxes haven’t been processed yet. It said that my check is in the mail, so fingers crossed that it arrives soon.
I entered my address exactly how I had it on my 1040 (not all uppercase), and the area code in the area code input field. I also entered my SSN without dashes.
Hi Adam, I learned from your great site that, since I filed jointly with my wife (who has a TIN, not a SSN) in 2018, I do not qualify for the corona incentive payment. I have not yet filed for 2019. Might it make sense to file separately for 2019 in order to be eligible for me to get the incentive payment?
Once one revokes the election to file jointly, may the couple file jointly again in future years?
Gratefully, Adam (yes, I’m also Adam)
Hi Adam! Honestly, you would have to double check but I would not think that filing separately one year would preclude you from doing so in the future.
My check, dated May 1st, arrived in my mailbox in Germany today! The address was from my 2018 tax return, since I haven’t filed for 2019 yet. (I had given up trying to enter my information into the IRS website a few weeks ago). The next challenge was downloading my U.S. bank’s mobile app, which claimed to not be available in my country. With the help of my son and a VPN app, I deposited the check into my account. That went fast!
Great Meg. If my check actually makes it I am going to have to figure out a vpn myself!
Hi, Meg
Could you let us know what US bank it is?
Hi Adam,
Expat in France.
UPDATE: I followed the advice found here and call the IRS directly (1-800-829-3903 press 1 and the press # multiple times so that you get connected to a person)…make sure you connect to a general topics person and not a division, as they will hang up if the call is not related to their depart. I called May 7, a nice lady took my call, I mentioned my expat issue and that I was following advice that I read on message boards. We went through my address and confirmed it. And….at the end of the call, she let loose a gem of info: that the check was sent on May 1 😬. Here in France, we just got a partial nationwide opening today (the 11) and there were some holidays last week, so I have yet to get the paper check, hope it will arrived alright. I do have a US account with Wells Fargo so depositing the check via the app won’t be an issue.
A little note…right after my call I was still getting the “recored dont match message” in the “Get My Payment” link, but, either because the system was updated, or an after-effect of me reconfirming my info w/IRS, today, I went to “Get My Payment”, entered my credentials (as I done may times before) and I got me the message that check was on the way, re-confirming the date of May 1 that the IRS lady told me. I did not changed anything in the way I input my address: SS, DOB, street address, city and postal code.
So those still with issues, first, check again with the link, as perhaps the glicht was fixed, if not, call IRS and re-confirm address. Call early, right after US east coast wakes up so you won’t have long waiting lines. My wait + actual call: no more that 15m.
Good luck to all! ✌🏼
Hey David. Thanks for sharing. For what its worth my address started working the same i had been entering it before last Thursday.
Hi everyone. I am a US citizen and I live in Greece. I also have a valid SSN. I was not required to file tax return for 2018 or 2019 and i do not receive social security benefits (although I used to receive until 2016). Based on the information on the IRS website, I decided to use the Non Filers tool to enter my information, so I can receive the payment. I did this about 2 weeks ago. However I have been trying to get updates on my payment, using Get My Payment but it keeps saying Payment Status Not Available. Does anyone have any idea about what is going on or maybe any suggestions. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.
Keep checking in, it is not clear how long it takes after filing.
Thank you so much for such a useful website. Hope I can get some ideas that help me in my situation. I live in Russia. I didn’t file my 2018, but did 2019 and since turbotax for some reason told me I have to mail my return, I did. Tracking shows it was received on April 21. Of course now when I use the tool Get the Payment, I get Info not available message. Assuming it is because they haven’t processed my return yet. Should I re-file and try to e-file? Or now simply waiting is my only option? How long does it take to process paper returns? I read that they didn’t even work on paper returns now. Any ideas? Thank you again so much!
Hi Anya, Ive heard they arent processing paper returns now either but not sure how much e filing will speed it up or not, they do say not to refile. Unless getting the money is very urgent you may just have to play a waiting game.
Hello from Japan!
I filed my taxes using Turbo Tax Plus and their foreign exemption forms. It did cost $60 USD but I did not want to go through the hassle of sending over paper forms (free). I filed back in March with no problems and a $0 return and cost, so I did not enter any bank info. (I did the previous year(2018)) I had the same problem with y’all with no luck on the IRS portal (tried all caps and the USPS address converter etc.) I would always get an error saying “your information does not match the info in the system”. So I just gave up and looked forward to something happening 5 months later or the IRS using my 2018 account info. However, suddenly a winked envelope with the actual check in it arrived at my address in Japan on May 10, 2020. ITS VERY EASY TO MISS especially if your mailbox gets filled with paper ads like they do here. It had Trumps name on it and everything (just signed by some rep). I just used an online check deposit function on a bank app that I still had open. (Chase) So maybe there are other banks with similar app functions that can be opened form overseas?? So yes. Praying for you all, and I would just suggest triple checking the address you use on your tax forms! It will arrive there eventually! GLHF!
I have the frustrating situation of only recently being able to access the system like many because of my foreign address. I left my banking info, I was so happy when I was prompted for that because I live in Peru and the mail system is completely shut indefinitely. I was upset to learn again when I checked that they are mailing the cheque anyway. Grrr. But the USPS isn’t accepting mail to a whole slew of countries at the moment. What will happen to our checks?
Hey Amy, I’m in the same boat here in Colombia. I don’t know, I am assuming they will be returned. What the IRS will do then is anyone’s guess.
Hi All, we (EU-based) received our check on May 11 (hoping everyone will be successful!). I last posted on May 1 after we called the IRS. The IRS said that the check had already been sent. We verified the address (same as we entered (but didn’t work) in the get my payment site) and updated to our new address (having moved – thanks to the mailman for sorting us out). They used our 2018 paper filing, not our 2019 paper filing. AGI of less than 10k, so maybe the check was sent the week ending April 24 according to Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2020/04/21/stimulus-checks-schedule/). Just checked now and the get my payment site accepts our new address and says our check was sent on May 1. So any where from to ~11-18 days to arrive. Thanks Adam, thanks all! Good luck
Hi from an American living in Germany!
I filed my taxes using turbo tax and paid for the audit protection, which can only be used by people with an address in the USA, so I put my brother’s address (incl. apartment number)
The IRS payment link says that my check was scheduled to be sent on May 4th.
My question is, will they be sending it to my brother’s address which appears on the 1040 form, or to my address in Germany which appears on the 2555 form?
Any help would be super wonderful! thanks!
Hi. I’m not 100% sure, but I would lean towards the address on the 1040, but you may just have to play a wait and see game or you could try calling.
Hi,
I’m a 17 year old US Citizen living in Korea. My parents are not US citizen but I’m a citizen born in Missouri.
I haven’t filed any of the 1040 form or any other kind to the IRS in my entire life, even though I have a SSN.
Is there any way I can get my economic stimulus?
Kenny, I suggest going to irs.gov and fill in the information after clicking “Non-filers: Enter payment info here”. Good luck.
Kenny Cho: Unfortunately only US adults (18+) are eligible for the $1,200 Trump Stimulus check. But perhaps your parents can get $500 for you as a dependent child. Good luck.
Hello everyone, I received my stimulus check by mail and now the only way I can cash it, I guess, is with my mobile banking app. Do my wife and I need to sign the check at the back, does anybody have experience with this? I ask because I never cashed a treasury check before, and there are no signing instructions on the back, there is only a warning not to cash without noting watermark etc with very little space before the line. Also, there are no indication whether I can write below this line, as the space above between the watermark instructions and the line itself is really limited. Thanks so much for your help!
Ciro, sign the back. Write “For mobile deposit in at [your bank] account number xxxxxxxx” and then sign.
*May pertain ONLY to Americans working/living in Korea with Korean street address.
Cut to the chase, I got the stimulus check TODAY in my mailbox.
My status:
I filed my 2019 taxes early this year and (like many of you) filed without providing the direct deposit bank info.
I planned on not receiving the stimulus check via POSTAL MAIL but to add my direct deposit bank info via the IRS website given (https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-wmsp/login).
But like most of you, I couldn’t go past the basic info page, giving me that
”There is no match in our record etc. etc., Try again 24 hrs later” message.
I kinda gave up after a few weeks, but just yesterday I managed to break(?) in!
What I did:
1. SSN: 123-45-678 (with dashes!)
2. BOD: 01/01/1999
3. Street Address: For my case, I took out the ‘#’ for my apartment number (no capitalization or anything).
Let me explain to you. My accountant had filed my taxes with the street address below:
123-#1234, 123, Seoul-ro
Just take out the ‘#’ and type in:
123-1234, 123, Seoul-ro (no ‘#’ symbol, no symbols needed I am assuming?)
4. Zipcode: XXXXX
After successful log-in, you will get the message saying when your check was sent.
I had super serious doubts the US gov’t would ever send the check to me, let alone halfway around the world in current pandemic situation. Hope everyone receives their check! GL!
Hi Adam, this past Monday, I received my stimulus check by mail in Ireland. Hope everyone else receives their check as well. I’m glad I found this site. Thanks again Adam and best of luck everyone.
Were you able to cash it in a foreign country (Ireland)?
Hi All, I’m based in the UK and just received my stimulus check on the mail. I have a Capital One 360 account and was able to download the app and login using a VPN though I am unable to use the mobile check deposit feature as it still detects I am not in the US. Any one have any advice to how to get the check deposited? I was thinking to just mail the check back to a relative in the US who can login to my account via the app on their phone and then do the mobile check deposit. Or perhaps it’s worth opening another US a bank account that accepts mobile check deposits while abroad? Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Hey Christina. Hmm, yea I have been worried about that too if my check ever makes it, I’ve done the mobile check deposit in the US but not tried it with a VPN. Mailing it might not be a bad idea if you have a reliable person back in the US.
Hi Adam, Thanks for posting. I’m in Colombia as well and my stimulus was already mailed as well. Any thoughts? Is the Colombia postal service working right now?
Hey David, just answered your other comment. No idea of the Colombian 472 service is actually operating, but I know there isn’t currently USPS service to Colombia. I think we are stuck playing a waiting game for the time being.
Hi Christina, I live in the U.K. as well. Can’t you just deposit it in to your bank in the U.K.? I have A well know U.K. bank and have put a check I received from California. It took 7-10 working days to clear.. £ to $ is pretty good right now.. Take care
Hi. I receive my social security direct deposit into my bank. My foreign bank. I have not recieved stimuls as of yet. As far as the payment tool…I moved here, Panama, 6 years ago. I have not filed taxed since I have been here. I have not had to file. What address would the IRS have on me.Nothing works on the portal. Same as The Social Security Administratio? Do they communicate with each other?
Hello,
I receive my SS directly deposited to my foreign bank account. I too have not received my stimulus as yet. I live in Canada and have not filed taxes for over 15 years as I am retired and do not work. Is there anyone else here who is in the same position as we are? As far as we are told we do not need to do anything that they will use information from SSA-1099 statement. But then again I read here that IRS does not deposit to foreign bank account? So how are we to do nothing if this is the case?
Hi,
I have been following this thread for a while and felt it would be good to provide my information. I am a US/Australian citizen having lived in Australia since 2011. I have filed the last few years of tax returns. The Get My Payment app only started working around last weekend and I only entered my street address (no post code) and it stated my cheque was mailed on 24 April. I just received it in the mail today in Australia.
Hi Justin, will you be able to cash your paper stimulus check in an Australian bank? Asking because I live in Italy and am considering having the paper check which was received at my family’s home in the US forwarded to me in Italy (which will only make sense if it is allowed to clear in a foreign non-US bank). Otherwise I have no choice but to open an online account in the US if possible. Thanks for any info you can share!
Hi Nana,
No my wife still has a Wells Fargo bank account that the is on with her mother. I was able to successfully sign the check over to her and then wire it to Australia. You can actually open up a Wells Fargo account online and deposit the check with the app. I had a friend do this from here and it worked. He then proceeded to cancel the account after it was all said and done to avoid feeds. Hope this helps. Cheeers, Justin
Hi Justin, I am also in Australia. It said the same date for me for sending the check but sadly I am still waiting. Hopefully, the Australian Post is just being super slow to get it up to Cairns. I had used an address in Sydney for my 2018 taxes and an address here for 2019 so I am really hoping that it was sent to this address and not the Sydney one. Glad to hear you received it as that means they are slowly moving!
I just tried Justin’s tip (NO POST CODE) and it worked for me! Live in UK, check was mailed May 1, haven’t received it yet. Have just checked my USAA accounts and they allow mobile deposit for checks drawn on US banks. Fingers crossed it arrives…
Hello to all and thank you for sharing this info. I am a US citizen living in Italy and received my stimulus check via mail at my family’s home in New York; now the dilemma is how to cash it without a US bank account. I can confirm it is not possible to endorse this check to another person’s US bank account unless you are physically present at the counter of the person’s bank to sign it over to them. This was the info given to my relative by the manager at their Citibank in NY. I am presently trying to find out if it will be possible to deposit the check into an Italian bank account if it is Fedexed to me here, despite the fact that it is in US dollars; but I am more concerned about whether or not the US Treasury will allow it to clear in a foreign bank account. Has anyone else had experience with this, perhaps the person who received their check mailed to them in Australia? Thanks for any info. I am also considering opening a digital account with the Capital One and having it deposited in the US, then having an ATM card mailed to me here in Italy, but with the lockdown in Italy for over 2 months now my income is uncertain, and I am not sure I will even be approved to open a bank account in the US under these circumstances as presently unemployed.
Hi Nana, see my comment above. If you still have a valid US passport or address/drivers license you can open up a Wells Fargo account online and the app will work from overseas. You can use your check as the initial deposit. Then after transferring to your bank account in Italy you can simply close the account to avoid the fees. I was able to sign my check over to someone else, but I think my mother in law has a very good and long trustworthy relationship with her banker. Hope this helps.
Hi, everyone.
Just wondering: Has anyone received a check in Spain? I just confirmed my address by calling the IRS, but they could not give me any EcoSP information…It even took them a while to find me via my SSN.
If anyone has been able to get a check here in Spain, I would appreciate knowing how they were able to deposit it (foreign bank, US bank, etc.).
Thanks and good luck!
Hello everyone,
I am an American living in Brazil since 2010. I found out through the “Get My Payment” IRS tool that a check has been mailed to my address in Brazil on May 1st. Has anyone living abroad already received a paper check? Thanks
Hello, I am living in Brazil as well and my check has also been mailed on May 1st.
I have not received it yet (today is May 20th 2020).
Have you received yours?
Today May 23rd 2020. Hi Lucas, I also live in Brazil and I have not received my check either. This AM I checked to see if the Correios have issued a notice about the suspension of mail distribution from the US due to Covid19. Apparently, they have. (suspensão de postagem, atualizada em 17/03/2020) : https://www.correios.com.br/avisos/pdf/ListadePasescomsuspensoourestriodeenvios17_03_20.pdf The IRS indicated that they are going to start sending paper checks instead of direct deposit which is how I received my SS monthly payment. I have heard that we will receive our payment on the 28th of May. I have a bank account in the US. So one way or the other, I expect it will come. I hope the IRS knows better than sending checks to Brazil if there is a suspension of flights. Note that the norice is dated 17/03/2020. I have not researched further to discover if they have updated because of a subsequent relaxation of rules for airlines. My wife works for Azul and as far as I know, no flight to the US. I hope your check is not suspended somewhere in limbo waiting for a decision of the government.
Today May 23rd 2020. Hi Brunp. I also live in Brazil and I have not received my check either. This AM I checked to see if the Correios have issued a notice about the suspension of mail distribution from the US due to Covid19. Apparently, they have. (suspensão de postagem, atualizada em 17/03/2020) : https://www.correios.com.br/avisos/pdf/ListadePasescomsuspensoourestriodeenvios17_03_20.pdf The IRS indicated that they are going to start sending paper checks instead of direct deposit which is how I received my SS monthly payment. I have heard that we will receive our payment on the 28th of May. I have a bank account in the US. So one way or the other, I expect it will come. I hope the IRS knows better than sending checks to Brazil if there is a suspension of flights. Note that the norice is dated 17/03/2020. I have not researched further to discover if they have updated because of a subsequent relaxation of rules for airlines. My wife works for Azul and as far as I know, no flight to the US. I hope your check is not suspended somewhere in limbo waiting for a decision of the government.
Hi there, Im living in Argentina, the Get my Payment tool also said that my check was scheduled to be mailed on May 1. Still didnt receive it (May 31). Do you have any idea how to cash it in Brazil ??
Hi!
How long do I have to wait for the status to change from “The IRS will process this information and determine your eligibility for the Economic Impact Payment” into something else? I’ve filed it a month ago.
Hi all.
I knew my check was mailed on May 1st when I called 800 number 2 weeks ago but just for fun, I tried to access Get my payment site today using the same info I was denied access before, and to my surprise, I was in.
No additional info was given except that check was scheduled to be mailed on May 01, 2020, to the address on file.
The reason I came back here was that I was wondering how long did any of you wait for the check oversees.
I live in Poland, been contacted by IRS before and I believe it took close to a month for the mail to get here.
I was just hoping stimulus would be quicker for some reason.
Anyway, congrats to those who got it and good luck to those of us who still waiting.
Hi Artur…
Expat living in France.
I also got the May 1 mail-out date but have yet to received it…
France La Poste mail as been a bit behind, so..
you are not alone 😉
Hi, Artur.
I live in Poland since 2010 and have problems with my stimulus check/payment too. Would be possible to get in touch with you – got couple qs?? Chris.
Hi, I live in Colombia and see that my stimulus was mailed on May 1, 2020. I have received mail in the past from the IRS so I am hopeful my check arrives. Has anyone thought further out how to make a claim on the stimulus check if it doesn’t arrive? Or is this money just lost if the mail doesn’t arrive? Thanks!
Hey David. Good to hear from another Colombia expat! I’m in the same boat, but Colombia is on the list of countries the USPS is not currently servicing (the list linked above in a comment somewhere), so I don’t expect we will get it. What happens once it gets returned to the IRS I don’t know. I’m going to try to check that Get My Payment thing every now and then and see if it at some point it lets me put in a bank account, but I’m expecting it to go something more along the lines of, after everybody elses’s has been processed we will start to look at what to do with these that were returned, so maybe a couple months from now??
Hi Ada, thanks for this wonderful resource! I also live in Colombia and “waiting” for my check to arrive although I expect it to actually never make it here. In the meantime I want to e-file my taxes, do you or anyone know if we can do that?¡ I have tried it before (TurboTax) but I always get a message that says I am not eligible for e-filing.
How have you (or anyone else) done it in the past?
Thanks again!!
Carolina
Hi Carolina…i tried omce with Turbotax years ago and couldnt figure it out. You could try the efile links above and see if they work.
Adam, I wanted to thank you again for opening this discussion board. It’s been so useful over the past month. Unfortunately, the IRS misspelled my address in Switzerland, and I’m worried that my check has been returned to the IRS. (Sadly, the day I got through to them was the day the check supposedly went out: 05/01.) I did go to the Swiss post office, and they seemed to think that they could forward it to me even with the error, but maybe they returned it directly to the IRS. I see others in Europe already got theirs last week.
Hi James. Thanks for the kind words. Hopefully it gets to you. As there’s no mail service here in Colombia I really don’t know what’s best once it gets returned to the IRS.
Hey James— any news on your check? I am in Switzerland as well and have not received anything despite the IRS website saying my check was mailed 24 April. Also, how did you know that the address was misspelled? From the phone call? I was able to get through the Get My Payment portal with my correct Swiss address so I am only assuming they mailed it properly. THanks!
Just wanted to share, I’m living in Japan and my paper check arrived yesterday.
Hi, my I know when was your check mailed out? How long did it take for you to receive your check?
Hey Koara, i would like to know as well when your check was mailed. Mine was supposedly mailed 24 April and it still has not reached me in Switzerland which seems to be an awfully long time for delivery of a simple envelope.
Japan doesn’t appear on the list of countries under USPS Temporary Suspension.
Do you live in Japan ? My check was scheduled to be mailed May 4th and I still haven’t received anything. Any help?
I am an American citizen living in Massachusetts. I have been collecting Social Security payments for years.
My wife and I are separated. She has a SS number but is a British citizen and is currently living in South Africa.
Her US Green Card has expired.
She has direct deposit in a South African bank for her Social Security monthly spouses benefit based on my Social Security earnings. I’ve received my $1200 deposited in my USA bank account but she has not received anything.
My question is; Is she eligible for the stimulus payment?
Hi Earl, I’m not sure to be honest. The language used on the IRS site if I’m not mistaken says “work eligible SS #” I’m not sure how that pertains here. I would say she should at least try the Get My Payment tool if she files taxes and if not try the non-filer to see.
Hey everyone. I’m on SS retirement, wasn’t required to file taxes in either 2018/19 and live in Ontario Canada. I still get the ‘ payment status unavailable’ no matter which way I enter my info. SS has my direct deposit info, but from what I’ve been reading the IRS can’t dd into foreign accounts. All well and good, but what am I missing here? I’ve been told not to use the non-filers tool as the IRS will retrieve all of my info from the SSA 1099 form. Any help greatly appreciated.
Hi, I don’t know if anyone has had a similar experience, but here’s mine just in case someone can help. I’m an American citizen and have lived most of my adult life in Spain. I have always filed my US tax returns up until 2018 when I no longer had to. This year, 2019 isn’t necessary either. So in order to get my stimulus check, I proceeded to fill in the non filers form that they ask you to. When I get to the bank account information part, obviously I can’t put my Spanish bank account number in and I have no account in the USA. Right next to that information, there is a message saying if you don’t have a bank account, they will send you a check. So I leave it blank and send it in . I have done this several times and I always get an error email in return, asking for the bank account information. Any suggestions on what I can do? I should probably give up, but I can’t believe that the system can be so faulty. I’m open to any help anyone can give me. Thanks.
Hello. My date on the get my payment app was april 24.. but since mail has been suspended here in the philippines i changed my address to one in the u.s. it was unknown bubthe person i called if the check has been returned to the irs. Today i checked get my app and now my data doesn’t match. Does that mean its being sent to my u.s. address now?
Hello,
I receive my SS directly deposited to my foreign bank account. I too have not received my stimulus as yet. I live in Canada and have not filed taxes for over 15 years as I am retired and do not work. Is there anyone else here who is in the same position as we are? As far as we are told we do not need to do anything that they will use information from SSA-1099 statement. But then again I read here that IRS does not deposit to foreign bank account? So how are we to do nothing if this is the case?
A follow up: Finally the Get My Payment site recognized my Colombian address… but the news is bad. Payment Status says “We scheduled your check to be mailed on April 24, 2020 to the address we have on file for you”. I am sure they sent it via REGULAR mail to my Colombian address… Now, good luck waiting for 4-72 to deliver the check to me (they take months to deliver in good times). Has anyone in Colombia actually received their paper check?
One more thing Adam…. I am able generally able to access my US bank account with my Colombian IP… I download their Mobile APP using VPN and logged on… no problem… Today, I logged with my Colombian IP and I had no problems… Now, let’s get the check… As far as USPS is not servicing Colombia… My guess, only a guess, that, since it’s an IRS check, they may give it to 4-72… Who knows… Now, when 4-72 delivers it, if at all, is anyone’s guess. Calling the IRS to put a stop payment and provide a US bank account number is unlikely, as IRS agents aren’t all that smart.
Haha, yea I hear you on that last front Rick. What I’m not sure about is if it will even make it to 4-72, and well not sure about 4-72 getting to me either. It’s a waiting game I guess. I’m hoping that once all the checks are processed, the IRS will allow people who had their checks returned to enter a bank account.
Does anyone know how long these stimulus checks are valid for after the issuing date???…By the way I finally received mine which was sent on May 1st…I live in Germany & my neighbor, who is checking my mail, told me it just arrived…but now am in Miami without knowing when I will be able to fly back…that’s why my question about the validity of the check…please let me know, thanks…
I received my stimulus check in the mail yesterday (Calgary, Canada). The issue date on the check is May 1, and reads “Void After One Year”. Hopefully that helps! 🙂
Says valid for a year
Hi AnnaM, I am in the same circumstance in Australia & have not received the payment nor have I filed my tax return in many years. I was able to reach someone on the IRS International inquiries desk who told me that I should receive payment through the bank as I would my regular SSA payment. She could not say when or if that might be although some payments were still going out as of last week. The IRS was aware that I hadn’t filed a tax return in some time but that should not affect my eligibility. The point is she didn’t know by looking at my record which had all the correct information in it what was happening or why. The Get My Payment portal still says they don’t have enough information OR I’m ineligible, like I’m either dead or alive. There seems to be no complaints resolution process in place. I offered to file any tax returns that would make them happy, if that would help, but they didn’t know if that would help and the desk that would help me do that is still unmanned.
Stephen,
Just following up on your post and response to me regarding the Stimulus payment…To date 26 May, I have not received anything driect deposit or mailed. We seem to have the same situation, SSA recipient, not required to file taxes and told that IRS will use information from SSA 1099. However also taking into consideration IRS does not direct deposit to an overseas bank, however SSA does. Have you received your payment as yet?
For those who had their foreign addresses transcribed incorrectly or had the wrong address registered with the IRS, please read this: https://www.fool.com/personal-finance/2020/04/28/will-the-irs-be-able-to-find-you-to-deliver-your-s.aspx
“What if your payment is going to the wrong place?
If the IRS processed your payment and sent out your money to an old bank account or old address, it will take some time to correct the problem.
If the money was deposited in a closed bank account — either your own or an account belonging to a tax prep service — it will be returned and the IRS will instead send a paper check.
If the money was deposited into an open account, you’ll have to track it down. This many require a phone call to your bank to gain access. And if the account belonged to a tax prep service, the service should notify the IRS and return the funds so the agency can send a paper check.
These paper checks could take up to 20 weeks to come, so you may be waiting a long time. But you should receive the money eventually if the IRS has your correct address on file.
If the IRS has an old physical address, on the other hand, you’ll want to make sure USPS has forwarding information for you, or the agency may have no way to get in touch to send money at all.
The IRS has also indicated it will be sending out follow-up letters within 15 days of distributing stimulus payments. These will provide instructions on what to do if there is a problem. If this letter is successfully delivered to you but your payment wasn’t, follow the instructions on it to let the IRS know, so they can get you the money you’re entitled to receive.”
Hello, for those of us that are waiting for checks in countries with no mail service, I have started a facebook group so we can share information and hopefully eventually get a solution.
It’s called:
Stimulus Payments for Expats – Local Mail System Shutdowns
Thanks, Amy
Hi Amy, great. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Amy,
I tried the link but it did not work for me.
I’m still having difficulty with the Get-My Payment Application. I was able to change my address to my new American address, but I’m still having difficulty getting through the app. Calling now, just tells me that the wait is to long and disconnects. 1200 is 1200, but I can’t seem to find out how to get it.
Confused is an issue.
Is anyone having trouble trying to deposit the check with a mobile app. The bank I have, Capital One 360 says I am not in the US and it won’t let me deposit it.
Has anyone received the follow-up letter?
My check was sent on April 24th and I haven’t received anything. The address I have on file is correct, but the postal service in Vietnam isn’t very reliable. And when I contact the post office here they say with no tracking number there is nothing to do. So contact the sender…
Your mail might be delayed due to the pandemic. At your local Post Office, you might want to ask if they are receiving mail from the USA.
My check, according to the IRS, was mailed out May 1st. I’m in Alberta, Canada. Still waiting. Ivette, from what I’ve read, treasury checks are good for a year. If they expire before you cash it you can have one reissued.
Hi,
For anyone wondering about access to US banks from overseas and depositing. I can confirm that you can open a Wells Fargo account very easily if you still have a US address and drivers license/passport. Unfortunately, the kicker is that you will need a US number as well for text verification. Once the account is open you can access the mobile check deposit overseas and deposit your check.
Hi everyone. Thanks, Adam, for the original post and updates and thank you also to all the comment writers. Your information has kept me calm during this crazy time. When I worried that my IRS records were wrong or something was screwed up, your stories reassured me that it was the IRS tool that was the problem. You gave me a lot of peace of mind. Thank you! I am in your debt, truly.
I am a US citizen living in the Netherlands. We (my American husband and I) filed jointly for 2018 in March 2019 and used our Dutch address. We owed money so did not include deposit info. Like all of you, we couldn’t log in to the IRS Get My Payment tool until it was too late to enter deposit information. Our check was mailed 1 May. The Netherlands mail service is not suspended and I have been receiving things from other European countries without delay. I even received a shipment from China with only a small delay. Interestingly I’ve received letters from my US bank that were mailed on 1 May! But the glorious stimulus check has not yet arrived.
I am commenting to ask if there is anyone here who lives in the Netherlands who has received their check. I will comment again if and when our check finally arrives.
Also, if you or a family member has been in the US military, USAA is a terrific bank. They are US-based but used to dealing with US citizens abroad so they have customer service in the UK and EU. They helped us with our car insurance, our banking, even the paperwork we needed to ship our car to Europe. Best of all, you can deposit a US check to their mobile banking without a VPN. You don’t need a US address or a US phone number! They are extremely helpful for US people abroad. Note: I am not an employee of USAA. Just a very happy customer.
Hi! I’m an American living in the Netherlands. I still haven’t received the stimulus check & I am unable to get the payment tool to work. I filed my taxes over the summer for the last three years (been living in NL for four years). Haven’t heard anything hopefully it didn’t get lost in the mail. I didn’t have a US bank account at the time but now I just opened one up so hopefully eventually the money will come through.
Hi all,
To provide some timeline help for those who are waiting for check in Canada – I received mine today (May 22) in Toronto. It was dated May 1.
Hey ya’ll!
As an US citizen, living in Greece the past 10 years: I was able to get the application accepted using a friends bank account. Just a FYI to the rest of you who do not have a current U.S. address and or cannot cash checks abroad.
Hi everyone,
Here’s an interesting development. I’m in the Netherlands. Filed US 1040 for 2018. No refund so I didn’t include bank info. Like all of you, my EU address bounced me out of the Get My Payment tool until it was too late and the website said they mailed my check on the 1st of May.
It is now the 23rd of May. The post just came with a letter from the IRS. Hurrah! But not so fast… Big long letter from whatshisname proclaiming all the wonderful things he’s done for us BUT NO CHECK. A line in the letter states we are eligible for $2400 and will receive it by check/debit card. BUT NO CHECK. Letter is dated May 1st, the day the IRS tool said my check was mailed.
Is my check lost? Is it coming later? Does anyone know?
Also no instructions what to do if you haven’t received a check. The phone number to the IRS is just a computer reading the eligibility requirements and you can’t get through to the human. Pushing 0 makes it hang up.
I am angrier than I think I have ever been. My family is not suffering financially. But for all of those people who really need this money, I am furious!
Exactly same situation for me here in South Korea. As far as I understood, we need to wait for another mail with check or prepaid debit card. It looks like the IRS1444 notice letter came earlier than the payment. Let’s hope our payment will be delivered soon.
Same situation as Joon for me in Mexico. Got the 1444 letter but no check so I am thinking the payment will come later (hopefully in a few days/weeks?) Joon, any updates? did you get the check?
Greetings. I’m expat in Spain. Get My Payment site says my check was mailed May 1. Has anyone in Spain received their check? Still waiting….
Esteban – we live in northern Spain. Today we received the letter from the occupant of the White House saying that our check/card was mailed out on May 1 and we should have received it. There was no check/card with this letter. We have not received our payment. We will wait one more week then proceed with an investigation through the IRS. Please comment to let me know if you have received your letter but not the payment. I would like to know (unfortunately) if there are others in this same conundrum. Thank you.
HI Kass
I’m an American also living in Holland (Zeeland) and I haven’t received a check either. I’m guessing it’s just taking longer for things to get here through the mail. I also receive a monthly pension by check, usually a day or two before the first of the month, and that hasn’t arrived yet either. So, three and a half weeks late — I’ll just keep waiting. I’ll post here when it arrives. Optimism is a good thing.
This website and the commets here are the only thing I could find online that wasn’t put up by somebody in the business of making money off expats. Big thanks to the people who put it up and everybody who’s shared their experience. It’s helped a lot.
dee
Hi
I am a us citizen based in Dubai UAE and i did not get my check yet due to mail service suspension! Can i get some help how to get my payment
My check btw was mail on april 24 but nothing yet
Check again the IRS portal (obviously you have successfully done this before because you know the date the check was mailed). Hopefully it should now read: NEED MORE INFORMATION. According to the IRS Frequently Asked Questions ( Scroll down to the Payment section), here is the link: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
You should now be able to enter a US BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION (Routing number and Account number), Have those ready BEFORE YOU LOG IN to the IRS portal. Then you should be setup for a Direct Deposit into your US Bank Account. If all works out please post the time line so the rest of us will get an idea of how long it would take.
Hi Kass….Amsterdam here. My check was sent out on the eighth and still haven’t received it either. Will post here if and when I receive it. Fingers crossed. Also Adam thanks for maintaining all this info. It’s been a great source the past month.
Hello 🙂
Right now I live in South Korea.
Looks like they scheduled my check to be mailed on May 01, 2020
However, they sent my check to my old address.
Luckily I called the person who lives in my old address and asked her to hold on to my mail
If she ever receive it.
Its been about a month and I still didn’t get my check
My question is what if she threw it away or lost it?
Then I lost my money forever? Or is there another way to request my check again?
Hah! Well, at least we know now that there are far worse than not getting a check. Viz., not getting a check and getting a letter from What’s His Name, oops excuse the caps, what’s his name. So much for optimism. And how fitting that the letter is of no practical use! How could it be with such a nonentity of a signer?
My check was mailed out May 1 and I just received it today. I’m in Alberta, Canada.
As of may 26 2020, have yet to receive my stimulus payment. I am retired on social security and non taxfiler for past 8 years, living with my husband (also on ss) in the Philippines. Both of us have direct deposit with a US bank. He uses a US mailing address and received his 1200 stimulus payment on april 30 vis direct deposit. I use my daughter’s Manila mail address to get my ss statements and have not yet received my payment. The Manila address only has a 4 digit zip code. Repeated attempts to use the Get My Payment portal have not worked. Any ideas? Because i am out of them. Thanks.
Hi Maria. I too have a Philippines address, and filed my 2019 return electronically on March 23. On May 08, the Get My Payment portal finally worked for me using my Philippine Address and Postal code. I also had to use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS when I input the address.
My thoughts exactly, Dee! Thanks to you and Patrick for speaking up from the Netherlands. I know I’m “below the rivers” but it’s strange to get mail from my US bank and the IRS and not get the check. I really wish the Get My Payment tool had worked because I would have given them my direct deposit info months ago.
Again, thanks Adam and thanks other commentors for your valuable and calm-making information!
Hi Kass! I do know some people in Germany, the UK, Ireland, and France who received their checks around 14/05. (Their checks were printed and mailed on 01/05.) I’m in Switzerland, and I haven’t received either a check or the Trump letter. I had the poor luck getting through to the IRS on 01/05 only to be told that they misspelled my address! They corrected this, but I’m concerned that the Swiss will return my check…and possibly the Trump letter. Like you and others, I wish I could have simply entered in my direct deposit information. According to the man I spoke to at the IRS earlier this month, the problem lay with the entering of foreign zip codes.
Well, thanks to all of you for sharing your situation in this platform. Those of us that are on the USPS Temporary Suspension List, will just have to keep checking the IRS portal. For those of you in the Philippines, I am hoping our checks are sitting in Manila, and waiting for GCQ. For me, I’m hoping we will be able to quickly update our DD account, once the check is Returned to IRS. Stay Safe All, Good Luck!
I called the IRS number that I found here. (1800-8293903). Apparently that line is for IRS Collection. But after waiting for 50 minutes, I decided to just have the goal of verifying that they had my correct address, and that they received my payment for 2019 (electronic). The second I mentioned EIP check, the guy said he was going to transfer me to someone who can answer me. He transferred me to a recording. The useless phone number, that maybe helps someone. If they now have 3,500 Representatives to help us, could have fooled me.
Hello. Just wanted to see if anyone here has received a reissued check after changing their address to a u.s. one. My date was april 24th. Im living in a country where mail has been suspended. Im waiting on the line now with irs. I heard that since its been over a month i should put a trace on my check. And maybe it eould take 4-6week to get resent. Has anyone dobe this yet?
Hi Annalisa, I’d be very curious to know what you found out.
Hi Annalisa, I’m in the same situation. I just posted a detailed account of my conversation with the IRS. In summary, I was told that once the USPS has the check, it will be mailed to your foreign address (regardless of what the USPS has posted on their website). Keep checking the Get My Payment portal, to see if it says: SENT ON XX DATE. That should happen after the USPS Temporary Suspension is Lifted from your country.
How do you put a trace on your check? Also, @Marc, so you’re saying that the Get My Payment portal should say “sent on __ date”? Mine still says “We scheduled your check to be mailed to you on May 1, etc”, so it’s possible it’s still waiting to go? I’m in Colombia as well, and though several people in Colombia has said there is a USPS suspension here, I didn’t see it on the USPS website. On the hold with the IRS Economic Stimulus line as we speak…45 minutes in after getting to someone who told me they would transfer me to someone else that could help me. I’m not hopeful.
Hi Courtney. Please disregard the information I posted about “SENT ON XX DATE”. That was faulty information given to me when I called the EIP hotline. Two days later, the IRS website posted the correct information on the FAQ’S (added on 28 May 2020). Here’s the link (scroll down to the Payments Section):
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
After you Log in to the portal, the phrase that you want to see is: NEED MORE INFORMATION
at that time, you will be able to enter a US Bank Account information to have your payment Direct Deposit. Sorry for any confusion.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
We are in Canada and have not seen a check, so we called the IRS today. There was a “problem” with our social security numbers so we have to wait to file our 2020 1040 to receive it. That is over a year from now :O. Unbelievable. US citizens with social security numbers for 35 years. Have filed an paid taxes every year since then. Ugh, we were told we could contact the Tax Payer Service Advocate Office. So not happy right now.
Sorry to hear that Maria. It’s frustrating and I’m with you thinking in 2020 there seems like there should be an easier way. Wishing you the best in teh meantime in these very strange times.
Greetings from Peru!
Thank you Adam and comment writers for your helpful and interesting posts.
For those of you who are receiving Social Security payments through foreign bank accounts and are non-filers, I am in the same boat as you. For over a month I thought that the IRS would have all the information from the “my Social Security” web page such as my address and direct deposit information in order to send my payment. After learning, however, that the IRS does not direct deposit to foreign bank accounts (correct me if I’m wrong), I have been thinking that they would probably mail the payment to me as a check. But then I came to realize that the IRS probably doesn’t have my address from SSA, or my tax returns since I have been a non-filer for many years.
However, about ten days ago I noticed on this site that there is a link to a page on the IRS website for non-filers specifically designed to help these persons get a payment. So I went there and filled out the form giving my SS number, address and a US bank account number, etc. It is like an abbreviated tax filing form.
The next day I received an email saying that the IRS had accepted my submission and to wait for further details. Without doing this I don’t believe that the IRS has or would have any way to get the payment to us. Without a US bank account or current foreign address I don’t see how it is possible for the IRS to send a payment to anyone living abroad.
Give it a try! Cheers.!
Hey James. Thanks so much for sharing!
I am a Social Security recipient overseas who has not needed to file a tax return in 2018 & 2019. I have not received a payment yet. The Get My Payment portal has said for many weeks that the IRS doesn’t have enough information yet or I am not eligible (which I am). I’ve tried calling the IRS International Line 267-941-1000 for a week and a half and it is either busy or I’m put through a series of questions until I’m told they’re too busy to help and call again another time. Just now, I tried the 1-800-829-3903 number and after waiting 50 minutes I got through to an agent who said he was unauthorised to help and transferred my call to the recorded messages and not another agent. Aside from the frustration and waste of money, can anyone who is a social security recipient overseas through direct SSA deposit (mine is through a European bank) say if they’ve received the stimulus payment and by what means? Or know of an information chatroom sharing website I can contact to get a better sense of what’s going on?
UPDATE: I was able to get through on the IRS number (via Skype) +18009199835. It took 25 minutes of listening to the annoying recording, and pressing the numbers applicable to my filing status. After that 25 minutes I started to hear music (like elevator music).
Then I heard a recording directing me to stay on the line for an agent. Then the recording advising me waiting time will be 15 to 30 minutes. After about 10 minutes an agent was on the phone.
No personal information was asked, and she told me she can only give me general information. I asked: If the Portal says that you are SCHEDULED for a check to be mailed on a certain date (for me 08 May), that means it was Mailed by the IRS on that day.
I then advised her my address is Foreign, and currently under USPS Temporary Suspension for Service. She told me that USPS Will Not RETURN TO SENDER the check.
She also said, that once the USPS Suspension is Lifted, USPS will notify the IRS, that the check was sent to my address. Then, on the Get My Payment portal, the status of my check will show SENT ON XX DATE.
It’s my understanding based on the above information once the check is in the USPS system it WILL NOT BE SENT BACK TO THE IRS, and I will Simply have to wait until the USPS Temporary Suspension is Lifted., and I should continue to monitor the Get My Payment portal.
Hope that helps ease some people’s minds.
Hi Marc,
I live in the U.K. The portal says my payment is scheduled for May 15th. It’s 29th of May now. Portal has not changed saying a sent date. There are no restrictions on mail here. Has anyone seen this change on the IRS site? Or are they just having a hard time getting checks out?
Hi Marv. You probably (if you haven’t already ) will receive your check in the mail. You can check the USPS website for information on Temporary Suspension for International Mail Delivery. As of this writing the UK doesn’t appear on that list. Consider periodically checking with your local Post Office
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
***Please refer to the above link for the most current and accurate information****
Scroll down to the Payment section of the Frequently Asked Questions. I apologise for any misleading information on this subject, I was passing information from the individual who answered the EIP hotline number that day.
Stephen.. I’m in the same boat. living in the Philippines on ssdi non filer with direct deposit for my monthly check. up till this date nothing has shown up and the portal is showing the same for me. my friend here has gotten his check however he files taxes and therefore got his check back in April along with the first 80 million. as far as I can tell these are the only people that received theirs. I guess it’s just a wait and hope for the best..the irs is not making anything easy for us, we are at their mercy. I’ve heard there are pages on fb we can go to cry on each other’s shoulders but otherwise will be of no resource for info I think, therefore I haven’t bothered..I’m not quite to the point that I need a hug or moral support..lol just remember the irs is part of the ruling class and we are the ruled..they no longer think they are our (taxpayers) employees.. they don’t owe us an explanation. unless of course we owe them money and that would change everything.. as I’m sure you already know..
UPDATE #2: IRS ADDED FAQ REGARDING MAILED STIMULUS (EIP) CHECKS: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
I choose to believe a posted writing from the IRS; Verses information I was given by a representative. In an earlier Post here, I relayed information from my phone call to the EIP hotline. On May 28, a new FAQ is posted (above link) My (Paraphrased) Summary: Q. * My payment was mailed weeks ago but the Post Office was unable to deliver it. What should I do? IRS (FAQ) Answer:. Check Get My Payment periodically, your status will change to: NEED MORE INFORMATION. At that time we will be able to provide our US Bank Account information for Direct Deposit. My Guess: I’m going to add 6 weeks to my scheduled payment date: In my case Third week of June, to possibly provide DD information. After I saw that update, I was annoyed with the information I was given over the phone BY the IRS Representative, (I now think that those recent 3,500 added to answer the phone might not be actual IRS personnel). I found it odd that I wasn’t asked any personal information (SSN, DOB, etc), and she didn’t state her ID number. I will be trying to call back when I have an hour to kill. I hope this helps, please click on the above link to verify THIS POST. I apologise if my previous post caused any confusion.
Hey, Marc. Great, I hadn’t seen that yet, thanks a lot for sharing! So sounds like eventually we will be able to get it by direct deposit.
Yes Adam, that is my understanding. In my case, with a scheduled MAIL date of May 08, I added 6 weeks and came up with an estimated time to expect the PORTAL to change for me on or around 22 June (time for weekends).
Good day to everyone, especially Kass. I too have had the distinct and painfully peculiar pleasure (torture really) of receiving that notice letter from the guy in the WH with the over sized signature – but no check! By the time the GMP portal started working for expats with a foreign address – it was useless to me, stating that my check was scheduled to be sent on April 24th, but no way to enter my US bank account information. Actually this was a long series of total frustration and disappointment. I efiled my 2019 in late March in anticipation that the check would be sent and that I qualified. However, somehow the apartment number wasn’t included in my address! And there was no way to include my direct deposit data!I live in Moscow, and the postal service is poor. So, then, I sent an amended return in mid April including my correct address and direct deposit info, which they received on April 14th. However I then discovered they were not processing paper returns!{{{ Then I hound there were other possible ways to make it all easier for the IRS and everyone, seemingly – like the non-filer tool and also an Intuit portal to submit direct deposit info. But the info was rejected in both cases because I had already filed the 2019 return earlier. So the fine IRS couldn’t even be bothered to look at the useful information I was offering and sending time after time! Talk about aggravation and frustration. I also called the collections number given here twice, and both times got through – the first agent was nice but completely unhelpful saying she had been told not to offer any hepin regard to the check, only collections. So I called again and reached another much more pleasant lady and again she asked if I had a collections issue, so this time I said yes and the only thing she was able to do was verify my address and correct it by adding my apartment #. That was early May, and upon getting the GMP tool to work I found that apparently my chech was scheduled for April 24th and the WH notice letter had mt address without the apt #. I have also been in contact with multiple senators and reps to no avail. Then I went to the local post office twice to inform them about a letter being sent without the apartment number and spoke to the delivery agent, who said no problem, he’d deliver it and place it in my box. But no, week after week, day after day, no check – the this past Monday I looked in the hallway community trash mail box and found this utterly useless letter – so my apartment number had obviously been forgotten but the somehow someone got the correct entrance door….So will the real check ever arrive?? My optimism is certainly tumbling. Seems llike the IRS had it rigged from the very beginning to give it to us expats. At every turn I tried to give them the correct info and my bank info to no avail. These people and those who designed the system should be very ashamed….completely useless, as someone who really needs the money, I am angry and crushed…..Kass, please let us all know if do ever receive the check. Most helpful. Thank you all….
Sorry to hear how frustrating it has been Bob. I’m right there with you that this seems poorly organized at best. Hopefully we will get it at some point, even if it’s not until next return season, which probably isn’t much help if you need it now. Hopefully they will have it set up better in the event Congress passes more.
Hi Bob. Since you got the “useless letter”, I believe that it’s time for you to call the IRS and have them Trace your check. If you have a Skype account call +1800 919 9835. It’s free. You might want to prepare yourself both physically and mentally, because you’re going to have a long waiting time. I used a blue tooth head phone (fully charged), and Android phone. I also wrote down my key points, so I could stay on topic, in the event that I did get through. I sat for 30 minutes, listening to the annoying recording and pressing the applicable numbers (very important or else you will get cut off). Then, at some point, you should hear what sounds like elevator music, and then a recording of what your wait time is to speak with an agent. When you finally do get through, the person you speak to will not be an actual agent, who can actually help you. Explain your situation, as you have here, and ask them to please transfer you to someone who can actually take down your personal information and get the process started to have your payment check traced. Good Luck and Stay safe.
I just got off the phone with another IRS Representative. I’m now convinced that the people who answer the phone (EIP hotline) are either temporary help, or new hires in a training status. Any questions you have, you might as well just look them up yourself on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. If I had to guess, I think they are recording our conversations and then the “experts” answer your question through the FAQ’s. They do update them daily it appears to me. I should never hear words or phrases like: “I guess” coming from a representative of the IRS. We can all take a guess. Personally, I will read the FAQ’S, and then read platforms like this one, to gain knowledge from people’s experiences, and tips on what to do/ not to do. Thanks. If I read something of value that will help, I will post it here, and provide the source of the information. Stay Safe and good luck all!
Bangkok Thailand here. Neighbor got her after check letter, but no check. I’ve received neither at this point. Ho Hum for us both I guess. She has not filed her 2019 taxes yet, but I did electronically and mine was supposedly mailed May 1st.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
Hi, Adam. I’m an expat and non-filer in Mexico with direct deposit of my Social Security into a Mexican bank. Have not received EIP nor any communication from IRS. Today is June 1. Thanks for any info you might provide.
After a couple of weeks I finally got through on the IRS International Help Line 267-941-1000 (Options in sequence #1, #4, #1 or #2) to someone who at first couldn’t get any information out of my file. I’m an SSA recipient in Australia who hasn’t filed my 2018 & 2019 tax return. The on-line IRS Interactive Tax Assistant had confirmed that I didn’t need to file. The agent who was experienced and helpful but couldn’t get into my record at first. The agent played around with my information, got in only to my SSA record and found I was eligible. The IRS program had frozen, possibly because they could not locate any IRS records for me and confirm my details. Regardless of the reason, the Care Act said I should be paid, but, it seems that instead of a flag going up on my file the program had locked at that point and done nothing, no payment issued with the message on Get My Payment being “We don’t have enough information yet (we’re working on it)”. The agent had not seen this kind of circumstance before, wrote an inquiry to the supervisor and said to call back in 2 to 3 weeks and hopefully some resolution to the problem or at least better understanding could be found. The agent pointed out it was a new program and bugs were still being found. I suspect more people are having that problem as there is a new Frequently Asked Question regarding that message which said it meant they didn’t have bank account details. I think there is more to it than that. Anyway, I was so grateful to have found someone sympathetic to talk to who was willing to dig a bit further. The agent was very grateful to hear me say that (and appreciation for the hard & difficult job they have been asked to do) and I think we made each other’s day. So, don’t give up with your inquiries and being gently persistent can help as the nature of the problem may be a mystery on both sides of the phone. I might yet see that payment after all.
United States Postal Service International Temporary Suspension List UPDATE:02 JUNE 2020. CONSIDER BOOKMARKING This link for those of you living in a country on this List.
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
If the country where you live does not appear on this List, it might be worth your time/effort to check with your local Post Office and ask if they are currently receiving US Mail.
Hey all,
I’ve been keeping up on your comments, which have given me some semblance of hope. To pay it forward, I wanted to share that my partner and I are both living in Vietnam and file (and pay) self-employment taxes every year to the U.S. Because of this, I had assumed our direct deposit information would be on file…after all, if they can take my money, shouldn’t they be able to deposit it as well? Long story short, this wasn’t the case and I was only able to access my information in the portal after a paper check had been sent out (May 1st). The Vietnam Post is notoriously terrible, but my partner somehow received his check just a few days ago (even though it had entered Vietnam on May 11th). I’m still waiting wistfully for mine, and have had the same useless experiences trying to call the IRS. Fingers crossed that the rest of us lost boys/girls eventually receive the same postal mercy!
Megan, where in Vietnam are you located? I’m in Hanoi and havent recived my check yet. IRS says it was mailed April 24th 🙁
Hi Jaclyn,
I live in Ho Chi Minh City and still haven’t received mine. I’m contemplating contacting the Vietnam Post to see if there’s some recourse to locating it. I live in a big apartment building and most of the time they won’t deliver things to my mailbox…instead they usually call first and have me collect it personally. However, my phone number won’t be attached to the check so maybe it’s sitting in a ‘lost mail’ bag somewhere in the depths of the post office?
I have been following the thread for a while, made a few comments over the weeks as well. I am currently living in Australia and am still waiting on the check. Based on the “Get My Payment” tool, my check was scheduled to be mailed on April 24th. I knew mail was running because I had just received a new credit card to this address a few days before I finally got into the tool (credit card was mailed around the 24th and received before the 30th). Today in the mail I received the letter about the check, which I read online would be mailed 15 days after the check was sent. So based on that information, I should have received the check about 2 weeks ago. I guess the good news for me right now is since I got this letter that means the check should go to the correct address. But now I am thinking one of two things happened. I am thinking either they have not actually mailed the check even though it said it should have been mailed weeks ago. OR maybe it was in the mail and somehow got intercepted somewhere. Either way, I do not know of anything to do right now. I already filled a missing mail with the USPS I am not sure what the proper link is for this site since I am on the login page but a quick google search should help you find out how to file this. I also looked on the Australian Post website but from what I can figure out with them I will have to wait 90 days before I can file a missing mail request… I would like to do sooner but without knowing enough information about the check that is the best I can find on when I can file a missing post request. I am hopeful that it will randomly show up in the mail, I honestly thought maybe this was finally it today but sadly no. If anyone else has any other ideas on what I can do I would love to hear, otherwise, I guess I will keep the waiting game going…
Hey Kevin, thanks for sharing, something tells me you’re not alone with that happening. I hope you manage to track it down. Maybe best case honestly is that it was returned to the IRS and you’ll be able to put a direct deposit account in within the next few weeks.
Hi Kevin,
I know the official word from the IRS was that we would receive a letter 15 days after the check was mailed. But I do not think Trump’s vanity letter is that letter. The reason I think this is that, number one, the date on my letter was May 1, the same day the Get My Payment tool said they sent my check, not the 16 May, which would be 15 days later. Number two, the confirmation letter was supposed to provide information on how to report your check lost if you hadn’t gotten it. The letter I got said nothing about how to report a check lost. So I don’t think the check you and I got means our check was sent and lost.
Also I’ve heard that Trump wanting his name on all the checks and this vanity letter significantly delayed the printing of the checks. So maybe they were scheduled to go out on the 24 April or 1 May but didn’t. We’ll never know.
So I’m waiting. The post to the Netherlands (where I live) hasn’t been delayed at all. I’ve received letter from my US bank mailed on the 1st of May and i received the vanity letter. But I know they didn’t send the checks 1st class mail, as letter usually ship. So they could just be on the slow boat. I’d be more worried if more Europeans here got their checks, but they haven’t.
For my money, I don’t think your check is lost. I think you’re in the same position as me. I don’t know why it’s so delayed, but many people here live in countries with no mail problems and they haven’t gotten them either.
It is completely ridiculous that the Get My Payment tool wouldn’t work for us until it was too late. Surely it is cheaper to direct deposit than print and mail millions of checks.
Hang in there. She’ll be right!
Kass
Same situation here man. In Mexico, sent the 24th of April. Haven’t received it yet
Info from the Washington Post today: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/02/didnt-get-your-stimulus-payment-heres-how-find-it/
They don’t seem to know anything about what’s going on with expats in specific (this is the only site I’ve seen address us directly, thanks Adam!). But at least there are more phone numbers you can call.
Hi Kass, thanks for sharing. I need to get around to a general update to this post and will include this!
Hi All:
Has anyone had to “verify their identify” on the IRS GMP Portal? According to one of the FAQ’S, (Title: Enter Your Direct Deposit Information); It states: “You should provide your bank information [ Routing and Account numbers], ONCE YOU HAVE PROPERLY VERIFIED YOUR IDENTITY (CAPS used here to emphasize that part of the statement).
I can only imagine that when (or if) we are able to provide our Direct Deposit information we might need to have a COPY of our Tax Return (2018 or 2019) readily available, to be able to “verify your identity”. In some places, there might be strict Quarantine Measures in affect, where you would not have access to a printer. I can only suggest that some (if no personal printer at home) Start Writing All pertinent information on their applicable Tax Returns (AGI, additional address information, etc. Anything that you think the IRS could possibly need to verify your identity. Many of us, have waited so long, we might as well anticipate another inconvenience.
USPS holding Mail for 30 Days, as a result of Covid 19. Here’s the link for verification:
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-are-the-Second-and-Final-Notice-and-Return-Dates-for-Redelivery
That USPS, policy has been in affect since April 20,2020. With all of the publicity regarding the IRS sending sending out the Paper Checks using USPS International Mail Service, I have to question IF the IRS was notified by the USPS of this change? IF the answer is Yes, my next question could be:. Why doesn’t the IRS simply STOP Mailing to affected International Mailing Addresses? Aside from wasting Taxpayer money, affording those who are currently in this situation, the opportunity to provide their DD bank information NOW could save the IRS: Printing, Mailing, and the cost of using resources for Tracing lost /stolen checks. Perhaps, if many of us start asking this question on the EIP hotline, maybe IRS leadership will eventually RECONSIDER the current policy of Mailing Checks to International Addresses and afford the opportunity to input DD information for those who have not had their Checks processed yet. Maybe using common sense is asking too much?
Here, here, Marc. Seconded. Here, here!
To Marc concerning what info from your tax forms you will need to verify your identity. From the IRS FAQ on Get My Payment:
“If you receive “Need More Information” and proceed to enter your direct deposit information, you should enter the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and Refund Amount or Amount You Owed exactly as it appears on your joint tax return.
The AGI can be found on Line 8b on your 2019 Form 1040 or 1040-SR, or Line 7 on your 2018 Form 1040.
The refund amount can be found on Line 21a on your 2019 Form 1040 or 1040-SR, or line 20a on your 2018 Form 1040.
The amount you owed can be found on Line 23 on your 2019 Form 1040 or 1040-SR, or Line 22 on your 2018 Form 1040.”
There’s also this tidbit:
“If you have not received your payment within 14 days of the payment date, check Get My Payment periodically. If the IRS receives your payment back because the Post Office was unable to deliver it, we will update your payment status to “Need More Information,” at which point you will be able to enter your bank account information.”
My check was scheduled to be mailed 1 May and the Get My Payment tool still displays this date. Two things. I live in the Netherlands. I think it normally takes about 14 days to get a letter from the US. So add another 14 days onto that. Still it’s taking too long. I have received letters from my US bank and the Trump vanity letter, both of which were dated 1 May. So I have no idea why I have no check yet if they mailed it on the 1st.
However, I note that Get My Payment says “We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020 to the address we have on file for you.” That does not mean that the check has been mailed. As I mentioned in an earlier comment, it has been reported in the press that Trump’s letter and his insistence to put his name on the checks (a thing the IRS itself opposed because they are meant to be apolitical) delayed the sending of checks. So the checks that were scheduled to go out 24 April, 1 May, et cetera may have not posted yet at all. Or all the expat checks got delayed en masse.
Thanks Kass, your information is very helpful! I also want to remind you and everyone else reading this that in the event we are able to provide our Direct Deposit information on the GMP application, it will not be an overnight process. Under the Payment Status section of the EIP Frequently Asked Questions: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY PAYMENT STATUS TO CHANGE? IRS ANSWER: Any day before noon on Tuesday (Maybe EDT?). Payment date should be available the following Saturday in the GMP application. If you input your DD information AFTER TUESDAY NOON (EDT?) The payment date should display a week after the upcoming Saturday (11 DAYS LATER). Here’s the link for exact wording:. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions#bank
Hope this helps. 😀
Good info! Thanks Marc.
@ Kass. I recall you mentioning that you are in the Netherlands. I just saw an update on the USPS website Regarding Temporary International Mail Service Suspension. Scroll down to RELATED LINKS (way at the bottom). You will now see a link titled ALTERNATE TRANSPORT: SIXTH AIR TO SEA DIVERSION – Destined for the Netherlands. It’s a .PDF file that you will need to Download, in order to read it. From what I saw, I believe that a cargo ship with MAIL is scheduled to arrive at the port Rotterdam, Netherlands on 23 June. You and others from the Netherlands might want to take a look:. https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
Hope it helps 😊
Kass, as I mentioned in an earlier reply, I do know some US expats in various countries — Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, France, Germany, Ireland, and the UK — who received their stimulus check within the correct 14-16 day time-frame. Some of those recipients later received the Trump letter within another fortnight, but a good number never did, which I find intriguing too.
Clearly there remains a sizable percentage of expats who have not received anything — I’ve received no check or letter in Switzerland, and the portal says it was mailed out on May 1st. The problem isn’t with the Swiss Post as letters to/from the States arrive in about 9-10 days. (They’re very fast just like our Swiss trains!)
I think you’re on to something though…I have wondered too if the delay has to do with the schedule of printing checks…I think the Trump letter has played a role too.
Curiously, in mid-April, The Washington Post reviewed an IRS internal memo in which it detailed how it would be sending out paper checks starting on April 24th:
“The IRS plans to issue and mail about 5 million checks each week and will send them based on the taxpayer’s earnings:
*Earning $10,000 or less – April 24th
*Earning $20,000 or less – May 1st
*Earning $30,000 or less – May 8th
*Earning $40,000 or less – May 15th
*Earning $50,000 or less – May 22nd
*Earning $60,000 or less – May 29th
*Earning $70,000 or less – June 5th
*Earning $80,000 or less – June 12th
*Earning $90,000 or less – June 19th
*Earning $100,000 or less – June 26th
The schedule continues in the same rate – increasing to those earning $10,000 more each week. This continues until the final checks, to joint taxpayers who earn $200,000 or less, on September 4th.” (Read more here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimwang/2020/04/20/when-to-expect-your-paper-stimulus-check-in-the-mail-full-schedule/#5f2e6a495438)
I’m not sure whether or not the IRS has followed this schedule based on income and/or if this even affects expats…but I wanted to share it, nevertheless.
Hi James,
Thanks for sharing! I agree with both you and Kass’s probable causes for delay in receiving the EIP. I have come to the conclusion that USPS simply can’t deliver mail anything on time DUE TO THE AVAILABLY OF AIRLINES, ACCEPTING THIER CARGO. The USPS WEBSITE also acknowledges certain countries where they absolutely cannot deliver at this time. Even though the country where you live, is not listed on their [USPS] site, I believe that the USPS, MIGHT BE considering Land and Sea alternatives On A Daily Basis; therefore, not listing countries in South America, or Europe. I think the USPS Might be Utilizing places in Asia, where there are US Military Bases, to deliver mail via US Military Aircraft.
Marc, that is a really interesting supposition, and I suspect it is true too. It did surprise me that some expat friends in East Asia received their stimulus checks super fast whereas those of us in Europe and Latin America have seemingly had little, if any, in the way of luck. I know one couple in Tokyo who received their checks on May 1st!
Thanks James
My pleasure! Thanks for all the good links and advice you’ve shared too. It’s most appreciated.
Oh Kass, thanks so much for your viewpoint and optimism…I’m holding on to hope, praying you’re right! I’m in the same boat…And Adam, thanks so very much for this site – has been very helpful and reassuring the entire journey so far….much appreciated!
Adam and fellow expats,
I’m sorry for seeming to flood the comments lately, but I keep finding more information that I think will be of help to my fellows here.
This article appeared last week on the tax help site, myexpattaxes. I do not have any relationship to this website or the company that runs it. I simply found the article when searching for information on the stimulus checks send to US citizens living abroad.
This article includes interesting information because My Expat Taxes conducted a survey of expats about who got their stimulus checks, who didn’t, who filed 2019 tax returns,… all the possible permutations.
It doesn’t answer the question of when we might get our checks, but I found it reassuring to know that only 29% of expats have received their checks. So at least we here are not alone.
In any case, give it a read: https://www.myexpattaxes.com/expat-tax-tips/breaking-news-blog/us-expat-stimulus-check-survey-results
Hi Kass, no worries at all. Thanks a lot for sharing all that you have found!
Good Morning, we are an American family living in Brazil in Fortaleza Ceara. I have not see a comment from any expats living in Brazil in this comment section concerning stimulus payments. My wife and I filed and sent our tax forms to the Austin Tx office( which is the irs int office location) on April 8th via Dhl and it was received and signed for on the 15th of April. We have a 15 year old son we we declared as an dependent. All three of us have ssn#s. I have been receiving ss benefits since last year electronically in my Brazilian bank account. So my bank act. info is in the system. Is the IRS making stimulus payments to foreign bank acts and if not how come social security can?(Cashing a check in dollars here in Brazil and being paid in Reals one loses 10% to 15% on the exchange rate. We are waiting for $2900.00 from the US Govt and are not sure if and or when we will get our money. I enter the get my payment section daily and get the same daily response that most people get on this portal of not enough info. Now that almost all mail to Brazil has to come via sea since the middle of last month, Who knows what is going to happen. Any suggestions? Have called the American Embassy without much luck.
Thanks Tod Pearson
Hi Tod. I think (think) I shared a link from a comment here somewhere up in the post where it says that the IRS cannot do direct deposit to a foreign account. Why that is while SS can go to one, honestly I don’t know, it doesn’t seem to make sense, I guess there are different agencies/mechanisms for handling the payments.
I would, however, think that even though it’s been over a month, they probably haven’t processed your return yet if you are getting the not enough info on the portal. My understanding is that they stopped processing paper returns in March, but if they have started back up again I’m not sure. I do know that they can still send them out as late as December, and worse comes to worse, you can ask for it with your return next year. I know that might not be much help if you need it now, but here’s hoping it gets sorted sooner rather than later.
I live in Brasil, and have not yet received either the letter or the check.
The check was scheduled to be sent May 4, and today is June 29.
Hey Adam, I would like to personally say Thank You, for maintaining, This Very Useful Platform. I also thank all of the people who take time to actually assist others and share their knowledge and experience, regarding EIP. We All can use financial assistance at this time. Regardless of where we live, this Pandemic has affected Every Human Being Worldwide. So many of us, regardless of our financial situation, more than likely have have helped our family and extended family members in need. Governments worldwide, have destroyed their economies, to fight this Pandemic. As US citizens living abroad, we know that the EIP, right now is unsurpassed by any government worldwide. Please correct me if I’m wrong. At this time I personally feel that I not only contribute to the US economy, BUT YOU DO ALSO. I will continue to Post here on areas that might be helpful to others in my situation. I don’t receive a SS pension; therefore, I can’t speak on that subject. I highly encourage those that do, share and Post their knowledge and experience regarding the EIP. Thanks again to all, and to you Adam. Stay safe and hang in there, the sun will still rise tomorrow! 😀
Couldn’t agree more Marc, and yes, I’m so glad this has been helpful for people and thanks to you and all the other commenters that have made it even more useful for people.
Hi just wanted to update you guys. I live in the philippines where there mail suspension. My check date was april 24. I changed my address to a u.s. address on may 22. Then on may 27 i put a trace on my check. My check was sent back to the irs may 29. I called today and talked to an agent who said that my check was reissued and was sent to my u.s. address on june 1. I’ll be receiving a debit card.. hopefully my family in the states will receive it soon.. the agent said 2-4weeks mailing. The information on the get my payment app was never updated still says april 24.
@Annalisa, And anyone else who has (or might be thinking about) Changed Their Mailing Address to the USA, to receive EIP. I found a recent article that explains the Debit Card:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/coronavirus-stimulus-check-what-to-know-about-payment-eligibility-debit-card/?client=ms-android-vivo-rev1
Scroll Down to the subtitle: HOW TO USE THE PRE PAID DEBIT CARD.
Within the article, it has a link that describes the details of how to set it up for your use (ACTIVATE THE CARD). IF you plan to somehow have it delivered by FedEx, etc., To your overseas address, you can expect: ATM fees (if out of network) which will most likely be the case. International Transaction – Currency Conversion Fee and Cross Border Fee. International ATM Withdrawal Fee: $3.00. ATM withdrawal Limit: 1,000 per transaction per day. In my case, I would have to make several transactions to get 1,000 from an ATM in the Philippines. * BPI ATM is the exception, allows Php 20,000 withdrawal and Php 250.00 transaction fee, that’s BEFORE the Fees are added by the issuing card company. My suggestion, have a family member withdraw all of the money stateside and Deposit in your bank account in USA, (if possible) or use a service like Western Union. 😀
Hi Annalisa, I am also in the Philippines. may I know what number did you call to have your address changed? And how did you put a trace on your check? My check date was May 1st.
Thanks Annalisa! 😀. That news is very helpful to me, because I’m also in the Philippines. I chose not to change to a US address, because I’m not certain how to get the check /or debit card to my address here. Maybe FedEx or DHL? I’m currently waiting for the IRS portal to say NEED MORE INFORMATION, so that I can provide my US Bank Account information. May I ask you what number you used to contact the IRS? I will still be trying the EIP hotline and hope to have the same result as you did. Thanks again!
Hi again to all 😷
I’m not trying to monopolize the conversation here. I just thought I’d remind everyone, that while we Love and Trust our Family Members Stateside, They Too might be going through Financial Hard times. Some people who you ask to assist you, with the EIP MIGHT put you in an awkward situation like asking you for a loan, or Reminding you that you might owe Them for something that happened many years ago…. Just something to think about when you’re deciding WHO you ask to help you get your payment. 😀
IRS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS UPDATE: JUNE 05 2020: If the Get My Payment application says: You’re receiving a check, YOUR PAYMENT MAY COME AS A DEBIT CARD. Debit Card Payments come in a plain envelope, from: MONEY NETWORK CARDHOLDER SERVICES. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
In a previous POST HERE, I provided a link of an article from CNET (05 June 2020) that asserted the Debit Card will be mailed to US Residents. Be aware, that the writer of THAT ARTICLE, might not have considered those of us with Foreign Addresses. It might be another blanket statement, that needs further clarification by the IRS. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/coronavirus-stimulus-check-what-to-know-about-payment-eligibility-debit-card/?client=ms-android-vivo-rev1
😷. P.S. on the IRS FAQ page, scroll down to Q46.
Hi. Updating again. I called the eip hotline number. After pressing 1 for english just wait fir the music to play. If its still giving automated info hang up and call again. When a live rep answers say u want to put a trace on your check.. then the rep will transfer u. Waited about 2hours in hold.
I new update. Just checked my get my payment app. I can now enter with my us address. I also have the option to put in bank info. But since im receiving the debit card. Im not going to enter any dd. When the card is received in the states. Ill just get my dad to withdraw everything and money tranfer to me here in philippines. Hope my updates help everyone here
Thank you so much Annalisa! I will call the EIP hotline late tonight and do same as you did. I will have my address changed to my dad’s address in the US.
@Reine. My fingers are crossed for you (luck)😀. I think this might be your week to receive positive news from the IRS, based on your scheduled payment date, and the 30 day hold by USPS. For me, I have to wait another week because I believe that my check is still with the US Postal Service, and maybe will get sent back to the IRS this week. Until that happens, for me it might be a waste of time [FOR ME]. Please post the results of your experience, to let us know if you had any luck with information from the IRS. 😀
Yes Annalisa 😀! Your post was very helpful to me (and apparently others). I certainly agree with your decision on how you will be receiving your payment. Because of your post, I now have a new hope that the IRS is working on the problem of the USPS delay. I look forward to seeing any new updates pertaining to the final conclusion of receiving your payment. I would also suggest that you might consider entering your Direct Deposit information for a US Bank Account, in the event of a Second Stimulus payment, or a future Tax Refund. It might save you and your family, future grief. Thanks again for your time 😊
Hi, I called the EIP help line Friday for the 2nd time, this time after the recorded information it will say to hold the line for more information without pressing anything, and after holding will eventually connect with a help line agent – apparently it’s best to call before 12 EST. The vanity Mr. T letter is the post 15 day notice letter, known as the Notice 1444, and if you have that and/or a scheduled to be sent date from GMP which is early enough, i.e. mine, April 24th – and haven’t received the check – you will be transferred to yet another IRS agent after holding even a longer time. This agent then confirmed that my check was actually mailed on April 24th to my Moscow address without the apartment number and placed a trace on my check and told me it would take 6 weeks and if it was found to be cashed, then sometime of special package would be sent and I’d have to complete that – and heavens only knows how long that process would require. If the check is found to not have been cashed and is lost, then and only then will another check be re-issued. So add another 2-4 weeks for mailing and hopeful receipt – total time about 8-10 weeks. The agent said that I had missed the deadline for adding direct deposit info, and I replied of course I had as the GMP portal only began working for expats with foreign addresses in early May and by then many of us had already missed the opportunity to add the banking data. So there you go, helpful but not helpful, no flexibility in the system and a complete and utter failure as far as helping those in need. Because I couldn’t receive the help this check would bring, i will probably have to move out of my present flat and thereby miss the check yet again when and if it finally arrives. But, there’s only hope….Thanks again for all the help and insight this site has provided Adam.
USPS UPDATE:. Might be helpful to US Citizens Living in: Netherlands, Spain, Poland and Switzerland, to name a few countries listed in the latest memo posted on the USPS website:
SCROLL DOWN TO “RELATED LINKS” (way at the bottom of the website page). You will see a LINK TITLED : Alternate Transport : SIXTH Air to Sea Diversion- Destined for Netherlands (According to the memo, other countries will also be served by that shipment). It’s a .PDF FILE, YOU WILL NEED TO DOWNLOAD. Here’s the link to get you started: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
Maybe some of you should check your mailbox around July 08 (?). 😀😷
Marc, thanks so much for this. That’s just so bizarre to me that it would take so long to get to Europe….and then by boat!? Like Kass and others, I have sent mail to the States during the epidemic, and it took maybe three days longer than usual to reach my recipients. Swiss has even maintained two weekly flights to Newark from Zürich during the lockdown and Trump’s travel ban, but I don’t know if they were permitted to take on mail as they usually do. (I suspect they were.) All so curious…
For those curious about information regarding Brazil, see this: https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/pdf/fifth-air-to-sea-diversion-6-3-20.pdf
Marc – the link you posted is the biggest help of all https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
If visiting this link on via laptop or desktop, you find the shipment by sea info in the right sidebar. By phone or smart device the info (as Marc stated) is at the bottom all the way down.
We received our Vanity Letter today June 9 here in northern Spain. It says that our check should HAVE arrived 2 weeks ago. Of course, it has not. Since the letter was sent on a plane and the payment is chugging along on a ship, we expect to see the payment sometime in July. Also, this answers the question of where is the Macbook Pro that we mailed via USPS international mail from the U.S. that cleared through Miami on April 29. It’s gotta be on the same ship.
1 if by air and way 2 long if by sea.
LJ
Ok, so I checked mail this morning, and I did receive something in the mail from the IRS (address still misspelled but whatever). Unfortunately, it was only the Trump letter. It was curiously dated May 1 and listed as “First-Class Mail International.” I will call the IRS later tonight and see if there’s a way I can either give them my direct deposit information or give them my mother’s address in Florida. (Thanks for the idea Annalisa!) She could hypothetically deposit it for me. I will let everyone know how it turns out.
I found this article too on tracing one’s check: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/02/didnt-get-your-stimulus-payment-heres-how-find-it/
Oops! Sorry — Kass shared the same link earlier. Good stuff is in that article though!
I don’t know if I posted about this before, but I just saw this update (28 May) on the Get My Payment FAQs:
“My payment was mailed weeks ago but the Post Office was unable to deliver it. What should I do?
“If you have not received your payment within 14 days of the payment date, check Get My Payment periodically. If the IRS receives your payment back because the Post Office was unable to deliver it, we will update your payment status to “Need More Information,” at which point you will be able to enter your bank account information.
“If you don’t provide your bank account information, the IRS will hold your Economic Impact Payment until we receive your updated address. To update your address please see: Address changes.”
My payment was schedule to post on 1 May and I have not received it yet in the Netherlands (although I have received other mail from the US mailed 1 May as well as the vanity letter). Mail service here is not suspended at all. When I check “Get My Payment”, I still get “We scheduled your payment to post on May 1, 2020.”
I am checking Get My Payment everyday and hoping it will change to “Need More Information” soon so I can input my bank information. I advise you all to do the same. Perhaps we will get our money before the end of this year.
Yes Kass, 😀. I certainly agree that IF YOU are afforded the opportunity to provide your Direct Deposit information to a US Bank Account, you should take advantage of that opportunity. I recently replied to You, about a USPS memo. IF THE IRS IS TELLING YOU: “NEED MORE INFORMATION”, It IS my understanding that the USPS, Returned your check to them. Of course, human error can occur, and YOU could even end up with 2 Payments, one DD, and 1 Paper Check. Return the Paper Check. It might sound like a ridulous scenario. I can assure you that I have watched a YouTube video, saying that this thing has actually happened, apparently MORE Than Once. We have read of Dead people, receiving checks, so my assertion isn’t that far off. 😀😷
Yeah, I don’t think you’re wrong, Marc. Thanks!
Hey everyone! So I’m living in Czech Republic, and once I was finally able to get on Get My Payment, it said that my check was scheduled to be mailed out on April 24th. No check yet, but I’m honestly not surprised since mail to CZ is being delivered by boat now and it is slow. Anyway, I checked Get My Payment today, and this info about the mailed check is gone and now it’s saying I’m eligible for the check and they need my direct deposit info. Based off the FAQs there, I’m assuming my check was unable to be delivered or something, whatever I’m fine with direct deposit. But when I put my banking info, it says that it doesn’t match their records and I’ve gotten locked out. It absolutely matches their records as I received my 2018 tax refund there. Anyone else run into this problem? I also had troubles for weeks to even sign into the system, so maybe this is a similar situation but it’s incredibly frustrating. This page is great though, and I hope someone can help me here 🙂
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/pdf/sixth-air-to-sea-diversion-6-4-20.pdf
@Hailey. You might have already seen the USPS memo (link above), so you’re already aware of the slow boat thing. You received a 2018 Tax Refund through Direct Deposit to your US Bank Account. The IRS should not have even considered you for a Paper Check. Just a pure guess, it’s possible that the IRS incorrectly entered your Bank Account information (Routing number and Account number). I’m assuming that you already filed your 2019 Tax Return electronically, and nothing has changed (Bank /Mail address). I can only suggest that you call the EIP hotline. If you have a Skype account +18009199835 (it’s free). You probably have read other comments about the long wait time. Were I in your shoes, that’s what I would do. 😀😷
Hi Marc,
Thanks for the reply. Yeah I’m aware of the slow mail, have been waiting for a package from home since April lol that’s all interesting info, thank you! I’m assuming they used my 2019 tax return info for the check since I filed before all the covid situation, and my direct deposit info wasn’t on that one, hence the mailed check. But they definitely have all my bank info, so I don’t know what the problem with the portal is. I’ll try calling the number today though and see what happens 🙂
Hi again Hailey 😀. The IRS used your 2019 Tax Return. I’m assuming that you were not owed a refund, therefore, your bank account details were not required. If you did owe, and paid already (as I did) through ACH Transfer, THAT INFORMATION, IS NOT BEING USED, for Direct Deposit, nor is the information from your 2018 Tax Return. *The IRS application GMP, is having current problems (I posted earlier on this topic). I hope you post the outcome of your phone call with the IRS, because I will most likely have the same problem you are experiencing right now. Good Luck and Stay Safe 😀😷
Hi, just to give an update. After multiple attempts trying to get connected to someone, I was able to speak to a nice lady. I put a trace on my check and was told that it hasn’t been returned. So I’m guessing it’s still on its way or somewhere. LOL But I will check tomorrow at our local post if there’s any mail for me. I had my address changed to my dad’s address in the US in case it gets returned. I will give an update when I get back from our local post. Stay safe everyone!
@Reine. Thanks for the update 😀! Consider calling the IRS again towards the latter part of the week. You called on a Monday, and maybe they did receive your check, but their internal office processing (just guessing). If you already changed your mailing address, (08 June); according to the FAQ’S the GMP application might be updated on Saturday (Eastern Time), so you should check around 9PM Saturday. I know it’s very frustrating and time consuming, but the Finish line is in sight for you. 😀😷
@Marc. I went to Philpost yesterday to check if there’s any mail for me. Unfortunately, there isn’t. The guy from the post office said that it MIGHT be already be in Manila. They said that no mail deliveries came from Manila since ECQ here in Pampanga where I live. They asked for my number to give me an update if ever they receive something for me. Still hoping that it’s just in Manila waiting to be distributed to provinces, rather than having to wait for IRS to re-issue the check and to wait another 4 weeks for it to get to my dad’s address, also saving my dad the hassle of sending it to me here in the Philippines. I don’t have the option having it DD as I no longer have a US bank account. If only they can DD to a foreign account that would be easier.
@Reine. Thanks for the update. A few weeks ago I did the same thing with my local Post Office here (Cavite). I was told same as you. I keep an eye on the USPS website. I will post if there are any changes.😀😷
@Reine. Hi again, I don’t think our EIP checks ever left the USA. I think the IRS Mailed them as scheduled, but were placed on a 30 day hold, by the USPS, because of the temporary suspended International Service to the Philippines. Based on the timing of the suspension, and Annalisa’s posted information, that’s why I think this. I think the IRS will (any day) will receive your Returned Check and Reissue you a check to the US address you gave them. I too hoped it might be in Manila, but I gave up that possibility because of Annalisa scheduled payment date. 🤔😷
@Adam. Within the USPS website after further digging, I found that some countries could be entered into a application embedded within the website. I scrolled through the countries listed and found information for Columbia’s Mail Delivery status. I did come across a link pertaining to 4/72. The website is in Spanish but might give you a clue about what’s going on there regarding mail delivery (?)
http://www.4-72.com.co/
It seems we now have to become Cyber Detectives to get answers from Government. 😀😷
Haha. Thanks Marc. I will look into it tomorrow. Appreciate you sharing so much.
IRS FAQ UPDATE: After my daily ritual of checking the GMP application, I took a quick glance for any FAQ updates (Link Below). SCROLL DOWN TO “Payment Status”, and look at “How long will it take for my payment status or payment date to change”? [My] SUMMARY: Some people who entered their BANK INFORMATION more than TWO WEEKS AGO, may Not Have Received a Payment Date. (* CAPS used for emphasis)….We are working to resolve these issues. Keep checking the GMP application…Blah, Blah,Blah. Here’s the link:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
Nothing surprises me anymore 🤔 😷
In Bangkok…have not received anything regarding my stimulus check. I did, however, just receive my primary absentee ballot that was supposed to be returned to the US by May 19th! It seems the mail is running just a bit slow……..
Update: Received the special letter today. The IRS somehow sent it to my filed 2018 street address and my 2019 city and zip code. It went to the old street address. Kudos to the Thai post for figuring it out. Check is still out there somewhere.
Hi Brian, I am also in Bangkok and received my special letter today but no check. It was sent out May 8th. Guess I’ll have to keep waiting! What do you plan to do with the check here in Thailand? I am hoping I can scan and deposit through my bank app but happy to know if you have any other suggestion.
Hey Ingrid,
I will use my Wells Fargo app. Ive already tried it with a bank draft and it worked no problem. And, my GMP changed today from mailed on May 1st to enter bank info. Something went wrong with that though, so Ill try again tomorrow.
More new info on the IRS site:
“Get My Payment shows that my payment was issued but I never received it. How do I get a new one.
If Get My Payment shows your Payment was issued but you have not received it and it has been more than 5 days since the scheduled deposit date (or more than 4 weeks since it was mailed by check (6 weeks if you have a forwarding address on file with the local post office; 9 weeks if you have a foreign address)), you should initiate a trace on your Payment by calling the IRS at 800-919-9835 or you may submit Form 3911 (PDF). If you call, please be advised that you may experience long wait times or recorded assistance due to limited staffing. If you submit the form and you are Married Filing Joint, both spouses must sign the form.” https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions#lost
So they’re finally addressing those of us with foreign addresses! So if your check was mailed on 24 April, expect it 26 June. May 1st = July 3rd, etc. Well, I guess that something at least… :/
Hi Kass, thanks for sharing this!
Hey Kass
That’s a really helpful bit of knowledge. Thanks a million.
@Kass😀. Very encouraging for those of [us] with a Foreign Address. I agree at least the IRS is addressing problems with Foreign Addresses! Unfortunately, for me (and many others) who live in a country on a USPS Temporary Suspension of International Mail, will have to wait for the check to be RETURNED TO THE IRS, before any action can be taken. Hopefully by now, those with scheduled payment dates April 24, May 01, and May 08, are now within the “window” to have a Trace started, or afforded the opportunity to provide our Direct Deposit information on the website application. *But even that seems to have it’s own New Wrinkles. 🤔. Good luck to all, and please keep posting your experience with the EIP / IRS (good and bad), so that we can learn a little more from eachother. 😀
Thanks Kass! This is similar to what the representative told me over the phone and now it makes sense — I was advised that while I could place a trace on my check, I should give it a little more time. (She insinuated until the beginning of July 2020.) I was told to keep checking the portal for further information as well.
I am a Social Security pension recipient living in Mexico. My direct deposit is with Bank of America in the U.S. Where´s my payment now says that they are still waiting for more information. Several weeks ago, I sent an email to the IRS using their site. The site said that I would receive a response in 96 hours. I am still waiting. I sent an email to one of my senators asking for help. That was two months ago and I am still waiting. Today I left a voice mail for my other senator. I doubt if I get a response.
Hi James Culloton. This might sound like a little play on words here. Please hear me out. I think you mean “Get My Payment” (GMP) application on the IRS Website. Now, here’s where the exact wording matters. Does the GMP APPLICATION say exactly: “Need more information”? If your answer is Yes, then that means that the IRS, is asking YOU to provide your Bank of America Account Information. [ROUTING NUMBER AND ACCOUNT NUMBER]. I thought that the IRS was supposed to get that information from the SSA automatically, but I’ve read so many different stories about problems with the IRS and US Postal Service. Another option for you is to call the EIP hotline: +18009199835. I recommend that you use Skype, because that’s Free. But, be prepared for a long waiting time, up to 2 hours.
I learned on the phone the reason I have not received the economic impact payment is that IRS declared my SS# “not eligible for employment” or “invalid” . Kind of funny, because I am a US citizen, and I did work in the US using my SS#. I am now in Europe, there are no IRS offices overseas since 2015, the US offices are virus-closed.
No IRS agent was able to tell me on the phone where to complain, how to rectify the error in the IRS database.
SSA said that my # is all right with them, but I could file for a new #. I would hate to do this, because it would
destroy my good, several-decade-long credit history.
Any idea from the kind readership of this blog?
@ Lala: Below is a link to the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Outside the US:
https://www.irs.gov./help/contact-my-local-office-internationally
SCROLL DOWN TO: Other Items of Potential Interest; [SUBTITLE] INTERNATIONAL TAXPAYER ADVOCATE. There you might find TOLL FREE NUMBERS, and speak to someone about your specific situation.
Happy Hunting 😎😷😁
@Lala: Based on the info you provided, I’m going to assume: You were not able to login to the Get My Payment (GMP) application; And you filed your 2019 Return by mail. *I’m assuming this because your SSN# is REQUIRED for GMP, and Electronic Filing (to be accepted by the IRS). The IRS has not provided a date they will begin to process paper income tax returns. I have read a couple of posts, articles and IRS FAQ’s, where the IRS has acknowledges that they have database problems, and are working to fix them. I agree with your decision regarding changing your SSN number and after your call with the SSA. This clearly sounds like [to me] an IRS Database problem. I can only suggest 3 possible solutions for you: Try calling again (2 weeks), and ask to speak to a Supervisor (maybe an internal inquiry might be started). Correspond by mail, providing a copy of a 2018 Return through the Taxpayers Adovacate’s Office. * I went that route before, and they were very helpful. CONSIDER (as a last resort) Identity Theft procedures. With a little more details about your situation (No Personal Information), maybe we can collectively refer you to a better option. Looking forward to your reply. 😀😷
Thank you for your help , Marc !
This is what I have filed so far, all electronically.
10/14/2019: 2018 return, accepted
03/09/2020: extension to 2019 return, accepted.
04/16/2020: non-filers’ : accepted.
It must have been a mistake on my part, but I wanted to communicate my banking number.
05/13/2020: 2019 return, rejected, “already filed” (since the non-filers’ generated a dummy 2019 return)
I planned to file an amended 2019 return on paper to show them that I was much below the upper limit for the economic impact payment.
But I learned during my 10th phone call to IRS that they do not want to pay since they deemed my SS# “not eligible for work in the US”. If I were in the US AND the IRS offices were open, I would just show my passport in the office. But I am in Europe.
Hi Lala, thank you for your reply 😀. I too attempted to (in April) to use the Non-Filer tool, in hopes of getting my Bank Account information to the IRS quickly. I was Rejected, because I had already filed my 2019 Return electronically, and here we are today. I believe that your situation needs Urgent Attention by the IRS. I think you might have a better chance with the Taxpayer Advocate Service, even though they too might give you a long waiting time on the phone. I hope they resolve this quickly for you, because this is their fault. Good Luck, and let us know what they say about this. 😀
I am a case 4 retiree living in Japan receiving SS monthly deposit to my US bank account but have yet to receive payment
I don’t think you will automatically receive the stimulus payment to your bank account even though your monthly SS goes to that bank account. You have to submit your bank information through “Get My Payment”. Other SS recipients in this thread have had the same problem. Even though they have your bank information, the IRS requires you to submit it either through a tax return or through the Get My Payment tool. Otherwise, you’ll get mailed a check.
Hi Michael 😀. Hopefully, by now you have received your Economic Impact Payment (EIP), by Direct Deposit or by Mail. IF your answer is NO, then please read on. You didn’t mention if you successfully logged on to the “Get My Payment ” (GMP). It’s my understanding that the IRS will use the information on your most Current SSA 1099. So, that’s the address you should use to login to the GMP (ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, and No Symbols #). Japan is not on the USPS International Mail Service Suspension List and More IRS Employee’s are returning to work (that’s the good news). After reading your post, I believe Question 57 (Q57) on the EIP Information Center FAQ, applies to you. Here’s the link: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center#issuedbutlost
MY SUMMARY: To get your payment of 1,200, You Don’t need to do anything else. IF YOUR SPOUSE DID NOT Receive Federal Benefits in 2019, AND IS NOT Required to file a Federal Income Tax Return for 2019/2018 You May Provide Additional Information using the “NON-FILERS : ENTER PAYMENT HERE tool to Get Your EIP of 2,400 for you/ spouse plus Additional Amount IF YOU HAVE QUALIFYING CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 17.
Another option is to call the EIP hotline* 18009199835. A Toll Fee call Might not be free in Japan; Therefore I recommend using Skype adding (+to that number) ie. +18009199835. Waiting time has improved. *Note that the first live person you speak with is a representative that will ask the Reason for your call. I suggest that you simply say: You would like to put a Trace on your payment, to get a quick transfer to an IRS Employee (that can actually help you). If the Representative asks, say that you were due a payment on 24 April, (and don’t mention SS Recipient, Until you speak to an IRS Employee). Hope this helps you, or anyone else.😀😷
**CORRECTION:. Last night I called the IRS hotline ( Wait time 1.5 hours). The difference was: THE PERSON WHO FINALLY ANSWERED WAS NOT A REPRESENTATIVE. This was an actual IRS Employee. She used her FULL NAME and EMPLOYEE ID NUMBER. *A REPRESENTATIVE will tell you NOT TO GIVE ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION, before they [the Representative] will transfer you to the IRS Employee. I just don’t want anyone to lie, and be put in an awkward situation over a tip that I posted. 🤔😷
Shockingly good news and a very pleasant surprise today! As advised I’ve been checking my payment status on the GMP portal almost every day to see if my payment status had changed from the “we scheduled your payment to be mailed on April 24th…”, well today I checked again expecting the same old let down – but hey ho – a week and and a half after initiating a trace on my check with the IRS and being told it would take 6 weeks – the status changed to ‘We need more information” and allowed me enter my US bank direct deposit information!!))) Which I did so without hesitation or problems! It did ask for the AGI amount on my return and if I owed anything – and as it says on the FAQ site if you didn’t owe or get a refund, checked the I owed option (which I did not and then entered 0 for amount owed or refund amount – and my banking info – and presto – success!! So there is hope after all))))
Hey, great news Bob! And thanks a lot for sharing!
Great news Bob! Thanks for letting us know.
@ Bob Griete. Thank you 😀! Your Post was Encouraging and Informative. You are the SECOND person with the same schedule date on the GMP PORTAL (or application) to confirm that it took a little over 7 WEEKS for the IRS to handle the USPS Temporary Suspension for International Service. Now that you have Successfully entered your DD information on the GMP, according to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), your status should change on the GMP and show a scheduled Bank Deposit Date on: Saturday 20 June. *I posted on this topic June 05. I’m not trying to Dampen your spirits; But be aware, that the IRS has already acknowledged THAT THERE ARE DELAYS IN DIRECT DEPOSIT. *I posted on this topic 10 June. Your information was Very Helpful Regarding the AGI /AMOUNT OWED TIPS.😀. *Another commenter [KASS – 04 June] provided us (in a reply to me), with more details on this topic. Thanks again for your time and help 😀!
Living in Ireland…trying to check my status on the Get My Payment and not working. How do I enter my street address, I live in the country so there is no real street addresses to enter. I have a social security number and receive social security benefits into my bank directly but haven’t received anything yet. Please help!!
Hi Una. Your Social Security benefits (as you stated), are being Deposited into your U.S. Bank Account (?). Somehow, you are able to withdraw the money from that Bank Account. How exactly does the ATM card get to your address, when it expires? If the SSA provided your information to the IRS; then theoretically, the IRS would have the same address as your US Bank does. Another option (very time consuming, but might be necessary). Call the EIP hotline. +18009199835 (use the + sign if calling using Skype, it’s Free). When you get through to an IRS Agent, ask to verify your mailing address, as well as any of your other concerns. Good Luck 😀😷
It takes a few weeks for the aforementioned page to actually get updated accordingly, after process. Mine kept showing the ‘unable to find payment’ up until 2wks in, when a deposit date was ultimately published.
My father being an SSI recipient and living in Greece has also, not received their direct deposit (hasn’t filed taxes in years). These groups just have to play the waiting game (per the irs website). Patience, its the federal gov’t after all 😀
Hi Una,
I’m not sure how to handle this, but the address the IRS is using to check you identity is the address you used on your 2019 tax returns (or 2018 if you haven’t filed 2019 yet). So however you entered your address and post code (not town name) on that return would be what they’re looking for. If you didn’t file 2018 or 2019 taxes, I have no idea. Sorry. But someone here will be able to advise you I’m sure!
If you are a SS recipient, you will not get the stimulus money in your bank account even if you get social security that way. The only way you’ll get the money in your account without having to do anything is if you got a tax refund in 2018 or 2019 and they direct deposited it into your bank account. Otherwise, you have to give them the information. And for most of us Expats here, by the time we were able to login to Get My Payment, they’d already mailed our checks (although we haven’t gotten them yet).
If you take a look up the comments, I know some Social Security recipients have commented. I’m sure their information would be valuable to you. Also the FAQs here may give you more information: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
Here is another Washington Post article that talks about Foreign Addresses and Social Security Recipients that have not received their Stimulus Payment:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/15/retirees-living-abroad-still-waiting-their-stimulus-payments/
**PLEASE DISREGARD THE PREVIOUS WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE. THEY NOW REQUIRE YOU TO SUBSCRIBE BEFORE READING IT***. Talk about taking advantage of a situation 🤔😷
FOR SOCIAL SECURITY RECIPIENTS: I found a 7 page How To, to get the EIP. It’s issued by the SSA:
https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/assets/materials/economic-impact-payments-for-social-security-and-ssi-recipients.pdf
**Please be aware that the previous link published by the SSA, requires you to download a . PDF File.**. You might be better off getting more accurate and updated information on the IRS Economic Impact Payment, Frequently Asked Questions Page, for ease of readability. 😀😷
Thank you for posting all this valuable information! I do have an issue that seems unaddressed here: my request to receive the stimulus payment has been systematically rejected 8 times because it says that my date of birth does not match their files! I tried calling the IRS (from France on 1 800 829 1040. I was initially on hold for 10 minutes and then got to explain birth date rejection problem. He told me this has happened quite frequently and told me he’d transfer my call to someone who could help me investigate the problem. I remained on hold for 32 minutes…and then was simply disconnected. I also tried calling the Soscial Security Administration on 1 800 772 1213. Again on hold for over 10 minutes, I spoke with a man who took down my phone details an told me they were registered in the system & that someone would call me back in an hour’s time. 12 hours later, no one has called me back. I do not make a lot of money. I file French tax returns and have been told I am not obliged to file US tax returns because of agreements between the two countries. I believe the last US tax return I filed goes back to the late 80s. I am hiding nothing, just following tax advice I’ve been given. And so, I used the IRS non-filer’s online application…and the only problem is I cannot find out what birth date they seem to have on record for me. Can you help with this issue please?
Hi Marilyn. Unfortunately, it sounds like you may just need to keep trying to call. I understand it is possible to get a tax record from the irs site but you have to have a US phone for a text confirmation. Try calling and hoping for a helpful person and shorter wait. Good luck!
@Marilyn Dunning:. After reading your post, I came across a few questions that need a little more clarification. (1). You are a US citizen living in France with a valid Social Security (SS) number, and do not receive any SS benefits. You have not filed any US Income Tax Returns in years. You attempted to use the “Get My Payment” (GMP) portal? (2). Have you tried to use the “Non-Filer” tool? Here’s a link to get you started, if your answer is No:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
Generally, the IRS will never call, email, or contact you other than by mail. Additionally, the GMP will only allow you 3x to enter your information: SS#, Date of Birth, Street Address, and Postal code; and you will get the message”The Information you have provided does not match our records”; Then you will be locked out for 24 hours. 😀😷
@Marilyn Dunning. My apologies. I re-read your post, and it is now my understanding that you have used the Non Filers Tool. If you want to take another run (calling the IRS), +18009199835. I recommend that you use Skype because it’s free. When you get through to the Rep., Tell him or her that you would like to verify the information on file for you. Again my apologies for missing a Key Detail in your post. 😀😷
@Marilyn Dunning: Hello again 😀. Here is another link that maybe you could try to enter your Date of Birth Information. If successful, then you will also know All the information that the IRS has about you. https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
I wish you Luck 😀😷
Can you tell me if this is a real IRS application? Or, a scam where they’re trying to get your personal details so they can usurp your ID, etc?
Sorry, I forgot the link. Here it is:
IRS Free File program delivered by FileYourTaxes.com
@Em: Below is a a link, most likely what you have seen before. SCROLL DOWN TO Find what you are looking for
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
Good Luck 😀😷
I CALLED THE IRS EIP HOTLINE….. Long Story Short, I was able to put a “Trace” on the check mailed to me on May 08 (the scheduled date that appears on the GMP portal). The IRS employee, pulled up my account, after a few simple questions As It Appears on my 2019 Tax Return (Name, Address, Filing Status). At first, he stated my account was “Non Active”, but then he did “further digging” (his exact words). He said that the Tracing could take up to 6 weeks, and if the check has not been cashed, I would be Reissued a new paper check. I had to correct him about the new guidance on the IRS FAQ (28 May) on this topic. He said go with THAT INFORMATION, because he had not heard of it. He did make a note in his computer, that I am ready to input my bank account information on the GMP (maybe it might help). I called at 0708 am (Eastern Time), 2 minutes later the music, and then the Representative, who (after I explained the reason for my call) I got transferred to the IRS Employee, and was on for 20 minutes. Under 1 hour, so that’s the good news 😀😷
Following up on escalation to supervisor of call two weeks ago (Social Security recipient in Australia who did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019) to IRS about Stimulus payment not received on the International phone number. Got through fairly quickly, but first person tried to tell me that SSA & not the IRS would make the payment. I said that wasn’t true & he hung up. Second person was friendly & said my problem wasn’t unusual & to call back in another week or so. I wonder how many people receiving Social Security overseas have not had a payment made nor had any details put up on Get My Payment (We don’t have enough information yet [we’re working on this]). He also could not confirm the method of payment. Is patience a virtue?
Hi Stephen 😊. I certainly understand your frustrating telephone experience with the IRS. I too have had to actually wave the BS Flag, when I was given contradictory Information. I did notice a change in the IRS Employee’s attitude, as soon as I mentioned the word “supervisor”. I’ve concluded that internal policy changes are Not being passed on to the people who answer the phones, and might even feel foolish when Taxpayers are calling them out on FAQ’S. I’m not sure if you’ve seen Information the SSA has posted (MAY) : https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/assets/materials/economic-impact-payments-for-social-security-and-ssi-recipients.pdf
Just curious, do you receive your SS Payments to a Foreign Bank Account? 😀😷
Hi Marc
According to that SSA site, which I have seen, it says: “You should have received your $1,200 payment by the end of April in the same way you receive your Social Security benefit.” That clearly doesn’t apply. The Washington Post reported 15 June that “Retirees Abroad Still Waiting for the Stimulus Payments” & that reporter has had a few good pieces on the subject. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/15/retirees-living-abroad-still-waiting-their-stimulus-payments/ My payments are direct deposited from CITIBANK EUROPE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK. I have yet to hear of anyone overseas who has received a direct deposit payment. HAS ANYONE?
Hi Stephen. As far as I know, the IRS currently doesn’t use Foreign Bank Accounts , to pay Tax Refunds, or otherwise. I guess that the SSA (.PDF File) wasn’t much use for you. I have seen the latest Washington Post article, I agree one of the better ones for information for us. I also found it interesting that the SSA can get you money to a Foreign Bank Account, but the IRS has not yet been able to do so. 😀😷
Hi Stephen. As far as I know, the IRS currently doesn’t use Foreign Bank Accounts , to pay Tax Refunds, or otherwise. I guess that the SSA (.PDF File) wasn’t much use for you. I have seen the latest Washington Post article, I agree one of the better ones for information for us. I also found it interesting that the SSA can get you money to a Foreign Bank Account, but the IRS has not yet been able to do so. BTW, THAT WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE, NOW requires you to subscribe to continue reading it.
Has anyone been successful using the Non-Filer tool AFTER filing their 2019 taxes? The reason I ask is that, when I call the IRS, they can’t immediately pull up my 2019 e-filed return or find me through my SSN. They always have to dig around first and then eventually find me only to tell me that my 2019 (which I filed on April 15th) has not been fully processed yet. It won’t be, the agents confirm, until they have the personnel back to do so. I’m wondering if I should take advantage of this time in limbo and try to get the EIP through Non-Filers… Is there a penalty for this? Curiosity killed the cat and all that, but… Thanks! Take care, everyone.
Hi Kris 😊. Yes, I tried using the Non-Filer tool, in April, AFTER filing 2019 Tax Return electronically (last week of March). I actually got all the way to the end, and then it was REJECTED, because I already had an income tax return on file. Prior to using the Non-Filer tool, you are warned Not to use it if you have filed for 2019. They [IRS] have stated in some cases it may actually DELAY your EIP. 😀😷
Thanks, Marc! Saludos….
I’ve been visiting this page regularly for over two months now, and the article, and the comments from all of you have really helped me during this whole process. I wanted to let you all know that I finally received my check in France. It was mailed on 4 May, so it took almost 7 weeks to reach me. Hopefully this information might help some of you who are still waiting!
Hi Monica, that is great, and I am so glad the page helped!
Thanks and congratulations, Monica. Hoping we see checks here in the Netherlands soon then!
Wow. Mine was sent April 24. Still waiting !
Wonderful to hear this news Monica. Hopefully I can share some good news from Switzerland within the next couple of days too.
Hello Adam, I posted previously about the USPS suspended mail countries. I just wanted to give an update. My check was to be mailed April 24th, as stated in previous posts. I called the IRS in early May and changed my address from the Philippines to a USA address. On June 8th I put a tracer on check by calling IRS. On June 18th I called IRS for a status update and they said I have to wait up to 6 weeks for check to be re-issued unless it comes back sooner. They said if it came sooner they would automatically mail to my new USA address. They said nothing has changed. On June 19th I checked the GMP portal and it wouldn’t let me enter my foreign address anymore. So I entered my USA address and it accepted it, and let me enter my USA DD information also. So hopefully its getting closer to receiving by mail or direct deposit. I hope this helps!
Hey Steve, that’s good to hear. Thanks for the update. I wonder if I would be better off at this point calling and doing the address change. I’m hoping in the next week or two it will let me enter the direct deposit info (mine was mailed on May 1st).
Hi Adam. I think it might be helpful for you to call the IRS and put a Trace on your check. Columbia doesn’t appear on the USPS Temporary Suspension List for mail service. As you know, I too am waiting for the opportunity to enter my DD information. For me, it appears that the only way I will be able to do that is for the Check to be Returned to the IRS. 😀😷
Hi i live in Greece i am american citizen i never filled Tax forms and i receive my pension from SSI by direct deposit in my grrek bank account how i will receive the economic payment? The IRS says on 07/24 will send the payments is it true?
Thank you
Sorry for my english
Hi Carrie. I would imagine they mailed it to you as they can’t pay into foreign accounts.
@STEVE, Thanks for posting your experience. It’s very helpful to me and others also waiting for EIP in the P.I. I too called the IRS on June 18th. I was also given the same information as you were. I did point out that the information the IRS employee was telling me (to him), Contradicts the Frequently Asked Question on this topic (Now Under “Missing Payments” Section). It probably won’t affect you because you already gave them a New Address, and your Bank Account information. *7.5 Weeks seems to be a trend before for those of us under the USPS Temporary Suspension. Thanks for your time.😀😷
Hi new update, just checked GMP today and was able to enter my US address. It asked for a bank information, since I no longer have one I will leave as it is and wait for a check/debit card to arrive at my dad’s address. Hopefully it arrives soon.
Hi Reine😀. Thanks for the update! That’s great news. I’m hoping to get an update on the GMP application around June 27th. Based on your posts, it seems that I could be 1 week behind on the IRS taking the same action (except I didn’t change my address). I asked for a Trace on June 18. If I get lucky, by July 06, I might actually have a New Scheduled Direct Deposit Date, on the GMP. By then, (and with more IRS Employee’s returning to work) things could move a little faster for all of us. Thanks again for your time. I hope to read your final update, telling us you received your payment. 😀😷
Hi Marc, I’ll probably give IRS a call this week to get an update if the check has been returned to them and give another update if it has been re-issued. This has been quite a journey for all of us. But good thing were getting good news every now and then.
Hi Reine 😀. Looking forward to reading about what the IRS tells you. I’m hoping to post something positive in the next week or so. Thanks again for your time. 😀😷
Hi again Reine 😀. I just thought of something. If you should receive a Debit Card at your relatives US Address, maybe he/she could TRANSFER the funds into his /her account, and then TRANSFER to your account in the Philippines. You would have to provide your relative with BANK CODE / SWIFT CODE. Ask your local bank for that information. Here’s a link that explains it more:
https://grit.ph/philippine-bank-codes/
Maybe it might be cheaper and more convenient for all concerned (?) 😀😷
Hi Marc, I’ve been thinking about it too, it’ll be convenient if my dad just transfer me the money rather than have the debit card sent to me via FedEx. Also I don’t have to worry about the fee the bank charges when you withdraw money using a foreign debit card. I’ll go for whatever’s convenient for both of us.
Hi Reine 😀. At least with FedEx you will be able to Track the (Paper Check). With the Debit Card, your dad might be able to withdraw all of the funds and maybe Western Union the money to you. There still might be (out of network ATM charges), and depending on the Daily ATM limits, he might have to do that more than one day. IF the IRS hasn’t already Reissued your payment, Another option could be to get your dad’s Routing number and Account number and posting that on the GMP. After my conversation with the IRS, that scenario seems unlikely, since I was told that it is almost automatically Reissued By Mail. One has to wonder why they would even ask for your Bank Account information (?). Either way, the Finish Line is in your sights. 😀😷
Hi updating again, I spoke to IRS last night. The lady said it’s in process of being traced and I will have to wait 6 week from the time that I requested to put a trace on my check which is June 08. She advised me to check back after 6 weeks. It’s the same case with Steve. The waiting game continues. 😪
It seems more IRS Employee’s are returning to work, according to Forbes. Maybe things will speed up for GMP, and paper processing.:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2020/06/19/as-irs-employees-return-to-work-heres-an-updated-look-at-what-to-expect/#704a7fc639aa
😀😷
Hi REINE 😀. I also called the EIP hotline and got the same answer wait for 6 weeks (for me 18 June). I guess the Post Office is Super Slow nowadays. 🤔😀😷
USPS TEMPORARY SUSPENDED INTERNATIONAL SERVICE UPDATE 19 JUNE 2020. COLUMBIA APPEARS ON THS LIST:
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
* Consider calling the EIP hotline and have your payment (check) Traced. 😀😷
Hello Adam, Changing your address to a USA one might be a good thing. Its makes me feel like I possibly would get it faster that way. Also so if their is any future stimulus checks, but that could come with another set of problems also, like figuring how to cash or deposit into account, if its a debit card, but at least you would have control of the check or debit card. You could Fed ex or have family or friend deposit it. My feeling is that putting a tracer makes it move faster, I could be wrong. I feel better that I was able to access the GMP portal with my USA address and enter my DD info. Even The GMP portal says now they will update a payment date, which it hasn’t yet. I have read from other posts that the IRS could still mail a check or debit even though I entered my DD info. I would hope they would just DD. Just like everybody else. I feel like I am covered all ways. Good Luck to everybody!!
I’m hoping that if I am able to set a direct deposit, any future checks would just go there, but then again, who really knows? I probably should just go ahead and make the address change.
Hi Adam, it might be to your advantage to change your address to one in the USA. We’ve heard from 3 other people living in the Philippines, who have got good results. I too am in the Philippines; however, I don’t have the luxury of using a US Address. Even if I am able to provide the IRS DD information, we now also know that the IRS has a delay on that front also (I posted on that topic a few days ago). For me, I’m hoping to update my DD information, and possibly wait another 30 days for an actual Deposit. 😀😷
New guidance on the EIP Information Center FAQ #55:. Added June 19,2020
HOW DO I REQUEST A PAYMENT TRACE ON MY ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT? * Link Below:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center#issuedbutlost
**Note that the answer doesn’t really address the fact that the USPS Cannot Deliver to Some Countries. However, the Get My Payment Application “Frequently Asked Questions” (Found under “Missing Payments” section, just tells us to wait, and keep checking the GMP, for your Status to change to : Need more information. Here’s the link to GMP FAQ’S:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions#missing
* I think Q55 answers for me, why the IRS employee, was adamant about Reissuing another check by Mail. I did explain that the USPS would only send it back to the IRS, but he said, those are the “rules” that he has. In the end, he did make a note on my account about USPS and my willingness to provide Direct Deposit Information on the GMP.
Hey everyone. Just an update from Geneva Switzerland…my check arrived! The IRS portal said it was mailed/processed on 24 April. Arrived 20 June. Mail would never take 2 months to across the Atlantic but maybe the virus changed or the check was in fact mailed much later.
Larkin, this is really good news that your check arrived in Switzerland! I live in Zürich, and I hope to receive mine at some point next week. My check was processed on 01/05, and so I am now optimistic that it will eventually arrive. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks for reporting back, Larkin. Congratulations. My check was mailed/processed on 1 May, and taking into consideration all the info in these comments, I’m hoping to get it here in the Netherlands next week. Your info about receiving your check in Switzerland jives with that timeline, so I’m hopeful. Thanks again!
Congratulations 😀! Larkin, You have restored some hope for many! Reminder a cargo shipment of mail should arrive on 23 JUNE 2020, according USPS “SIXTH AIR TO SEA DIVERSION” Memo (Download .PDF). It will Serve Mail to: NETHERLANDS, CZECH REP., SPAIN, SWEDEN and Switzerland among others.
Link Below *SMART PHONE USERS: Scroll down to Related Links. *On the side for laptops, etc.
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
Good Luck 😀😷
Well, it sounds like most of your information is still pretty up to date as of today, June 22. I am in Ecuador and we are not receiving mail here. IRS did not deposit the Stimulus into my Direct Express Social Security account because I filed a 2018 tax return with no refund direct deposit info. I used the non filer tool on the IRS site to enter info for direct deposit on May 10. I have also not been able to access the Get My Payment tool. Spoke with IRS today, supposedly a check was mailed to Ecuador in May which I will never receive. They did a tracer which will take 4-6 weeks and told me today they have to remail the check. I don’t have a U.S. address to give them and still can’t access the Get My Payment site to add any direct deposit info. There are many of us retired expats here in Ecuador going through the same process. Hoping the IRS will figure this out and offer some solutions. We have gotten emails from the U.S. Embassy in the capital city of Quito to say that some checks have been forwarded to them. Yes, quite the saga.
Hi Cathy McCay 😀. I too live in a country that is on the USPS International Mail Service Suspension List. Apparently this has been going on since April 20. The USPS even extended their Hold Policy from 15 days to 30 DAYS, BEFORE RETURNING MAIL BACK TO THE SENDER, in my case and probably yours the IRS. It’s possible that your check never left the USA. The Trace that you started on June 22, might be faster than you might think. Hopefully, it will be returned to the IRS within the next two weeks. Did the IRS give you an exact date that they sent your check in May? If your answer is Yes, you can make an estimate of about 6 weeks from that Day in May when your check will be returned to the IRS. A Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) on the Get My Payment (GMP) site (under “Missing Payments” section- May 28), contradicts what the IRS Employee told you. I was told the same thing you were on June 18. I pointed that out to the IRS Employee, and he said go with the information on the GMP FAQ, because he had not heard of that. *It seems odd to me that USPS would forward IRS checks to the US Embassy in Ecuador through Diplomatic Mail Delivery, because of their [USPS] 30 Day Hold Policy. But you did say that the US Embassy has emailed you (?). Does the US Embassy want the IRS Check Recipients to travel there to get the check? As you might have read here, some people are choosing to use Relatives and Friends US Addresses to be changed, and have been successful entering the Changed Address on the GMP application. They are even being given the opportunity to provide the IRS with their Direct Deposit information for a US Bank Account. Based on your post, I think that’s what you want. *You mentioned that you are not able to access the Get My Payment Application. The only plausible reason is the Address you are typing in Doesn’t Match what the IRS has on file. When you spoke to the IRS Employee, did you Verify your mailing address, as it appears on your current SSA 1099? IF not, maybe you should consider calling the EIP hotline again, and verify your mailing address. * Access to the GMP application is the only way you will be able to input your Direct Deposit information. Hope this helps. 😀😷
* Below is a link for you to Email your questions and comments/concerns to the IRS. The yellow box also has Useful Information Regarding the Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus).
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
I doubt you will get a reply, should you email a question, but maybe your question might be addressed in a future FAQ. 😀😷
Oops! Here’s the link to Email the IRS:
https://www.irs.gov/help/navigate-irsgov
*The previous link is also helpful. 😀😷
I recently found this advice “While the majority of stimulus payments have already been paid, expats who haven’t been filing US taxes can still receive one so long as they catch up before October 15th.” in an article entitled ‘Catching Up on US Tax Filing – Stimulus Payment’ 30 May 2020 on the website of The Association of Americans Resident Overseas. https://www.aaro.org/advocacy/taxation-issues/819-catching-up-on-us-tax-filing-stimulus-payment That’s the first time I’ve seen any such advice and certainly not on the IRS website about stimulus payments. Anyone know about this?
Hi Stephen 😊. Yes, I was aware of the IRS requirement for Filing taxes (as a US citizen living abroad). Each year, we are also afforded an Additional 2 months for Filing without penalty (unless you owe money, you will be charged interest). For the IRS, “Tax Season” ends October 15, 2020. You can file electronically for 2019 until that day [10/15/2020], to be eligible for the EIP (Stimulus Check). If you don’t file on or before October 15, you will have to do that by Mail.
Even if you have not filed for the last 10 years, and you were supposed to; YOU STILL can File for 2019 (by October 15, 2020), And can Receive EIP. REGARDLESS OF BACK TAXES, and Penalties; However, IF YOU have a Child Support issue (Court Order), the IRS will deduct part or all of the Outstanding amount of your CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATION, not Tax Penalties or any other Liens against you. BOTTOM LINE: File for 2019, by October 15, 2020, and you will be eligible for the Stimulus Payment (EIP). 😀😷
Hi again Stephen 😊. I took time to actually read the article in the Link that you posted. The author of this article did not take into consideration 3 important Facts: 1. When the article was written (and to this day), not to many people were /are at work. 2. Electronic Tax Filing can only be done for the current Tax Season (2019). 3. The Global Mail Delivery Slowdown. 😀😷
I am US citizen living in Australia. I am a retiree and receive my retirement payment electronically every month. I haven’t filed for taxes since retirement 10 years ago as I was not required to file taxes.
I have been waiting since April for my stimulus payment, but I haven’t received the stimulus payment.
Is this normal? Are there others like me who haven’t received their payment either
please advise
Hi Sam Jordan 😀. Based on the information you posted, I’m going to assume that you receive Social Security benefits, electronically possibly to a Foreign Bank Account. If that’s correct, The IRS will be sending you a Paper Check. As you know, Mail Delivery is slow nowadays. If you have read some of the comments on this thread, you will find that you are far from alone in a Delayed Payment. Have you attempted to Log in to the “Get My Payment” application at the IRS website? Have you tried calling the EIP hotline 18009199835? I encourage you to read some of the comments posted here (for the month of June because you will get the most current information and Personal Experience of others). I look forward to reading your next post. 😀😷
Hey Sam,
I’m sure someone else has posted this already, but I believe that people who normally don’t have to file taxes are supposed to register using the IRS’s “Non-Filers” tool so they can get the stimulus. It won’t just come automatically unless you filed taxes in 2018 or 2019. And it won’t deposit to the same bank account as your SS payments (even though it would make sense that it would). The IRS Non-Filers tool can be found here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
Good luck and welcome to the Waiting Club!
Hey Kass, 😀, I’m not trying to sound argumentative here. Regarding the link you posted, Scroll down and you will find this Q&A:
* Who will receive the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) AUTOMATICALLY without taking additional steps?
**Most elegible U.S. Taxpayers will automatically receive including:
– Individuals who filed federal income tax for 2018 or 2019;
– THOSE RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREMENT, DISABILITY (SSDI), survivor benefits.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
😀😷
Hi Sam. I’m in the same boat. SS recipient, not required to file taxes, ss deposited directly through Citibank UK to my Australian account. I understand that the IRS is supposed to send the EIP cheque via mail, not direct deposit, but it’s now mid-July, and nuthin’! Not even a letter with an inflated sig 🙂 The GMP is useless, the Non-Filer form also. Any Australians out there in the same position? Has any expat on SS in Oz seen the money??? Thank you Adam for this place to vent and share. Loved that you got credit in the press.
Yes, my American wife is in the same position. According to information I’ve found elsewhere on the internet paper checks for expat recipients without a US based bank account should be sent out from July 24.
Great News, friends! I got our stimulus check today! (25 June, 2020) I live in the Netherlands and Get My Payment said the check was “to be mailed on May 1, 2020”. I am in the Netherlands. All things being equal, you other Europeans whose checks were issued on May 1st should get them this week.
So I guess the system is working. Still, could have saved a lot of time and money if their Get My Payment tool had allowed us to input our deposit information three months ago.
Good luck all!
Hey Kass. Great news!
Hi just wanted to say that my mother is a retired us citizen living in the philippines. She recieives ss. I filed a non filer for her last week and she got a date with gmp. June 24. Her accnt number where they are sending dd is in her foreign bank. (Pnb). Did anyone other ss recipent recieve their check in a foreirgn bank. ? My mom hasnt checked if anyhting has been deposited yet
Hi Annalisa 😀. Unless something has changed in the last 2 months, I don’t think the IRS can Direct Deposit to Foreign Bank Accounts. I also have not seen anyone post here (SS Recipients) about receiving the EIP via Direct Deposit. Here’s an IRS Link on this topic:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/helpful-tips-for-effectively-receiving-a-tax-refund-for-taxpayers-living-abroad
Hope this helps 😀😷
Thanks Kass! This is excellent news. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll see something this week too.
Hi, Kass
Congratulations!
How are you planning to deposit the check? I have a Capital One Account (no check yet, though) but it seems like you can’t upload checks via their app unless you are physically in the US… Do you know of another bank or option?
Hey Chris, if it comes to me getting a physical check this is what I will need to do too. I think (but have never actually tried) you could use a vpn to do the mobile deposit. Otherwise I’m not sure.
Thanks, Adam!
Hi Kris,
I have a bank account with USAA. They’re awesome if you live overseas. They allow you to use their mobile app to upload checks to your account from anywhere in the world. We just took a picture and it was literally in the account in seconds.
For American banks that don’t allow mobile deposits from abroad, you could try getting a VPN and tricking the app into thinking you’re in the US. I use ExpressVPN and pretend I’m in New Jersey so I can still watch shows on Amazon Prime. =) But I have no idea if this will work with US banks. Strangely, my USAA account won’t let me log in with my VPN on, but it doesn’t mind me being abroad. After all, USAA rather specializes in helping US servicepeople so they even have EU contact phone numbers and things.
Also I seem to remember someone saying something about being able to deposit checks using PayPal. I have no idea how this works even though I use PayPal all the time. But there are definitely ways to get the check cashed while abroad. I just am not personally familiar with any other ways.
Oooo! Found an article: https://www.taxesforexpats.com/articles/expat-tax-rules/how-expats-can-cash-checks-from-the-irs-while-abroad.html I hope that helps!
Good luck!
Thank you, Kass! This is truly an obstacle course… but steadfastness will prevail…
Take care.
Congratulations Kass 😀😷!
Thanks for hosting this page, Adam. And thanks to everyone here for searching for answers and reporting your results and helping us all. What an awesome Expat Community we are!
Kass — I know you mentioned USAA at some point earlier, but do you still have to have a family member in the military to join? I remember checking them out several years ago, but I wasn’t eligible to join. This is why I have an account with the SDFCU (State Department Federal Credit Union). Maybe they’ve changed their rules…I know others who have USAA, and it seems better that SDFCU.
And yes, I totally agree with Kass about this community and all the friendly people here! Adam, this is why I wanted to make specific mention of you and how helpful your site has been when a reporter from CNBC approached me earlier this month. (The article from CNBC can be found here: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/25/many-american-expats-are-waiting-for-their-1200-stimulus-checks.html.) Really it’s been a lifesaver!
PS: Adam, I had no idea you were a history teacher. I was initially trained as a historian before I left to pursue a career in PR and co-found Ancient History Encyclopedia (ancient.eu). Now I work in the cultural heritage sector in Switzerland.
Hi James. Thanks! To be honest I wrote this post thinking I could at least share it around the Colombia expat community and drum up a bit of traffic to the site with tourism shut down. It has been great to know it reached such a big audience and yrs I couldn’t agree more that everyone has been helpful in the comments. I can’t thank you all enough. I am pretty sure your comments have out valued the article itself. I have been flattered, and even more so to have been contacted by CNBC for the article.
This is awesome! Good press and great info. As the owner of a website-based business, I appreciate the help that mentioning someone’s website does. You did a great thing for Adam, James!
Adam, I’ve never been interested in visiting Columbia but I sure am now just to see the country you call home!
Funny thing: I’m a historian too. I am a clothing historian. I advise TV and movie producers, museums, reenactment groups and theatres about clothes from different time periods. =)
Yes, a link back from a site like that is helpful and getting some visitors, hopefully some that will make it here one day. Colombia is a great country Kass, very diverse, going from here on the coast to the interior is almost like going to a different country, but lots of things to see, and very nice people.
Historians of the world unite!
It was my pleasure! While I do wish that my own business/website had been mentioned in the article too — jameswiener.com — it was most important to get the message out first and foremost. Kass, your work sounds very neat. I suspect we might know a few people in common too! What’s your personal/business URL? How curious that the three of us are historians by background and training. This really makes me smile. 🙂
I know Brazil well — I lived in Rio de Janeiro between 2010-2011 — but I never visited Colombia. One day, I’ll get there. I would love to work with the Museo del Oro in Bogatá at some point as well. It’s one of the museums in Latin America that I’d most like to visit…
Hi James,
Yes, my husband was in the Army years ago. But do check out USAA.com because their rules may have changed.
Hi Kass! Yes, I need to “shop around.” SDFCU is not horrible, but I think I might be able to do better. (They can be a bit slow.) I’ll check with USAA and also the United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU). I’ve heard only good things about both. Thanks again!
Hi Adam 😀. I couldn’t agree with Kass’s assessment of this page more! I have visited other sites like yours. I can tell you that They don’t even come close, to the amount of information and Sharing of Personal Experience people who live outside of the US, when dealing with the IRS. I’m motivated by the regular participants, to try to relay the most current information. We all have the same goal here. I sincerely feel happy when I read someone has received, or progress is being made to get their Payment. Thanks again Adam, and to all who participate in this discussion. 😀😷
Hello update my mother just received her eip check direct deposit. In her foreign bank account here in the philippines. She is a ss recipient. Yeah for her. Now im still waiting for my check to arrive in the states at my dads place. Hopefully in this week.
Found this on https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/ dated 25 June in answer to the question: If I live outside the United States and not in a U.S. Territory, how and when will I get my economic impact payment (EIP)? “Social Security beneficiaries with a foreign address whose monthly benefit is deposited in a foreign bank will receive their EIP by paper check in the mail, because the IRS does not deposit money into foreign accounts. The IRS anticipates it will start mailing these EIPs no later than July 24. Beneficiaries living abroad who receive their monthly benefit through a domestic bank should receive their EIP by direct deposit to that same account on or about July 24.” I wonder what will actually happen?
Hello i just wanted to follow up on my previous post. My mother received her eip in a philippine bank. It seem that her bank has branches in the u.s. so that it was able to dd to her account. I think it would be possible to open a dollar account and have your eip direct deposit. Because this bank has a routing # in the u.s. unfortunaly this post only applies to people here in the philippines. I dont know about any other banks around the world.
Hi Annalisa, when you entered the routing number did you use PNB’s routing number here in the Philippines or the routing number from PNB US?
Hi reine. My mom is a ss reciepnt so her bank accnt info here in the philipines was already on file. But im assuming the routing number in the us is used.
Hi Annalisa, I see. I might have to check further. Thank you so much for the info you provided us.
Hi again Reine 😀. You might find this link helpful if you haven’t already seen it:
http://www.metrobankny.com/
😀😷
@Reine: You can call Metrobank New York on Skype at +18008638762. I tried it. IT WORKS.
😀😷
Also i just wanted to give advice. If you are on ss but dont have a date on gmp app.try filling up non filer application. My mom keep getting the “not enough info” message. 2weeks ago i filed the non filers for her. After 4 days she got a date june 24. She recieved her check june 25.
Great advice, Annalisa!
Hi Annalisa 😀. That’s good to know about Pnb Bank! Another interesting development was your using the Non-Filer tool. You effectively somehow worked through the IRS’s Posted information! I posted links on BOTH topics, but my hats off to your persistence, And Excellent Results! Hope to hear about you receiving your payment real soon! 😀😷
Hi Marc, I have an account with Metrobank and I’ve checked that they a branch in New York. I wonder if I can enter my bank details on GMP but use the routing number from Metrobank, New York and my account number here in the Philppines. That way it can just directly be deposited to my account after the trace.
Hi Reine 😀. I think it’s best that you wait for Annalisa’s reply, or talk to the IRS. I don’t think you would get the answer from anyone working at Metrobank. I honestly don’t know. If it were me, I would use the bank account information here in the Philippines. My interpretation of Annalisa’s post was that she entered her mom’s Bank Account information here in the Philippines. I will surf around the internet and see if there is are any articles that answer this question. 🤓😷
Hi again Reine 😀! I know Annalisa has already replied to your post. SCROLL Up to her [Annalisa’s] POST – Dated 25 June. She asked the question “Did anyone other SS Recipient receive their check in a Foreign Bank?” I conclude that she did Enter a Foreign Bank Account, and it was accepted by the IRS because of their Branch in the USA. Of course, not all banks operate the same. I recommend that you Enter Your Bank Account information here in the Philippines. 😀😷
@Reine: To be clear, IF the GMP doesn’t accept your SWIFT CODE (As your Routing Number), Try entering the New York Metrobank Routing Number, and your CHECKING or SAVINGS ACCOUNT NUMBER here in the Philippines. 😀😷
Hi Marc, I’ll try to enter my Bank Info. But I’m guessing I would need to have a dollar account opened. If I use the routing number from Metrobank in New York and enter my account number, there is a chance that someone has the same account number as mine in the US since its a different branch. But I would have to check with my bank.
One more thing (since I’ve now read the article I posted). I want to recommend both PayPal and TransferWise. I didn’t use them to deposit my check because USAA allows mobile deposits from abroad. But I use PayPal and TransferWise all the time because my business receives money in multiple currencies. Both PayPal and TransferWise are reliable, secure, and trusted. No worry about scams with them. You can set up both to receive USD and convert to any currency in the world for a very small fee (a smaller fee than any other currency conversion fee). So if you don’t have a US bank account, or your US account won’t let you deposit remotely, I recommend that you set up a PayPal or TransferWise account now. That way when your check arrives, all the verification stuff will be finished and you won’t have to wait to deposit.
Best of luck everyone!
Hello! Just wanted to share this with others still waiting for their check. I received my check last Sunday in the mail in Mexico! Check was sent April 24th. Arrived June 21st. Almost two months, but it arrived.
Congratulations 😀 Michael!😷!
*UPDATE: Today at 8:00 am (it’s already Saturday, 27 June), or 8:00 pm Eastern, I was finally able to Enter my Bank Account information on the Get My Payment application.
My scheduled date was May 08. I STARTED a TRACE on 18 June. I was told by the IRS Employee, that it might take up to 6 weeks, and if the check wasn’t cashed, they will reissue another check. Of course, I didn’t like that answer, but I was assured I would have the opportunity to provide my bank account information (When I called back on 24 June, – I was also told my check had not been returned to the IRS). Maybe being allowed to enter our Direct Deposit information, might be a normal procedure Because I had the check Traced. I guess I will wait for a Deposit Date on the GMP application. 😀😷
Great news Marc! I am going to have to double check mine now.
Thanks Adam, at the very least you could put a Trace on your check, and chances are After about a week and a few days, you will be able to enter your DD information. At least that seems to be the trend. 😀😷
A reminder to all that are considering Entering Bank Account information on the GMP: Whether it’s your account, or a family member, Be Sure that the Account Number is associated with the applicable CHECKING or SAVINGS ACCOUNT. Making an error on the GMP application, will force a payment to be Mailed to the address the IRS has on file. Just a word of caution. * The bright side is there is “Talk” in Washington DC for a possible Second Stimulus Payment, and it’s an Election Year. 🤔😀😷
Marc, I saw this recent article via Forbes about the possibility of a second round of stimulus checks. I think you and others might find it an interesting read: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaharziv/2020/06/26/these-3-factors-will-determine-if-you-get-a-second-stimulus-check/#1fa77a074128. This article also caught my attention: https://www.fool.com/taxes/2020/06/28/trump-assures-a-second-stimulus-check-is-coming-he.aspx.
Thank you James 🤓! I will take a hard look at both articles later, and more than likely have a comment (haha) 😀😷
Hi James 🤓. I read BOTH articles that you posted. At first, both [articles] sound pessimistic about a Second Stimulus Payment for Individuals. But they wegh the current Political climate, and my overall impression leans a little higher towards a Second Stimulus Payment for Individual Households. I believe that because of the Trump Ego Factor, and the Fact that the House of Rep. Have Already proposed a Bill in writing (HEROES ACT) in May, in favor of another Stimulus Check. All remains to be seen by the end of July. 😀😷
Good news!! In Thailand here. My GMP status changed today from mailed on May 1st to need more information and enter direct deposit info. Bad news!! When I tried to enter my info (AGI, refund amount, etc…) it said something did not match. I tried both 2019 and 2018 returns which I have right in front of me and….got booted after 3 tries. Ho hum. Guess I will try again in 24 hours. Wondering what, if anything, I did wrong.
Hi Brian 😊. I believe you posted on 11 June, that you had received the IRS Post payment letter (1444 , the infamous Trump signature). Thailand doesn’t appear on the USPS website for Suspended International Mail Delivery (as of 26 June). That said, The Thailand POST Office has acknowledged problems receiving and sending International Mail ( same USPS site, with an embedded application ). Your situation seems unique (to me). The fact that the GMP application has changed to “NEED MORE INFORMATION”, indicates (to me) that it’s possible YOUR CHECK was returned to the IRS. That might have triggered the change on the GMP. It’s my understanding that the IRS is using YOUR 2019 INCOME TAX RETURN for your EIP. * SCROLL UP, and look for a Post here from BOB GREITE, DATED 15 JUNE. He provided Detailed Information on how he successfully entered his Bank Account information. I hope this helps you. 😀😷
Hey Marc,
Thanks for the reply. You must be right about the returned check because I did not put a trace on it before having my GMP status change. And…today, I successfully entered my bank info. After researching a bit, I had to put my AGI as zero (which is not correct) and my correct owed amount. Will update when the deposit happens.
That’s Great news Brian! 😀 I think it’s best to have to wait for a Direct Deposit, than relying on the Post Office for a paper check. I , and others here are glad to hear that at least the IRS IS RECEIVING Returned Checks, and processing the Individual Accounts as advertised on the FAQ’S. Hope to read about your Deposit soon! 😀😷
Yipppeeeeee! I was finally informed today, after 10 weeks of Status Unknown messages, that my check will be mailed to Spain on July 6th. The problem is that it will be sent to my prior address because the IRS, despite my calling them and confirming the new address on two separate occasions, has never effectively updated my information. The strange thing is that, once I could access the system, GMP did not allow me to do anything else… no updating address or direct deposit info… It was just one screen with the check information and that was it… Could that be right?
Hi Kris 😀. Ok now you have a scheduled payment date for July 06. At this point, there is nothing you can do to change that. One possible solution is for you to go the Local Post Office, where you used to live, and have your mail forwarded to your New Address. Unfortunately, if that’s not possible, wait until the end of August, and have a Trace put on that check. About a week and some days later you should be able to enter your Bank Information,(on the GMP) or Change your address (by calling again). I know that’s not what you were hoping to hear, but eventually you will receive your payment. 😀😷
Thanks, Marc!
We are retired in Nova Scotia, Canada, and no longer required to file US income taxes because of low income. We receive Social Security via direct deposit into our Bank of America account. We have been receiving SS via this direct deposit method for over 15 years. However, after logging into the Get My Payment portal, I get the Status Not Available response every time. I type in the info exactly as it is written on the forms we receive from SSA so I’m really frustrated as what in the world is going on. Has anyone else had this experience? Is there anything else I can do? Thanks so much for allowing me to post.
Hi Susan Seltzer 🤓. * Recently, there was a Post here ( Stephen 26 June) SCROLL UP, TO FIND HIS POST, that I think you might find helpful. He also provided this link:
https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/
I encourage you to take a look, and maybe you will be able to get the answer to your question.
🤓😷
Hi Susan, I spoke to another IRS Int’l Desk person yesterday. They were completely unaware of the SSA notice about payment by 24 July by check only. She said to be patient & that they had no way of knowing when any individual payment would be made & had no contact with the IRS branch that was making the payments. She said they were waiting for further information from SSA, but had no idea what that might be. She knew of no way to fix any problems. Disturbingly, she said that payment would come by 31 December & if it didn’t I could file a tax return in 2020 to recover the money, even though I am not required to file one. She did say 75 calls per day were coming from people in the same circumstance. I’ve never gotten the same answer from any of the agents anyway. I wonder if this is the IRS’s way of getting people who have not filed tax returns for awhile to file even though the legislation says otherwise, because they have no way of knowing why people have not filed, they would of course assume the worst. Time will tell. If the SSA is correct payment dates up to 24 July should start appearing on Get My Payment over the coming weeks. I know it’s very frustrating, but let everyone know what happens. This site is great for sharing mutual information & support.
Thank you, Stephen, for this clarification. It appears that the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. Wouldn’t it make sense for these 2 agencies to coordinate responses? This is a tad maddening but I’m hanging in there to the bitter end. I really appreciate your detective work. I think you may be spot re filing a tax return. So it’s another round of wait and see. We’re doing quite a bit of that these days so I guess it’s a lesson in patience and perseverance. Also, maintaining a sense of humor. Thanks again.
Hi Stephen 😊! I think you know by now, if you were to call the IRS again tomorrow, you might get an entirely different answer. For me, I have been hanging on to the written posted FAQ’S, rather than calling whomever is answering the phone nowadays. 😀😷
Hey everyone, I finally got my check here in India! It was sent out May 4 and I’ve patiently been waiting and just following you guys which has been a huge help and I was actually going to call the IRS on the first to put a trace, but luckily my check came. Now I just need to cash it, so going to go open a bank account here.
Congratulations Ashley! Wow India 😀! All things considered, you got your check fast ( haha) 😀😷
Thank you, Marc. I guess the target date is July 24 so I’ll certainly be checking on that day. It just seems so strange to me that low income people like us who receive SS by direct deposit in a domestic bank wouldn’t have been in the first grouping to receive this money. The US government does seem to move in mysterious ways! 🙄 Thanks so much for your assistance; much appreciated.
Hi Susan 😀😷 Well, as you’ve read, All we can do is keep checking the GMP application, and our bank accounts. I hope you have some good news to post here soon! 😀😷
I’m living in the UK – a retiree and not eligible to file for taxes. I’m managing OK but the cost of living here has soared and my savings are about used up. What support will we get if we don’t receive the money by July 24? My social security pension is paid direct to my UK HSBC account but, for some reason the military pension comes as a check. Will that affect method of payment? Any info anybody has would help.
Hi Bruce 😊. If you are receiving a US Military pension by check, you should provide DFAS with your HSBC account information for International Direct Deposit (IDD). You should also file a 2019 Income Tax Return electronically. Your US military pension is taxable, and you are required to file every year. HSBC has branches in the USA, so it’s possible for you to receive the EIP via Direct Deposit. * SCROLL UP ON THIS PAGE, and look for a comment POSTED BY ANNALISA, on 26 June. 😀😷
****CORRECTION: MY LAST POST WAS DIRECTED FOR BRUCE****** (Sorry 🙄😷)
@Bob😀 It just hit me, that you might be receiving a paper check for your Military Pension from the VA. IF That’s The Case, I can see why you are not required to file an annual Income Tax Return. You still might want to check if the VA IF YOU CAN CHANGE TO DIRECT DEPOSIT to your HSBC ACCOUNT. Here is a link for more information:
https://www.va.gov/change-direct-deposit/
Hope this helps you 😀😷
@ Bruce: https://www.va.gov/change-direct-deposit/
That link is information for you to possibly change your military pension from the VA to direct deposit to your HSBC Bank Account. 😀😷
PLS HELP, PLS GUIDE. Any suggestions, tips? most welcome , thanks.
I have a pathetic situation and still haven’t received my stimulus check from IRS.
1. Although I am US citizen, I am staying in out of US since last 2 years.
2. I had almost no income in 2018 but I filed my taxes from India. My tax person didn’t mention bank information since there was no refund. Also the address mentioned on the tax return was incomplete.
3. My CPA suggested me to use “Non-filer” tool to communicate bank information to IRS to receive stimulus, I did this in mid May. May be this was a mistake.
4. Then in June I made my tax returns for 2019, unfortunately IRS didn’t accept my 2019 taxes electronically (my be because earlier mistake) so I couriered my taxes (hard papers). Now IRS says they may not be processing paper taxes.
5. If I check my stimulus payment status at “GET MY PAYMENT” it always say “The information you have entered does not match our records. Please try again”
I have no clue what can be done next or just keep waiting.
Pls help or guide if you can.
Thanks
Hi. Unfortunately, you probably are just going to have to wait until they get to processing paper returns. I would try to enter the last address you did file taxes on but if that was before 2018 I am not sure it will work. Still, it is worth a try.
Hi Sanatosa 🙂. The IRS is going to use your 2018 Income Tax Return, when determining your eligibility for the payment (which most likely you are eligible). You mentioned that you were able to use the Non-Filer tool in mid May. I think you might have missed the deadline (May 13) to get your bank account details to the IRS. Even if you had, the IRS might have already determined that you will receive a mailed check, and there was nothing you could do about it. (So don’t beat yourself up over it). At this point in time, I think your check is in the mail, to the address on your 2018 Income Tax Return. When you’re trying to access the Get My Payment application, use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, and avoid symbols such as #,- , etc. Consider going to your local Post Office, and explain your situation Regarding the Address mix up. Hopefully, they didn’t Return to Sender (the IRS). You can also call the EIP hotline (use Skype because it’s free) +18009199835. You will have a long waiting time. Good Luck 😀😷
*** USPS SUSPENSION OF INTERNATIONAL MAIL DELIVERY (JUNE 30,2020)***
— INDIA has been ADDED TO THIS LIST
I recommend those affected, Start a TRACE ON THEIR MAILED CHECK, by calling the EIP hotline. Be aware that taking this action, can take the IRS up to 6 Weeks, and the countdown begins on the day you accomplish the Trace. However, THIS MIGHT enable you to provide your Direct Deposit information on the GMP application, Within 2 WEEKS; As myself and others on this site can attest to. In My Opinion, providing the IRS your US BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION, as soon as possible might help you receive your payment faster than doing nothing at all. It could take less than 6 weeks if the Post Office has already returned the check to the IRS.
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
😀😷
***UPDATE:. I called the EIP Hotline (7:04 AM EST). I Started a TRACE on June 18. My CHECK WAS RETURNED TO THE IRS on: JUNE 22. My account has been Credited 1,200. I was able to provide My Bank Account Information on June 26 (8:00 AM -EST) on the GMP application. My original “scheduled” Mailing Date: 08 May. My Mail Address is: Philippines, which is on the USPS SUSPENDED INTERNATIONAL MAIL DELIVERY SERVICE list since April 20th. I hope this helps gives some of you an estimated time line for what to expect. 🤓😷
* Tips when calling the EIP Hotline. (This was my 4th call, and Total Time was Less than 30 minutes). THIS IS ONLY INTENDED FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO START A TRACE, AND SUSPECT THAT THE CHECK NEVER LEFT THE USA. * USPS SUSPENSION LIST
– The EIP Hotline is open 7am to 7pm , Mon -Fri Eastern Time.
– When calling, if you get a repeated Recording after 4 minutes Hang Up, and try again. You should hear music after the initial prompting “Press One for English”.
– The person that you MIGHT encounter will be a Representative who will tell you not to give Personal Information. Just say that you want to start a Trace on your check, if it’s been over 30 Days and the country you’re in is on the USPS list, for Suspended International Mail Delivery.
– You will be put on hold, depending on how busy they are on the time of your call. And Transferred to an Actual person that can help you. You will then be asked questions to Verify Your Identity.
– Have information Ready to Fire off: Name, Address (as it appears on the applicable Tax Return 2018 or 2019), SSN and Date of Birth.
– Stay Articulate and On Point, write it down if you have to prior to your call. Some of the IRS Employee’s, might sound almost robotic in their response to you.
* Here’s my Example: I told the IRS Employee, that I had a Trace, and the date it was started, I explained about USPS situation, and I Only wanted to know if my check was returned to the IRS. He put me on hold for 10 minutes while he researched my account. He came back with his robotic response Repeating Everything I Told Him! I had to (as politely as I could) Stop him. I simply said “Sir, I Only want to know if my check was returned by the US Postal Service”. That’s when he actually stayed on the line, and took a harder look at my account, and we had a productive conversation.
*NOTE: I HAD CALLED ON 24 JUNE, 2 Days After my check had been returned to the IRS. I was told that it had Not Been Returned to the IRS yet, and given the 6 week script for a Trace. It’s possible their system wasn’t updated (benefit of the doubt). Lesson Learned: Call Back A week later, to get your answer.
* The IRS Employee also Admitted to me, that I was only his 3rd Call of a Taxpayer with a Foreign Address, and he personally was unaware of USPS not delivering to many countries. Hope this helps you. 🤓😷
Hey Marc. Thanks for sharing these tips!
You’re welcome Adam 😊. Now it’s a matter of waiting for the GMP application to update and actually provide me with a Date for Direct Deposit. * According to GMP FAQ’S, this is done on Saturdays, and this being 4th of July weekend, probably will delay a little longer. But, I feel better knowing that the check was returned to the IRS, and I will be scheduled for Direct Deposit at some point in the near future.
🤓😷
Hi Marc and Adam, Marc. Are you in Colombia?
Hey, yes.
Hi David 😊. No I’m in the Philippines 😀😷
Marc, thanks again for all the information you’ve shared. I’ve now hit the 9 week mark since my check should have been mailed out and received in Switzerland, and I still don’t have it. So frustrating. I am going to give it a few days longer as I received that Trump letter about 10-12 days after others in Europe last month. If I still haven’t received anything by July 8th, I will call and make a trace. I will keep you all posted!
Hi James 🤓. You’re welcome. As you know, Switzerland is not on the USPS Temporary Suspension List (as of July 2). You’re also aware of a recent cargo shipment of mail to the Netherlands (23 JUNE). That said, in your situation, I don’t recommend that you start a TRACE until at least July 15. I say that because of my conversation with the IRS on June 24. The woman I spoke to (at the IRS) indicated to me that when you start a Trace, THAT CHECK BECOMES VOID, and No one can cash it. After the 15th, if you still haven’t received it, then I encourage you to do so as a last resort (even after checking with your local Post Office). Once you start the Trace, the calendar clock starts for an additional 6 weeks. In your situation IT WILL BE SIX WEEKS. However, the upside is ( if you decide to Trace), is that you might be able to quickly enter your DD information on the GMP (within 2 weeks). You’re already aware of the POSSIBILITY of a 2nd EIP. With your DD information on file, you might actually double your money 🤔. Please consider carefully. 😀😷
Hi Marc! Thanks so much again for all your help and advice during this time. Ironically, my check arrived in Zürich on July 4th. I was able to deposit it via my bank’s mobile app, and everything is now set. Very happy this saga is now over, but I am curious to see if I have to go through this all over again if there’s another stimulus round. To all those still waiting — I know this isn’t consolation, but my check did arrive after nine weeks. Have faith that it will work out. Adam, I cannot thank you enough again too! Should I ever find myself in Colombia, I’ll be sure to look you up.
Hi James 🤓! Congratulations! I’m so glad it worked out for you! If there is another EIP, hopefully, you will have the opportunity for Direct Deposit. 😀😷
Thanks again, Marc! 😀 Best of luck with yours and be well. Yes, we’ll see how things develop with the second stimulus too. I hope they allow an option for Direct Deposit if they go ahead with a second stimulus. It seems as though we will know much more within the next three weeks.
Hey James,
Same boat, though I live towards Olten. Got the notice of the payment on 5/1, said check was mailed in Get my payment. Still waiting.
Hi SDR! My check arrived on Independence Day. (The irony wasn’t lost on me.) Another friend of mine who lives in Thun received hers on Saturday as well. Let me know if you happened to receive yours. Greetings from Zürich in the meantime.
I just wanted to update everybody. I live in the Philippines and I was able to enter my direct deposit information in the GMP portal on June 19th. I put a tracer on my stimulus check June 8th. Changed my address to a USA one in early May. As of today July 4th in the Philippines the GMP portal is yet to give me a payment date. I called the IRS on July 2nd and they said my check has been returned to the IRS already. I told IRS lady to put note that I want it direct deposited. She couldn’t see DD info in her computer yet. I told her I already entered it in the GMP portal. She told me just to keep checking portal for payment date. She acted like they could still mail it to me a second time, maybe because I changed my address to a USA one. I said please direct deposit it. Still Patiently waiting in the Philippines. Hope this helps.
Hello its been 6 weeks now since i’ve put a trace on my check. Going to call the irs on monday. Its been 3 weeks with the same message of im eligible.. and asking for dd. I dont have a us account so ive left it blank expecting them to just send a check. Hopefully will get good news on monday.
Hi Annalisa 😀. Myself and I think many others will be very interested to find out what actions are taken by the IRS After the ” 6 week Trace”. Even under the current conditions, I think over 1 month, is too long for stateside mail delivery. 😀😷
Hi All😀. Apparently, the IRS Employee’s have to check a separate computer screen to verify what method you will receive your payment. * That’s the impression I got on July 02, during my phone call. Even though on the GMP it says DD information is updated, the IRS still was showing (same as Steve posted) that I was still projected to receive a MAILED CHECK. I’m guessing that they [IRS] have to take an additional steps to update that. ** Here’s what I’m seeing on the GMP, after I Log In: Payment Status (space) You are eligible for the payment. Once we have your payment date, we will update this page. (space) We will deposit your payment to the bank account below. (space)
Bank Account Number *****1234. (space)
Updates to your payment are made no more than once a day. We will mail you a letter with additional information on this payment.
Hope this helps. 🤓😷
Hello Again 😊. Here’s my breif recollection of my conversation with the IRS on July 02 (Towards the end of my conversation):
IRS: “Well, your Trace can take up to 6 weeks, and maybe longer because it’s International, so you can call back on July 30″.
ME: (After a quick chuckle), ” You just got finished telling me that my check was returned to the IRS on June 22. Is that correct?”
IRS: “Yes, that’s correct”.
ME: “Then why would it be necessary for a Trace to continue, if the IRS already has the check, and as you said my account is credited?”
IRS: “Well, maybe it might go sooner for you, I really can’t say”.
* I politely thanked him, and ended the call.
** That’s just one example of the types of conversation I experienced when calling the EIP hotline.
Hope this helps your future calls. 🤓😷
I posted on this topic on June 10. To save time, I’m going to do this again, because now it’s coming to fruition for myself and maybe others in recent days. **GMP FAQ’S** Payment Status:
“Some people who entered their bank account information more than two weeks ago may not have received a payment date. We are working to resolve these issues. Keep checking Get My Payment for updates”.
**Hopefully, they [IRS] will resolve this “issue”
🙄😷
** For Your Information: It seems that the Economic Impact Payment (EIP) / Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page, REASSIGNS QUESTION NUMBERS.
Example: I Posted [21 June] Specific targeted Question: HOW DO I REQUEST A PAYMENT TRACE ON THE ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT?
That Question was formally #55.
** NOW IS Q#60.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center
😀😷
Just to add a little bit more info concerning the stimulus check. When I spoke with the IRS lady on July 2nd, she asked me if I want them to re-mail my check to my USA address. I asked her how long that would take? and she said up to an additional 4 weeks. That is when I said I would rather get it by DD. I am already past the Saturday updating thing like Marc talks about. I guess we are the special ones that in some circumstances take longer than 2 weeks to get a payment date and they are working on that. I guess I will wait another week or two to call again to ask the latest. Today is July 5th in the Philippines and the GMP never gave me a payment date yet. I am curious to hear what Annalisa finds out on her call. I wish everybody Luck!!
Another Expat here living in the Netherlands, just spent a good hour reading over the article, and [most of] the comments. Which has been an excellent source of information. If only the IRS themselves could do something simple like this to explain what it is they are doing (and not doing).
Anyhoo, I still have not received anything, and using the ‘get my payment tool’ I am only met with “Payment Status Not Available”. I have tried every input variation possible of my foreign address. No luck. This entire process has been draining and leaves me wondering why they made it all so complicated. I’m standing in the dark.
Hmm, sorry to hear that Tim. Glad to know this has been helpful though. Did you file in 2018 or early in 2019 with the same address? The only reason I can think why that might still be happening is if they don’t have your current address on file if they haven’t gotten to processing your 2019 return yet. Another approach might be to try calling and changing your address to a US one if you have someone there you can rely on to give you the check in the event that they mail it before you can set up direct deposit.
Hi Tim 😊. As Adam pointed out, it’s likely that the IRS has not fully processed your 2019 Income Tax Return. That explaination is provided on the GMP FAQ’S under *Accessing Get My Payment.
** Another Recent Post on this page [Kris 28 June] also had the same problem, and filed for 2019 on 15 April (Kris Post on 18 June). After 10 weeks Kris finally received a scheduled Mailing Date on the GMP.
*** In early May, I was having trouble Logging into the GMP. Same as you stated, I tried different variations of my address as listed on my 2019 Return. At first, I never got passed the Log In Page, (until I used ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, and No Symbols). I was met with the IRS message: The Information you have entered doesn’t match our records. After a few days of lockout on the GMP, I was finally able to Log in.
***If you didn’t enter your Bank Account information on your 2019 Return (because you’re not owed a refund); The IRS will schedule a Mail Paper Check for you. At this point, there is nothing you can do to change that.
* Be aware that people living in the Netherlands (and neighboring countries), have only recently received their Mailed Checks. This is because the US Postal Service (USPS), delivered mail by Sea (Rotterdam Port, Netherlands), on June 23.
Here’s a link to the GMP Frequently Asked Questions:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions#payment
Hope this helps you. 😀😷
So just to give my update (apologies for the lateness). I finally called the IRS some weeks back to ask what was going on. I used skype as suggested (side note: you don’t need skype credit to make the call, its toll-free). I called once and was told by an automated message to call back. I called back immediately and got through to an actual person (after a 15min wait). She then put me through to someone else. In total I was on hold for about 50 minutes. Long story short, and even though I thought I had read all the conditions and eligibility requirements… but I am not eligible for the payment. Why? Because I am married to a foreigner. The IRS representative even used the word “foreigner” only to correct herself and say “your spouse does not have a social security number”. I attempted to get a reason, but it was like talking to a brickwall. I even suggested giving me only half, since I am still very much still an American citizen. But yeah, it was a big fat nope.
So basically, blatant discrimination aside, I should have filed my taxes all these years separately. Or married an American I guess. Oh well, the joys of expat bureaucracies never end.
Oh wow Tim, that is disappointing to hear. I’m not sure why it matters either, unless your total income crosses over the single income limit. Perhaps there is still a way to take it on your 2020 return? People here have mentioned Democrats Abroad being involved in this. Maybe they are worth contacting.
I am also married to a foreigner and receive the message “Payment Status Unavailable.” Is it legally confirmed that expats married to foreigners are not eligible for the stimulus money? Thanks for this article-very helpful. I would appreciate to continue this discussion about expats married to foreigners.
Hi Claire. I don’t think there is anything that says you are not eligible. I sure can’t find it. Mine says I am eligible (although I’m still yet to get it) and I am married to a Colombian. The only issue I can see is a problem if you file jointly (for what it’s worth I file married separately and my wife doesn’t file because she doesn’t have any obligation to), you would not be eligible for 2 payments and there could be an issue determining if you cross the income limits or not. I would try calling Claire.
MY ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT ISSUE WAS SOLVED ,,,
If you didn’t receive your economic impact cheques due to change of address or issue with match the IRS system data, then you need to call 001267 941 1000 , choose the language then choose #2 for ITIN
after verifying your information, request to assist you with your address filled in 2018 or 2019 while attempting to GET YOUR ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENT FROM irs.gov site.
the page you need to fill with your SSN, DOB, Address, that usually expat have problem and can’t proceed any further is https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-wmsp/notice.
the tips I will offer here after can help if you don’t like to call IRS to figure out how to type your address to match IRS Database is the following :
use the address in 1040 form
type the the address you have in 1040 form in capital letter
respect the space and Dashs if any
don’t exceed 35 letter
if you don’t have zip code use 0000 or 00000
if the above tips helped and you pass to next page then you will be able file deposit to bank account application. IRS- incase the cheque returned- will redeposit to your bank account, and no more worries.
you may file 2019 in paper too, which i though we are not able to do, due to Covid 19 issue
I hope my note will you
Thanks for sharing!
@ Tim😀: To add further context and clarification on my first Reply to You:
(1). A possible solution for you (at this point in time), based on the information you posted is to call the EIP Hotline, with the Intention of Verifying Your Address Only. I say that because the IRS CANNOT change the method of your payment over the phone, once they have scheduled your payment. You certainly can try to provide your Bank Account information, but, I believe you will unsuccessful.
(2). If you decide to call the EIP Hotline, I always recommend using Skype because it’s free: +18009199835. * I also posted some tips for that phone call Based on my experience SCROLL UP ON THIS PAGE AND LOOK FOR [Marc 02 July].
(3). I also recommend that you bookmark the Link Below, so that you can monitor the current USPS Mail Delivery for your country. As of this writing the Netherlands, is Not on a Temporary Suspension List, however, has delivered [recently by Sea].
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
Hope this helps. 😀😷
* Note to All:. Under the CARES ACT, ONLY PERSONS With a VALID SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AN EIP.
** Persons with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), ARE NOT ELIGIBLE;
*** The ONLY EXCEPTION is A US Military member filing Jointly with a Spouse who has an ITIN; AND that Military member was Active Duty during the Tax year.
* Use only telephone numbers listed on IRS.GOV.
😀😷
Hey Everyone,
It’s A pleasure to get in contact with all the members of the group. I would like to introduce our “nonprofit” website:
https://crossborderplanner.com/
It´s a place where you can find practical tax information for Americans living abroad. We cover tax preparation and planning topics, saving for retirement in a foreign country, planning for an international estate, expat insurance planning needs. Also, other issues many expats have in common with domestic families such as budgeting and cash flow management, minimizing taxes, supporting parents and children financially, and building wealth without neglecting a meaningful life today.
We have a blog where you can find plenty of information about Coronavirus Tax Relief:
https://crossborderplanner.com/coronavirus-tax-relief/
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to reaching us with any questions that you have.
Matias
I wanted to post an update on our stimulus check. Our check was sent April 24th to our address in Colombia. After reading an earlier post and waiting for a nine week delivery window I faxed a tracking request to the IRS in Austin around the 26th of June. I checked the get my payment app every other day or so for any change. This was still using our address in Colombia. I had called in May to change my address to a US address, but was after the check was mailed. So Monday this week I checked again with the Colombian address and was given the cannot find your information response. Tried twice same response. Then gave the Houston address a shot. Lo and behold they are issuing a new check July 13th to our address in Houston. My stepson will be able to deposit in my local account so we can access it. As suggested earlier here putting the tracer on the check helped. Thanks to all of the suggestions from everyone.
Great Pat. Glad you got it. I guess I’m going to have to finally give in and call.
Hi Adam 🤓. In your case, I would think by now that the check was already Returned to the IRS. I don’t know how often you are checking the GMP. It’s possible that you could already be able to provide your bank account information. I say that because of a recent post from Thailand [Brian]. Hopefully, you won’t have to call, and ADD another 9 weeks to your payment.
😀😷
I check it most days, still getting the will be mailed on May 1 message. Will give it a few more days.
Hi Pat 😀. That’s good news that you were able to start a Trace, on your check (even by Fax). As you know, all mail is super slow these days. I think you should also consider that you might receive your payment via Debit Card, so you might want to look into the details of transferring your money in that regard also.
😀😷
Hi Adam,
Firstly would like to thank you for writing such an elaborate article on EIP.
Background is as follows:
A US Citizen (minor age 13) living abroad with his Non Resident Alien parents.
Minor’s 2019 US tax return was filed as Single as he had had passive source of income (above $1100) abroad but was below the Standard Deduction limit. Still filed it electronically.
No tax return was filed for 2018.
The minor does not have a US bank account.
Question:
Is the minor eligible for EIP.
If yes, what amount ($1200 or $500)
When we check on the GET MY PAYMENT on IRS Website,
it gives error message on SSN saying “The information you have entered does not match our records.:.
We know it is correct SSN.
How can we get the EIP?
Hi I am honestly not sure. The irs site uses the language “work elgible ssn.” I could be wrong but I don’t believe there is a minimum age, but my understanding is 13 is too young to work in the US. I am also not sure if there is a minimum age for when they would consider someone could be considered independent. It may be he is not elgible or it may be they havent processed his filing yet. I would be interested to know what you find out.
S shah.. i think dependents under the age of 16 would not get a check. To my knowledge that legal working age is 16. Usually minors dont file a tax return
Hi Adam, David here in Bogota. So I have been reading all comments and I finally called the IRS but I used the International IRS number instead of the EPI. Tel. 267 941 1000. Wait time was about 5 minutes. I was able to change my address to a US address and do a refund trace all in one call. The girl who answered seemed to know exactly what to do. She said the trace would take about 6 weeks. Fingers crossed.
Hi David 😀. I’m just curious. Where did you find that International Telephone number? I haven’t seen it on the irs.gov Website, maybe I just need to look harder. Did the IRS Employee explain that you might have the opportunity to provide your Bank Information on the GMP?
😀😷
Hi again David 😀. Disregard my questions about the international phone number. I managed to find it (Link Below).
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/helpful-tips-for-effectively-receiving-a-tax-refund-for-taxpayers-living-abroad
Not a Toll Free call, maybe that’s why a fast response time. Also good to know that they actually helped you regarding the EIP.
😀😷
Hi Marc,
I found that number a couple years ago when the IRS sent me a letter saying I owed money. It said call this number to pay. I’ve found it to be quick access to the IRS and have been using it ever since! Take Care, David
Thank You David 😀! I just can’t risk the Phone charges for a Non Toll Free Number. With my luck (lately), I will probably be kept on hold for hours (haha). Hope you get your payment soon! 😀😷
Hi, ao many comments so if this has been answered i apologize. I listed an American address as primary on the non filers tool, but i also put my foreign address. My mail date was the 15th of May and as of July 7, I have not received a Check or a letter. The gmp tool has not changed. Is it possible they mailed it to my foreign address which still has mail suspended? If so what will happen next? Thanks so much for your time and for helping us. Im desperate.
Hi James ingle 😀. The address you are entering to Login to the Get My Payment application is probably the address that the IRS is going to mail you a check.
How did you manage to provide 2 different addresses?
I also suggest you call the EIP Hotline, and have a Trace, started. I too live in a country that is on the USPS SUSPENDED INTERNATIONAL SERVICE list. Within 2 weeks, you might see a change on the GMP application saying ” Need more information”. At that time, you will be able to provide US Bank Account information for Direct Deposit. At least that’s what happened for myself and others. My scheduled date was May 08, I started a Trace June 18. My check was returned to the IRS on June 22, and I was able to enter my Bank Account information on June 26. I’m now in the 3rd Week since the start of the Trace of my check, waiting for the GMP application to display a Payment Date for Direct Deposit.
Hope this helps you 😀😷
Ok. So heres my update after just talking to a irs rep.i had trace may 22.mY 6weeks is over july 7. So the person i talk to had to reissue my check manually. And should now be coming in the mail some time in the next 4 weeks. She also told me that gmp app usually won’t update with a next due date. Seems to be glitched. I told her that on gmp it was asking for dd. Her words were “i dont know anything about that i can only get your check reissued might come in debit card or paper check.” (Also it seems like their telephones and the computers with information are in separates rooms. I was put on hold 3 seperate times for 7 minutes each. And each time the lady came back . She was tired and breathing hard.) At least i know she was trying to help me. And hopefully ill be getting that check soon. looking forward to reading anyone elses experiences and trying to see if anyone has better luck with dd. By the way lately its been difficult to connect with irs hotline. they dont open until 10am now?
Hi Annalisa 😀. Thank You so much for your post. It’s very helpful for me, and I know for others. I would have thought, that since your check had been returned, a Trace would Not Have Been Necessary. I’m now thinking that since I have also put a Trace, I might be waiting the full 6 weeks, for a DD! Well, that’s July 30 for me. The rules of common sense have went out the window, with this EIP. I’ll keep posting here, and I hope we get an update from you soon with news that you have received your payment. Thanks again, and stay safe! 😀😷
Hi Annalisa 😀. Regarding your update on 8 July. I am in total agreement with you! Because of your post, I was a little more frustrated with the IRS handling your EIP. So I decided to find out what was going on with my payment. I called 2x. The first Agent I spoke with, let’s just say we didn’t get along. The 2nd Agent, patiently explained that the “6 week estimated time” during a TRACE, ensures that the check had not been cashed and allows for processing time to reissue another payment. Unfortunately, we’re now caught up in a backlog. Hopefully, within the next 3 weeks, you will receive your payment. For me, I might be looking at a Christmas Bonus (haha) 😀😷
Regarding the EIP Hotline. The last time I called was July 02, Just after 7 AM Eastern Time. After 2 tries, Because I was getting a recording saying that they were closed. I just figured they were just finishing their morning coffee or something. 😀😷
I think the stimulus office at the irs opens at 10am and other parts of the irs open at 7:30., calling anytime before 10am u.s time get an automated message saying they are closed. Just more information.. my check was returned to the irs on may 4. But i was not able to put my trace until may 22. Which is ridiculous because why do i nid a trace when its siting in their offices. Also before caling the irs, i caled the treasury dept.. asked if they could give an update for me bc i couldnt reach the irs. They said my check was cancelled on may 6 and they were just waiting on the irs to give them the thumbs up to reissue my check. Finally after geting through to the irs i told them what was said by treasury. Thats why they finally reissued my check. Manually. So anyone who is in the same boat as me. When calling the irs try telling them u also called the treasury dpt. Maybe they’ll be more helpful. Tip. The gmp app is trash. Usually updated every 3 weeks so many glitches.. one rep told me its not reliable. Sorry for the rant. Just frustrated.
Hello All: 😀 I just got off the phone with the IRS using Skype, on the Toll Free Number. I called at Exactly 07:00. Annalisa’s POST (08 July) was correct, it’s getting harder to actually call, and connect. It took 7 minutes, after hanging up, and dialling again. 3 times I received a recording that the IRS was closed. The 4th time, I was actually ANSWERED by a Representative (Not an Agent). That took 10 minutes. I was told that No Agent was Available because of limited staffing, and I should try again later. I managed to get through 1 hour later 08:10 (AM) Eastern Time. Bottom Line: KEEP TRYING. My Next POST will address MY PERSONAL SITUATION about my EIP (Stimulus Check and DIRECT DEPOSIT).
😀😷
Hi All 😀: Here’s another topic that pertaining to My situation. * I learned over the years, to keep things simple and not Post too long, otherwise, the reader gets bored.
My Situation: When I learned of a possible Stimulus Check, I quickly filed electronically (March 23,2020), for 2019. The CARES ACT was signed into Law March 27th. I owed $1.00. I paid it (electronically). The IRS sent me a check to my Foregein Address, on May 08. The country they sent it to, was Undeliverable And Advertised by the US Postal Service. (Anyone still wondering why 9-11 happened)? Long Story Short: IRS Agent told me today, NOW THEY Are looking for My 2018 Income Tax Return! The GMP application is telling me that they will be sending My Payment via Direct Deposit, once they have my payment date. They have the check, they credited my IRS ACCOUNT. ….I WAS TOLD TO CALL NEXT WEEK. 😀😷
Here’s Part 2 of my saga:. I wasn’t satisfied with my 1st conversation with the IRS Agent today. So I let some hours pass (to control my anger and frustration). The 1st Agent (today) led me to believe that I would Not Receive the EIP UNTIL THE IRS RECEIVED MY 2018 TAX RETURN. The 2nd IRS Agent ( not in a hurry to get off the phone and actually listened to my entire situation), told me verbatim: I do need to file 2018 as soon as possible, and mail it, when International Mail Service Resumes. Because I filed for 2019, I AM ELIGIBLE FOR THE EIP. She did caution me that eventually they [IRS] will end up figuring My 2018 Tax Liability, and AFTER Penalties / Interest, might not end well for me. I was able to explain right now, I have no way to mail anything, and there is no way to file electronically a past Tax Return for free. Bottom Line: I have to wait and keep checking the GMP for a Payment Date. Lesson Learned: Ok, file my taxes on time every year. There is a program that allows me to catch up Penalty Free, so I’m not too worried, as long as I make a statement, that I was stupid or something (haha) 😀😷
Just a little stimulus check update. I changed my address to a USA one in early may. Put a trace on June 8th. The GMP let me put my DD info on June 19th. I have called the IRS several times as posted in previous posts. I will tell you about my last 2 calls to the IRS. I called the IRS on July 7th USA or Philippines time can’t remember. The IRS lady said they are mailing it to me(USA address) under the 6 week thing and call back on July 20th if not received, as that would be my 6 weeks date. They said it doesn’t matter that I put my DD info as they are gonna mail it. I wasn’t satisfied with that phone call, so I called back on July 8th. This time I got a really helpful lady as so it seemed. She said she could see my DD info on her computer screen was entered on June 19th, that was a first. She put me on hold and said that all the IRS employees have received a Memo this week about the GMP computer glitch. A lot of people are affected my this and all I can do is wait. I asked? so they are not mailing my check to my USA address and she said no. She said sir rest assured you will get it by mid or late summer or as a credit on your 2020 tax return. They are working to fix GMP computer glitch. She also said if I am to call again, refer agents to this call, that will be saved in the IRS computer, as some agents are not aware of the memo. So we are just patiently waiting again!! I hope this helps!! I still don’t know if we will eventually get by mail or DD. We hope DD! We still think we are covered both ways, so we are not worried about it.Also for future stimulus checks if ever.
Hi Steve…ughh shows they didn’t roll tjis out well at all. Seems like in 2020 this wouldnt be that difficult.
Thanks Steve 😀! It makes me feel a little better knowing that I’m not the only one who seems to be experiencing stupidity when I call the EIP hotline. I probably didn’t do myself any favors by arguing with the IRS guy. But his flat out condescending tone, and then lying to me about having to get my 2018 Return in before I could receive my EIP took its toll on my patience. I’m still wondering why he suggested that I call again next week. I’m still weighing that decision, and I’m thinking it’s not a good idea for now. Good Luck 😀😷
Hi. I live in Japan and have been receiving my social security deposited into a Japanese bank since I became 66yrs of age last year. I noticed you said if I receive SS payments, I don’t have to file or do anything to receive my financial aid. I just want to make sure of this fact since July 15th is just around the corner.Will the government deposit the money into my SS bank account?
Hi Gary, so there is contradictory info on this. You don’t need to do anything but it also appears the IRS cannot direct deposit into foreign accounts. I would try to check if they mailed you a check.
Didn’t file a return in 2018 or 2019?
“If you have a filing requirement and have not filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you must file a 2019 to receive the payment”. [EIP, or Stimulus Check]. That little quote can be found on this IRS page:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
* This is what my last few posts, are about. An IRS “Agent” actually tried to tell me, that UNTIL they (IRS) Receive my 2018 Income Tax Return, I would not be receiving my EIP (Stimulus Check). Hopefully, no one else here will have the misfortune of hearing that nonsense.
😀😷
Hi Adam, I appreciate your help. If I need to do something, please let me know. My only income now is the SS that I receive monthly so any monetary help would be helpful. Since they send my SS money to a Japanese bank I supposed the financial help will be deposited into the same bank.
Of course Gary. I would take a look at the faqs on the IRS site about the payments and see if it mentions your case. You might need to do the non filer form and enter an address for a paper check or us based account. Finally, you could try calling, although it sounds like from all the comments here, it is hit or miss if you get someone helpful.
Hi Gary, according to SSA (https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/eip-cares-act), Social Security beneficiaries with a foreign address whose monthly benefit is deposited in a foreign bank will receive their EIP by paper check in the mail, because the IRS does not deposit money into foreign accounts. The IRS anticipates it will start mailing most of these EIPs no later than July 24. Please post if you receive notice of payment or actually get paid. Same goes for anyone else on social security, etc. overseas. Absolutely no information forthcoming from IRS on this issue. I live in Australia. Thanks Adam for providing one of the few places to share information about all of this.
Hi again 😀. Well, I just couldn’t let it go. I called the EIP Hotline (again). This time I was lucky enough to get a very nice and polite lady, with no nonsense of her own opinion. I had the same as outcome as Steve had recently posted, and she put me on hold a couple of times, and actually made notes on my account for DD, Mail Delivery Suspension, and my GMP status. She did reiterate that I needed to allow for the 6 weeks, because I initiated the Trace. Overall, that’s the way the IRS calls should have been the first time I called. I just have to wait, but, it is now less than 3 weeks, and I hope I will never have the need to call again. Good Luck All, I hope some of our experiences described, are better preparing some who are just starting with this botched up process. 😀😷
*** USPS INTERNATIONAL MAIL SUSPENSION LIST: PHILIPPINES NO LONGER APPEARS ON THIS LIST (As of July 10, 2020).
** Phil Post memo (embedded app within that Page Link Below) PARTIAL QUOTE:
” International Mail Processing centers for letters, parcels, and express mail have resumed operations.” — 6/23/2020.
Have a nice day! 😀😷
Oops Here’s the USPS Website Link:
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
😀😷
I am from India,I have been following this website,I did the same as you all did, as mails were suspended called IRS got it traced and then entered the direct deposit information, now it’s been three weeks and no date or money
in my a/c.I called IRS again,to my surprise I was told that they don’t see my direct deposit information so he said still there is money sitting in my account ,he said he is going to release the money,if there is any dd information it will go to my a/c or it will be sent through mail either way it has to reach me in 15 days. He gave me a date by July 31 I should get my money if not I need to call them back on August 1st.
Marc,when you called did they tell you that they could see your dd information in their website? As far I see none of us have got the money in a/c after GMP let us update the direct deposit information.
Hi Binita 😀. The last time I called [EIP Hotline], I specifically asked if she could see on her computer whether or not I was projected to receive my payment by mail or DD. I was not given a definite answer, but the only “clue” I was given was “Oh I see checking”. I took that to mean my checking account in the context of our conversation; however, at the same time she might have been typing other things. To answer your question, I was not actually told Yes or No. There was no way for her to know that I had entered my checking account on the GMP application. That’s why I think I am being projected in their system for a Direct Deposit. As of 14 July, India no longer appears on the USPS list for Suspended International Mail Service.
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
😀😷
The guy from IRS whom I talked to was very nice and helpful he clearly said he has 23 years of experience and he knows what he is doing. He clearly said he doesn’t see the DD information.I know India is no longer in the mail suspension list but I was assuming things would be easy if they sent out the next check, this snake and ladder game is really stressful,I have no other go but to wait till July 31.will keep you all posted “if” I see any progress.
@Binita 🤓. Yes, all we can do is continue to wait. I highly encourage you to call back on July 31, IF nothing has changed. I am now skeptical about anything I hear from the IRS over the phone. I fully expect to have to call at the end of this month, because I have lost confidence in the guidance on the GMP FAQ’S. Nothing seems to be going as advertised. Good Luck 😀😷
Hi Mark
Thank you very much for your useful article and messages.
I live in Japan now. I receive letter (Notice 1444) on May27th. But I have not received EIP check yet. GMP shows check was mailed May 1st. It passed over 10weeks. I am at a loss what to do. Could you advise if I had better wait for a while or submit Form3911 for tracing?
Hi Anela😀. Japan doesn’t appear on the USPS Suspension List for mail service; However, on the same Website Page, there is an embedded application, that lists individual countries providing the status of their local mail service. Japan has posted on July 10, that due to heavy rains, their service is slower than normal. The embedded application can be found under Related Links . Were I in your shoes, I Would Not Start a TRACE. Your check might be at your local Post Office. Consider waiting a couple of weeks. As you may already have read, a TRACE by the IRS, will add 6 weeks or more to your payment being mailed or Direct Deposit.
https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/international/welcome.htm
Hope this helps you. 😀😷
I live in Japan now. I receive letter (Notice 1444) on May27th. But I have not received EIP check yet. GMP shows check was mailed May 1st. It passed over 10weeks. Could you advise if I had better wait for a while or submit Form3911 for tracing?
@Anela🤓. On the USPS website, CORRECTION: ABOVE Related Links you will see “Select one of the entries below to display distribution information for that location or event”
**You will see a Box, with the word ” Select”.
🤓😷
Hi Adam, were you able to find anything regarding my eip account? Was their a check sent to me to Japan? I read that they will deposit the money into the same bank account as my SS.I would like to get any info regarding my account. I am sorry for causing you to go thru all this trouble for me. Thank you.
Hi Gary, there is no way for me to follow up on it myself. Try checking on the Get My Payment Portal or calling the IRS.
Hi Gary 😊. The IRS will not Deposit your Economic Impact Payment (EIP) to a foreign Bank Account. The exception might be IF your bank has branches in the USA. It’s possible that a check is in the mail for you. As Adam explained, Only YOU can Login to the Get My Payment (GMP) application on the IRS website. From the information you posted, I’m under the impression that you have not done that. Japan Post Office has recently posted a delay in mail delivery, due to heavy rains. As Adam pointed out, another option is for you to call the EIP Hotline. If you have further questions, I and others will do our best to answer based on our personal experiences and information we came across regarding the EIP. 😀😷
Hi Marc
Thank you very much for following up. I can see Japanese information regarding USPS. I think I had better wait, too. This problem takes a lot of patience!
Thank you for your consideration.
Finally received my direct deposit. Here’s a recap of my timeline just in case it might help anyone.
Late May: GMP said my payment was sent on May 1st to Bangkok, Thailand
June 11th: Received my special letter but no check
June 28th: My GMP changed from mailed on May 1st to Need More Info. I had not put a trace on the check.
July 1st: After several tries, finally entered my Direct Deposit info. Needed to enter AGI as zero.
July 15th: Received the Deposit
Thanks all for your help and input on this site. Good luck to those still waiting on payment. Keep checking the GMP….
Hi Brian 😀 Congratulations!
Hi from Korea!
Ok, so I’ve been following this post when the GMP was having a “foreign address” problem. After I was confirmed that my check was mailed on May 1st, I just decided to wait for the check (seemed USPS didn’t have problems sending mails to Korea). However, it has passed more than 10 weeks and haven’t got any special mail nor EIP. So, I’ve called the toll-free number through skype, as everyone recommended, tried to put a trace on my check. But the only answer I’ve got was to fax or mail form 3911. So, I was planning on filing the form, since GMP still shows the same message that the check was sent on May 1st. However, after reading Marc’s reply on Anela’s question, I’m not sure if I should put a trace at this point. Should I wait another few more weeks since the trace also takes about 6 weeks? Any advice?
Hi April 😀. Speaking as a person who did put a Trace on the EIP check, myself and others (maybe you’ve read) so far have gained no advantage. Most of us (if not all), requested the TRACE, because of the USPS Suspension. In almost all of our cases, we confirmed (over the phone) that our checks had in fact been returned to the IRS by the USPS. I’m guessing whomever you spoke with on the phone, was only a representative with no access to your IRS Account information. I suggest that IF you decide to call the EIP Hotline again have the intention of: Confirm that your check has been returned to the IRS, BEFORE YOU REQUEST A TRACE. Requesting a Trace, will add Six weeks and possibly more for additional mail time. If you were to start a Trace today, Consider Receiving that Payment 10 to 12 weeks from today. Unfortunately, odds are not in your favor to receive your payment any faster. 😀😷
Hi April – Leaving a reply in case it’s helpful. We are exactly in the same boat. I’m in Korea and it also says check was scheduled to be mailed on 5/1. I also didn’t receive it yet. Maybe it just hasn’t gotten here yet… You are not alone 🙂
Thanks Sep:)! Regarding the situations that we are in, it makes me feel better knowing that I’m not the only one waiting for the check.
Hi April – Did you get anything yet? It’s August now….
fyi I just checked my GMP and it has changed to asking for bank account detail. Finally a change! I guess I’ll receive it via direct deposit. Hope you are doing ok!
Guess what sep? my GMP is now also asking for bank account details!!! hope this goes well 🙂
Hi April
Did you eventually get your check? I still have not received it. My GMP still says it will come via direct deposit (no change since last update). I’m starting to lose hope since this year is almost over…
I’m in the same boat, guessing I will just claim it on my return next year
Hi Marc. Thank you for sharing:). As you advised, I just called the hotline to confirm check return to the IRS. They confirmed me that they had the correct mailing address and that the check hasn’t returned to the IRS. The lady told me that since it has passed more than 6 weeks, the only action they could take is to put a trace on my check. At least it sounded like my check was on the right track, I decided to wait for 2 or more weeks and call them back if my mind change. I will post if there are any changes.
@April😀. That’s good that the IRS has your correct Mailing Address 👍. Other people who have posted here, and living in a country that Was Not on a Suspended Service list, were getting ready to Request a Trace. As it turned out, they ended up receiving the EIP Check in the mail shortly after. Once you request a Trace, that check becomes VOID, and No One can cash it. I’m hoping you and Sep, have the same outcome. I would think, that with the large US military presence there, getting U S Mail, is not a problem. Maybe your check is sitting in your local Post Office. Good Luck 😀😷
Hi. To All of you thinking about starting a Trace on your Economic Impact Payment (EIP) check.
Myself, and others who have commented here, so far, have called the EIP Hotline numerous times. Generally speaking, we all did so because Mail Delivery was Suspended by the US Postal Service (USPS). For me, I thought there was nothing to lose because no one can predict when mail service from the US would resume. I also verified that my check was returned to the IRS and was told that the money is credited to my IRS ACCOUNT. The Get My Payment application, allowed me to enter my Bank Account information (within 2 weeks of the start date of my Trace). The GMP displays my bank account information, and says once they get a Payment Date, they will Direct Deposit to my bank account. I DID ask the question, “Since the IRS already has the check, and my account was credited, why is it necessary to continue with a Trace”? I was only told (more than once) that I would have to wait until after the SIX WEEKS, and call again if I had not received the payment. Of course to me, None of this makes sense. A recent post here indicated that the GMP application seems to be working. Myself, I have 2 more weeks to wait for the “Trace” time. Yes it does sound ridiculous. I just want anyone thinking about this, to realize that you are going to be waiting longer. Of course you must pursue getting your check. I suggest give it about 12 weeks, before you decide to call for a Trace. 😀😷
Hi Marc. Thanks for sharing so much here. I’m still showing sent on May 1st and have put off the trace hoping it would just let me enter. May call tomorrow or give it until Monday, but then feel like I need to do something, even if it means 6 more weeks, I’d rather know at least I’m beginning the wait.
Hi Adam 😊. Yes, I agree with you wanting to do something. I’m just very frustrated with the IRS and the Actual Conversations that I have had on the phone. The upside is that you should be able to put your DD information on the GMP, soon after the Trace. After that it’s anybody’s guess. 😀😷
Yea the whole thing is frustrating. I don’t understand why the tool didn’t work right from the start, but if it didn’t why they didn’t just wait and allow people to put in DD info before mailing. Seems simple enough. I guess the upshot is if a 2nd round happens, hopefully it will go smoother.
Hi Again Adam 😀. In my opinion, the rollout of this Stimulus Payment (or EIP), was rushed with the intention of making POTUS happy. Originally, we were told that Lowest Income Tax Payers, and retirees would be first to receive the money. The reality of what happened was those who Received a Tax Refund from 2018 through DD, Regardless of their AGI. My sister on the high end of the AGI spectrum, was part of the First Batch to receive a DD. An IRS Agent actually pointed out to me, that I, (meaning those who live outside the USA) are just a small percentage, compared to the millions stateside who are still waiting for the EIP. What concerns me is when they start to say, “Don’t worry, if you don’t get it by the end of the year, you can claim it on your 2020 Income Tax Return”. That’s why I continue to call them. Apparently, they also have made a note of when I called them. Obviously, so far, that hasn’t helped me. 😀😷
Hi, I have a question. Live in England. It been 9 weeks from my check should have been sent. I just check the site, and it has changed to. “Need more information”
I was thinking I would just give my sisters bank details as I trust her.. will the IRS except a 3rd party ? As I really don’t want to wait for them to try and mail it again.. anyone try this? Thank you in advance
David here in Colombia again. So my check was mailed on May 1st. I called the IRS on July 8th to update my address to one in the USA and I put a trace on my check. Today, July 19th, the tool allowed me to enter my banking information. At the end it said your money will be deposited into your bank account. It did not give a time frame. I’m feeling glad that I put the trace on the check. Now crossing fingers for deposit.
Nice David. I’m going to have to call tomorrow. This makes me feel better it will be worth my while. Hope you get the deposit soon.
Hello everyone,
GMP said my check was scheduled to be sent out on May 1st. I am in Brazil and received the check yesterday, July 22nd.
I was about to start a trace, but thankfully that was not necessary. Hopefully, everyone will receive their check soon.
Thats great Bruno. I finally put a trace on yesterday.
Hi Adam, thanks to you, I got my check more than a month ago. I just read White House has been talking about new stimulus plan that might be much more than previous one. Do you know any detail about it? If so, new fans will join you;)
Hey Murat. That’s great. Just read the Republicans have a draft bill that does include money for direct payments but not clear for whom or how much. Looks like I may need to do major update to this post. Hopefully they at least roll it out a bit better this time!
I live in Dominican Republic and have tried to use the GMP but only get the Payment Status Unavailable, I called about 3 weeks ago and got no help, I do not have street address and only a P O Box, could that be a problem getting info on the GMP page, it is what is on my form 1099 and get my mail from social security, the mail just opened here on the 21 of July,
Hmmm it could be Ken. Most foreign addresses were getting that message at first but seem to work now. You might want to try calling again and hope you get someone more helpful.
Hi ,
Thanks for the blog and for the information. My issue with the stimulus check is that first they said the check scheduled to be mailed on May 1 , 2020 , after 9 weeks exactly they changed the status to ( you are eligible for payment but we need your bank information for fast payment ) until now they still show me the same message when i check the status .Since i do not have a USA bank account i am still waiting to get the check or the prepaid debit card .by the way i live in Morocco and the post service was suspended from USA to Morocco untill three weeks ago .
Thanks
Hi, I wonder if this means they got the check back in the mail?
Hi. Everyone. From the from Philippines here. I checked GMP for my husband about an hour ago, not really expecting any change on the messages there, but to my surprise. the message says in bold letters. “Payment Status” and a schedule for bank deposit at the end of the month. He receives his monthly pension via DD. Though his EIP is not deposited yet and I am really not sure how that will turn out, it’s a start. :-). I have been following this forum on this site for some time now. Enjoyed the exchange of info and ideas. Thank you. 🙂
Hi All, GMP for the first time today after months said my information doesn’t match my records & locked me out. IRS information line says that an EIP check will be issued on 31 July. I am a Social Security recipient in Australia. Wow. We’ll see what actually happens, but this is a big breakthrough, so maybe the SSA notice (https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/eip-cares-act/) was correct. However it finally comes will be most welcome. Though I’ll be prepared for more mix-ups because I don’t want to be disappointed. Regardless, I’m very grateful Adam that you created this message board it’s been one of the few places to share information and mutually commiserate that I value & enjoy, so thanks again.
Hi Stephen. Good news! Hopefully all the kinks will be worked if there is indeed a second round. I’m glad you found it useful, people have been great sharing their stories and helping each other out in the comments here! Best to you Stephen!
Thank you so much, Stephen, for your heads’-up post for those of us in the same SSA boat in Australia. I too saw that SSA notice referring to July 24. Now you have discovered that there is yet an even later date that checks might be sent to Oz. I watch the latest posts on Adam’s excellent site daily. If you would be so kind to post any updates on your check (cheque ;-)), I would very appreciative. If something floats into my mailbox, I will post here as well.
Hello, I changed my address to a USA one is May because the Philippines was on the USPS mail suspended list. I put a trace on my families stimulus check June 8th. Then on June 19th the GMP let me enter our DD info. As of now The GMP has not given us a payment date. The IRS said our 6 week trace date was July 20th. I called since then and all they can say is a Computer glitch that affects everybody. They also said hopefully that you can get this year or next year when you file your return. They said they don’t know how the second stimulus gonna go since you haven’t received the first one yet, or if it will conflict with the first one. This was the July 28th IRS call. They did say they have a millions of people backlog, with a skeleton crew. Good luck to everybody!
Second stimulus call to the IRS update on July 28th. I wasn’t satisfied with the other call and the lady said that they will be mailing me a paper check to the address that is on file even though she can see my direct deposit information. She said she has no idea when they will be mailing the paper check but since the IRS rolled out the GMP app so fast, that mailing a paper check is the only way to fix it, is to mail out a paper check. So I am still patiently waiting. She did mention something about December that they have to get them out by. Or a refund on 2020 tax return next year. Good luck!!
Hi Steve 😊. I too called the EIP Hotline today. I received the exact response from the IRS lady that you posted. After reading your (2nd) Post, I’m starting to think we spoke with the same person. She did keep referring to the payment as “this Refund”. So maybe she is guessing that there might be a Second Stimulus Check. Still sounds ridiculous that they will someday reissue me another check by Mail to the Philippines. I didn’t feel so confident that she knew what she was talking about towards the end of our conversation. Even though they [IRS] Received the check, she said if I receive it in the mail, it would be no good because it was already cancelled. That made no sense to me. I also asked If I should keep checking the GMP because it seems like wasted effort, she said no, that she did not know if the GMP would display a new mailing date, but I should keep checking. I called at 0710 am Eastern Time. I don’t think she was having a hard day…I will call again in 2 weeks, and see if I get another answer. 😀😷
Good luck Marc. It seems based on comments here that even the agents themselves give contradictory answers, leading me to assume they don’t know what’s going on. As I added in in my last update, when I called, I was told it’s impossible to ever add direct deposit except for when doing the original return, which makes no sense if the GMP tool was letting people put in direct deposit info, she also gave me the address and fax of the California office to run the trace. Turns out international addresses are to a different office, and the US address I changed to over the phone with her is also a different address and fax. She was very nice, but it sounds like they are not being given clear directives. For what it’s worth though, a few days later I was able to enter the direct deposit info, but still using my foreign address, so not sure if that had anything to do with the trace itself or just happened to have updated with the returned check a few days later. That was over the weekend, so far no payment date shows. Hopefully soon!
Hi Adam 😊. Well I’m stumped. I hope you have better luck than I have. These days, I’m hoping for a Christmas miracle! Good Luck 😀😷
Haha, yes I hear ya!
Hi ,
Hicham again , i just call the IRS and both ladies from customer support were very professional and helpful . so as i mentioned in my post i did get the check and still got need more info to deposit the money , when i callef today the lady said they checked the system and found my refund or check , so she said the issue the check instantly after 7 min and said that i will get in the mail within 4 weeks . So my advice if you have a problem just call , have all the information ready and the will fix or update you info rapidly .
This is Anela in Japan again. I have not received first EIP. From few days ago, I could not access to GMP by using 2018year’s address. So I tried to input 2019year’s address, I can access to GMP! And payment status message is changed to 「We scheduled your check to be mailed on July 31, 2020 to the address we have on file for you」. Original message was 「We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01,2020」. I just hope the check will be mailed to me without any problems.
Hi Anela. Sounds like maybe it was returned. I hope it gets there soon!
Hicham,same thing happened to me,if you have read my earlier post, nice guy from IRS released the amount right when I was on call with him,he even told me I should get my money by July 31st.so far no news , neither GMP has updated nor I have received the money to my account. More over they couldn’t even see my direct deposit information which I entered thru GMP.I really don’t know what is happening.
Hi,
Hi, I am in Peru and have found this site – and the comments helpful. I (am required to file US taxes every year) to was hoping to put in my info for direct deposit (to a US BANK) to GMP before they sent a check, but the site wouldn’t let me in until Mid-May, and by then it said it sent the check to my physical address here in peru – bad news! mail has been shut here since March, and even then my physical address isn’t my post office box and will likely not make it to me.
I found this site & called using the direct line given here – i can call US numbers on my phone plan w/no extra charge, good for me, because the people at the 1800 IRS line were SO unhelpful, and a bad experience.
The foreigner line though was MUCH better!
This was Friday 23 July, I talked at the foreigner line to a lovely IRS agent who looked up the info right there and then and said no need to do a Trace, they already had it being returned in the system, and it should automatically prompt the system to ask me for more info thru GMP page.
Success!
The GMP now does ask me for more info, but i’ve since filed my 2019 taxes, (as required) and now seems to be using that info – but still, after i try all different combos –
Listing my agi as reported in 2018, in 2019 (it’s not a lot in USD, but it’s not negative either)
listing my agi as 0
Listing that i owed money (i didn’t)
listing that i got a refund (i didn’t)
listing both of these as 0
and in Every combination i am getting the message that my info doesn’t match their records, and they boot me out for 24 hrs after 3 attempts
Anyone been through this with entering the Bank Info for DD and any tips?
I was so happy when i saw they let me enter my info for direct deposit, and now i am frustrated to be facing another stumbling block!
Thanks!
Hey. This sounds pretty similar to what happened with me too. I should have done a better job making notes on this, I think I was shocked it actually worked haha. I do remember that my 2019 AGI did not go through, but my 2018 did, I filed by mail from the US when visiting in March. I would say give it a try tomorrow and then you could try calling again. I hope it gets sorted.
Hi M,
This happened to me and I had to enter a 1 in the AGI field. Hope that works!
Unfortunately for me, I put in a foreign bank account, so I’m back to being mailed a check again to me here in Bermuda, where the mail is still not coming in! so frustrating
Hello, just wanted to let you know. It seem my check must have been returned, as the EIP site changed to need more information. I chose to give them my sisters bank details, which she approved me to do. The sit excepted, and it was in her account on the date they posted. I’m hoping that if we are eligible for the second round, that they will use this, and not mail it to me. I will keep reading and watching all the posts. This site has proved to be a good information real life experience.
Thank you Adam!
Excellent Marvin. Thanks for sharing. I just updated yesterday and was wondering about putting another person’s account as some have asked about it. I will make a mention you were able to do it. Best regards Marvin!
That’s great Adam, will keep watching and reading this site.. Thank you again and best of thoughts for us all.
Hi Marvin,
Great news. Quick question. How much time passed between entering your sister’s bank info and the update to scheduled payment date on the GMP site?
thanks,
David
Betsy from Australia here. Some promising news. After three months of daily attempts, I just broke through into the GMP site. Got the message “We scheduled your check to be mailed on July 31, 2020 to the address we have on file for you. We will mail you a letter with additional information on this payment.” Same timing as Stephen from Australia nentioned above, so perhaps expats in Oz really can expect payment. .
David,
I entered it Sunday July 19. They updated when I with get paid on Saturday 25th, said money would be in the 29th of July and it was! You have to put in the details Tuesday by noon, to get info the next Saturday. If it’s after that you will need to wait that Saturday morning after that. But it was done very quickly.
Hi Marvin,
Around time did you check on the 25th? Waiting for an update (with fingers crossed) but the portal is still showing my first mailing date.
Thanks for your reply!
I tried all the combos for AGI and refund ect…still isn’t going through. Talked to IRS Foreign Office today and helpful agent said Yes – it should work w/2018 AGI info (even tho 2019 has been filed)
Then, she gave me the helpful info that because i have a different address on my 2019 taxes than my 2018 taxes (both still in Peru), the address change that was processed could Negate the possibility of a Direct Deposit for the Stim Payment 🙁
I think this is may be what has happened to me!
Gonna give it a cpl more days of trying for DD, and then my only option will be to get IRS to send paper check to someone in the US who can deposit it for me there. Maybe others will also find this Address Change Info helpful!
Ah, that’s too bad. Hopefully it will work after a few days. Either way, hope it gets sorted and you get the money soon!
Hi All😀. I recently posted my negative experience with calling the IRS. I have read some posts lately that imply some IRS Employee’s seem to be leaving callers with the impression that they [IRS] are simply manually inputting information and giving estimated Mail Delivery dates. That has not been my experience at all, and I’ve called close to 8 times since June. I truly hope what they have said to some here, is actually true. I (and others), have been told that they (IRS Employee’s) have no way to override the computer to manually release funds, and and have the money either mailed or DD. That’s what a Bank institution is capable of, but apparently not the IRS. The last IRS Employee (July 30) I spoke with, confirmed that she could not do anything for me because the way their system is setup. She wasn’t the only one who said that. On July 30, I was told that my Trace was erroneously started (June 18) way too early. Because I had an international mailing address, it should not have been started until the 9 week point (from May 08). The excuse I was given now is Regardless of what the GMP application is displaying, I will automatically be Reissued a paper check by mail at some point in time and there is no way to override the computer and the IRS can not give a specific Mail Date at this time (July 30). This is MY (and a few others I’m sure) experience as of today. I will point out, Every IRS Employee that I spoke with, had one consistent message: they could not override the computer system. It’s possible that I was lied to (8 times). I’m also reading some Positive Progress here Regarding the GMP for some. It’s possible that MY Specific case May have caused a delay in my payment. As for me, I no longer believe anything I hear over the phone from the IRS, because I seem to be getting different answers every time I call. I now only feel comfortable with seeing things in writing. My advice for some: Don’t Believe it, Until You See it. I know I sound pessimistic, I can assure you that I’m not alone in my assertion. For some, I truly hope I’m Wrong, and you receive your payment as promised over the phone. For the rest of us, we will just have to keep checking and waiting…. 😀😷
Marc,as I posted earlier,my eip was released by an IRS officer while I was on call with him.well I was told to call back after 15 days if I don’t get my payment by July 31st.unfortunately I never got the money,so I called yesterday and they told me that there is a system glitch and system is not releasing the money. IT department from GMP is working on it.they are taking time to fix this issue.by mid August it should be resolved.the officer can not see our dd information as we used the app to enter it.only when payment is released they will have all the information.
Hi Binita 😀. Thank you for your reply. Please know that my recent post was in no way intended to offend or make you ( or anyone else) feel bad in any way. If I did that, please accept my apologies. Your Post is encouraging to read. Finally, maybe we are starting to get some honest answers from the IRS Employee’s. I believe that when I am lied to, that’s a sign of disrespect. The term “agent” adds prestige and respect to one’s job title. Take note, I now refer to the IRS in general, as “Employee’s”. I hope you receive your payment very soon. 😀😷
As noted by CNBC on July 27: “There was some pushback on Capitol Hill Monday regarding payments that are still outstanding from the first batch.
“While the Treasury Department estimated the government would send 171 million stimulus checks in total, about 159 million payments had been sent as of early June. Since then, less than 1.5 million payments have been sent. ”
With $12 million in payments still outstanding, I think that most of us posting here are among the unlucky ones who are waiting for the final dribble, apparently at 750,000 payments a month.
“The pace of delivery is “unacceptable,” House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass. and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said in a statement.”
For those of you who are trying to access information and get action via phone, here is more bad news: “Out of 15.4 million calls to the IRS to date, only 800,000, or 5%, of callers were able to reach IRS staff.”
I regard the July 31 payment date I received from GMP as wishful thinking. At the current dribble of 750,00 a month,we will be foirtunate to receive payment before December.
Uggh, yea that’s bad. Thanks for sharing though Betsy. Honestly, yes I think at this point allowing ourselves to be pleasantly surprised if we get it sooner is the best way to take it.
Hi Betsy 😀. Thank you for taking the time and effort for posting the details of what the media is reporting on this EIP debacle. I feel special knowing that I’m part of the 5% of callers that got through to the IRS. I hope you don’t have to wait until December to receive your payment. 😀😷
I agree with everything you said Marc. I called again on July 31st and also tried to get the agent to manually override the system and mail me the check even to my USA address (willing to wait 4 weeks) at least I would know it’s coming. She said she couldn’t. She did say that they are working to fix this problem by August 14th, and put a note in the computer that she advised me of that.. I am supposed to call back the Irs after August 14th if I haven’t heard anything by then. IT was the first time I heard the August 14th story. Good luck everybody!!! Patiently waiting in the Philippines.
Hi Steve 😀. Thank you for your reply. You should know, I pay close attention to your comments, and others who are living in the Philippines. The “IT excuse” is one we have not heard before, and even giving an estimated time frame is slightly encouraging to me. I know you (and others here in the Philippines) have been waiting a little longer than me for the EIP, and I sincerely hope you receive it very soon. I’m very interested to hear the results of your next phone call to the IRS (I also hope that you will not need to have to call). Stay Safe and Good Luck! 😀😷
This is exactly what I was told.Atleast this time their answers are consistent .
I am getting the message “Technical Difficulties ” site is down try later is anyone getting this message on the GMP site
Hi Ken 😀. I just checked GMP. No. Everything seems normal for me. Maybe regular maintenance? 😀😷
I have been getting this for about a week both for myself and my wife. We are SS recipients who get payments into our local bank account.
Technical Difficulties
We apologize for the inconvenience but this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
My father received his stimulus check today by direct deposit to his bank account in Peru =)
Hi Roberto 😀. Congratulations to your father! Thanks for updating us. Very encouraging! 😀😷
Marc,my earlier response was no where related to your message,I specifically mentioned your name as I was following your foot steps so just thought of informing you.I am sorry if I have said that has offended you in any way.
Hi Binita 😀. No worries. Please keep letting us know about your experience with this EIP process both good and bad. Since June, I’ve heard so much nonsense from the IRS over the phone. Hopefully soon none of us will need to call the IRS. Stay Safe and Good Luck! 😀😷
GMP FAQ UPDATE (as of July 27,2020). Missing Payments Section; “Get My Payment says my check was mailed May 22, but I still haven’t received it. What should I do?”
FAQ ANSWER: **Partial Quote** “Due to a system error, EIPs scheduled to be mailed as a pre-paid debit card on 5/22/20 were not all issued”. — They also list a number of US States affected by this payment date [May 22,2020]; I encourage anyone affected by this date, to click the link below for more information:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
😀😷
Thanks for sharing Marc!
Hi All😀: I called EIP Hotline (5 Aug.). * I was (basically) given the same information as Binita and Steve have recently posted here. The IRS Employee I spoke to, was trying to be non specific (or politically correct). He referred to the GMP problem as a “Systemic Issue”. Additionally, he said the only information he was given at his level was that the programmers are working on it, and expect to have it repaired by Mid to Late Summer. He also said that as of now, I can expect to receive a Mailed Paper Check. He did say that might change once the IRS makes the GMP “repairs”. ** I called (earlier than I expected) because I wanted the IRS to put in my file that I have been put on an increased lockdown, and Still unable to SEND OR RECEIVE MAIL. ***Manila and surrounding Provinces affected. For those living here outside the affected areas, I’m not sure how International Mail Delivery will affect you. * The IRS guy did tell me that because I was able to update the GMP with Bank Information, the system might be able to DD my bank (I think he was trying to make me feel better). To be fair, THIS IRS Employee, was polite and apologetic. He was unaware that when I called the EIP Hotline, I (we All are) first met with a representative (or screener). He was trying to give me the same number I called, for my future calls, if necessary. 😀😷
Below is a link to an article that I found interesting about people who have not yet received the EIP. These days, it seems most articles on the internet are focused on a Second Stimulus Payment; And even laud the IRS for possibly being able to get payments out faster through Direct Deposit, thanks to the GMP. Here’s a link that in my opinion, sheds light on the reality of the situation. 🤓😷
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/should-i-have-gotten-my-stimulus-check-by-now-why-some-people-are-still-waiting-and-what-to-do-about-it-2020-08-06
Thanks for sharing Marc!
https://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/irs-dependents-eligible-stimulus-check-recipients.amp
Hi Binita 🤓. I read the article you posted. I found it interesting that the IRS seems confident that they will be able to DD money for those who have not received the correct payment for their dependents by this Wednesday (12 Aug.), and paper checks by Friday, 14 Aug. Those people would have had to update their [dependent information] using the Non-Filer tool Before May 17. * For me, I am glad that the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), is Starting to become a little more involved with the EIP problems and individual issues. For now, the TAS involvement is Still Limited, and individuals need to meet certain criteria. ** We do know from comments here in recent weeks that people are receiving the EIP via Direct Deposit and Mail Delivery. Unfortunately, it’s seems to have slowed down significantly. 🤓😷
Here’s a link to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), recent Blog post Regarding the EIP, and explains the criteria that might qualify some for help with this EIP.
https://taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/nta-blog-tas-to-assist-correcting-eip-amounts-for-limited-groups-of-taxpayers#mobile-nav
* Many years ago (2005), I did use this service and they were extremely helpful. Of course, that was pre Hunger Games. 🤓😷
Adam, I think I’ve been treated with gross unfairness with this stimulus check. The IRS says that because I filed ‘married filing jointly’, and my wife is a Non-Resident Alien, then I don’t get a check. If I had filed ‘married filing separately’, then I would receive a check. The option to do my taxes over again, and filing separately, ended on July 15. This is wrong!!
So my question is, has anyone filed jointly, their wives being an NRA, and then received the check? thanks.
Hi Rob. I’m sorry to hear that, and yes that doesn’t sound right, at least from how I understand it, I don’t know why that makes a difference. From what I understand as well is that the stimulus is an advance on a 2020 tax credit/return, so if you are ok financially without it, you should still be able to eventually get the money, but yea that stinks. I hope one way or another you are able to get it sorted Rob.
Hi Rob 🤓. You certainly are not alone in your situation. I had heard on the news a couple of months ago of pending lawsuits against the Trump Administration. Here’s a link that maybe you could get more information on your situation.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/second-stimulus-check-marriage-first-check/
*As Adam pointed out, it might be that you will have to wait to file in early 2021. Don’t feel bad some of us, that actually Received a check and had it Returned to the IRS, might have to wait to file in early March [2021] to receive the payment. Stay safe and Good Luck 🤓😷
Thanks for that info about the class action suit. I’ve signed up, and have been contacted by the attorney in Chicago.
Hi Rob 🤓. I think it’s great that you are going to at least going to be heard in court about being treated unfairly. Good Luck! 🤓😷
Hi Everybody
Dee here, in the Netherlands. I just received a check. I had given up hope last month when I found out my SS# was declared invalid by the IRS and had happily put the whole thing out of my mind. Hah! Now I’m all anxious about ING Bank cashing it — a complicated proccess that takes over three weeks and sometimes fails.
Thank you all for your comments. They basically enabled me to avoid bashing my head against a wall trying to deal with the IRS. By sharing your experiences you helped me to feel OK about doing nothing, which I guess turned out to be the best path for me.
thanks again and all the best
dee
Hi, again, from the Philippines. I posted here before that the GMP notice updated to Payment Status. I went to the bank yesterday and found out that an amount was credited ( i supposed equivalent to $1200) in my husband’s account on the date stated on GMP. The bank is Philippine National Bank (PNB). My husband did not call, e-mail, or do anything, other than wait as instructed by IRS. Thanks again for letting me share info.:-)
Hi Carmina 🤓. I’m glad it worked out for you! I probably should have been more patient. Stay safe 😷
I am retired in Norway. Receive SS payments from the U.S. to my Nowegian bank account. Now i am stuck trying to figure out what to do with my stimulus check that just arrived by mail. I will call my bank Monday. My sister who also lives here received her money weeks ago in her U.S. Bank account. She has her debit card here in Norway. Wondering how to fix this for any future money sent to me?
Hi Amy. Honestly I’m not sure. I would say see if it’s possible to cash or deposit it at your bank, fingers crossed you can even if there’s a nominal fee. If not, you could try calling and seeing if it’s possible they send you a debit card or allow you to change your address if more are sent out.
So I have a final update. A couple of weeks ago, I finally received my stimulus check. It took about 3 months to arrive from the date it was mailed. Annoyingly, this happened days after I faxed in a trace for my check, ohh well I guess. Luckily, I have an active bank account in the states that I was able to mobile deposit the check so I was able to use the money quite quickly.
Now some other news that people should look at: I logged into the IRS tool again just to see if anything changed and it finally allowed me to enter direct deposit information! It said something about being able to do that in case a new check is issued in the near future. I went ahead and filled my info in so hopefully another check will be coming in the near future!
Good to knoe Kevin. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kevin. 🤓. I hope the IRS did not Cancel your check before you Deposited it into your account. I was told (by the IRS) that once they put a Trace, the Check is cancelled.
Adam and others .. thank you for the diligent consolidation of information for expats here on this site and the number of useful posts related to EIP.. was able to fax in the Trace request form to the IRS after 9 weeks of no check and no updates .. the portal then almost immediately allowed me to enter my bank account information in the US which I am still retaining. However, post their confirmation of receiving my bank account details, when I check GMP portal, it again states the old information of having mailed my stimulus check back in May and that they will mail a letter with additional information on that payment. Do others have a similar experience and what does this mean? Thank you.
Hi Venkat. My situation was similar in that after initiating the trace it let me put in direct deposit info but it does say now something along the lines of “you are elgible for payment. It will be direct depisit. We will post the date here soon.” And it has been like that for several weeks
My check was mailed on April 24th. I called on July 23rd, a few days later I was able to enter banking information and today it says it will be deposited on the 19th of this month. They told me it would be about 6-9 weeks when I spoke with them but it seems it’s moved along a bit quicker.
Nice. That’s good to hear Jaclyn. Hope it arrives with out any more issues.
Adam, seems strange, that you put in your DD info and it not follow though. I put mine in before the Tuesday deadline, As it then gave me a date it would be put in my sisters bank account in the States. She received it as stated on the website. I had her send it though PayPal to me. Cost me $3.40 , and of course the difference from Dollars to Pounds. Good Luck. If the second round comes out I hope it goes smoothly.
Thanks Marvin. Me too. Fortunately I’m still working and don’t need the money but yes it would be nice to get it at some point and hopefully it goes smoother. It is weird it hasn’t updated with at least the date several weeks later. Hopefully soon!
Venkat, you may want to try to call the EIP number to speak with someone about initiating a trace over the phone. I faxed my form in seven weeks ago and was able to enter my DD info a few weeks after. However, the portal kept showing the old mail-out date for my check. I called this morning and was able to get through to an agent who told me that they never received my form. This is why the old information was still on the portal. The agent was able to initiate the trace over the phone. However, it means another six weeks (minimum) of waiting. I hope, in your case, they received your fax. But it wouldn’t hurt to confirm. I was able to get through to a screener at around 7:15 am EST and an agent a few minutes after being transferred (I don’t think it was up to five minutes). Hope this is helpful to you.
Thanks for the reply Adam. Thats good that it says it would be direct deposit. Guess it may take a while for the credit but hopefully you dont have to look for it in the mail, under the COVID circumstances.
Exactly. Thanks Venkat!
Hi Adam .. hope you got your DD or check from the first stimulus? .. if not for anything, truly wish that for all your efforts and service you have done here with this site. Btw, how long did it take for the message to change to “it will be direct deposit” after you plugged in your account details?
Hi Venkat. I think it changed immediately or at least within a day or 2. Still haven’t gotten it though. Just says it will be direct deposited and will update with a date when it is known.
Just a little stimulus check update. I live in the Philippines and changed my address to the USA as stated in previous posts. I was also able to enter my DD info in the GMP app eventually, but never received a payment date. I called probably for the 15th time the IRS and was told on August 14th, That I will receive it by mail if ever the problem gets fixed. Which it hasn’t yet. Today I was pleasantly surprised when I checked the GMP app, it said that WE SCHEDULED YOUR PAYMENT TO BE DEPOSITED ON AUGUST 19,2020 TO THE BANK ACCOUNT BELOW:: IF YOU DONT SEE YOUR PAYMENT CREDITED TO YOUR ACCOUNT, CHECK WITH YOUR BANK TO VERIFY THEY RECEIVED IT. WE WILL MAIL YOU A LETTER WITH ADDITIONAL INFROMATION ON THIS PAYMENT. I hope hope this is a positive thing. I am still skeptical after talking to the IRS lady on the 14th…..I wish everybody the best of luck!!!
Nice Steve. Sounds almost like this past week has seen a fix. I checked yesterday and still had no date, but after all the comments I’m going to check. I know I read that it updates on Saturday overnight, not sure if that means before Saturday overnight or on Saturday overnight. Fingers crossed it shows a date for me too now!
Hi Adam and all here, I have come to this website almost on a daily basis, so first thanks to all for sharing. I still dont have my payment, but would like to share the latest developments:
My check was set to be sent out on May 8th. I received Trump’s letter on June 18th but no check. I called the IRS on July 10th to put a trace on my payment, did not need to send a fax. I kept checking the GMP site and on Aug. 3rd I was allowed to enter the DD information. Now, Aug 16th I finally see a date of deposit…the GMP says it will be deposited Aug 19th. I just wanted to share that there is still hope. Will update if deposit arrives. Good luck to all
Hi Ingrid. Great to hear! I am going to have to double check and see if mine updated overnight now too. And yes, I double the thanks to everyone who has shared! The comments long ago I think outpaced my actual article for value to people coming to see how it is going for others.
Hi Adam, David here in Colombia. I have an update. So 6 weeks ago I put a trace on the check and then put in my direct deposit information. The GMP site changed to you are eligible for payment and that it would be direct deposit now to my USA account. I also changed my mailing address with the IRS to one in the USA. Today I opened the GMP and it said your check will be mailed on August 21st. Not sure why it says mailed and not deposited but I will take that change any day of the week now that I have a USA address in the system. I guess the trace worked. I’ll keep you up to date. David
Hey David. Thanks for sharing. I did the trace and changed my address to a US one about 3 weeks ago, and I’m getting the we will direct deposit it in x account but no date yet. So sounds like that might happen with mine as well. I’m hoping it goes direct deposit, but if it arrives donde mi madre then I will at least be able to get it. Hope it all goes well (for both of us haha!)
Hi All, I called IRS about 2 weeks ago to check on the trace I put on my check. My call was answered by someone that only gives out general information about EIP, so I asked to be transferred to someone who can access my information to check the trace I initiated. Unfortunately, she said that they no longer transfer calls. They said that department has a lot of backlogs regarding people putting a trace on their checks and they’re fixing that issue. They were told that when the 6 weeks trace is done you will receive something by mail and no need to call back. I checked the GMP website today and was a given a date when they will mail out a check to my US address.
That’s good to hear at least Reine, even if the phone line wasn’t very helpful.
Marc and Adam,even I have received a message that IRS is going to deposit money in my account on August 19th.
Hi Binita 🤓. I received the same message. On the 19th no DD. On August 22, I received a new schedule Mailing Date August 28,2020. 🤓😷
Hi Adam
Thanks for all that you are doing with this forum. its a great help to many. I’m still not able to get past the first page of Get my payment. With so many posts I may have missed a post where anyone explained how to correctly enter a foreign address and I’m at my wits end. Is there a proper way to do this with the address, dob and Canadian postal code.. any help will be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Gynnye
Hi Gynnye. It sounds like most have been able to enter foreign addresses now. I would double check that it matches how you entered it on your return in 2018 or 2019 (try both just in case 2019 hasn’t been processed yet). If no luck with that, you might want to try calling and seeing if perhaps they have it correct on file. Good luck with it!
I live in the Dominican Republic
the “get my payment” site states that they mailed my check July 31 st.
Ok..it will take weeks !
I receive social security monthly in US dollars by direct deposit but the IRS site wants an ABA routing number which is not used in foreign banks. so they leave no option for me to give my bank info to them ! I do not have a USA bank account and do not want one. I am not require to file taxes forms, so they have no tax forms on me from 2018 or 2019
they were supposed to direct deposit my check but they did not .
OK….1 star for the IRS
any suggestions in case the did not mail my check and fir round 2 if it really happens?
thanks for you help
James Bailes, M.D.
Hey James. Unfortunately the IRS won’t pay into a foreign account itself even though SS will. Why? Honestly, your guess is as good as anyone’s. Have you checked on mail service to the DR? Hopefully it will get here soon!
CAPITOL ONE LOOKS GOOD UNTIL THEY WILL NOT ACCEPT FOREIGN ADDRESS (WHERE I LIVE )
AND THEY WANT A “ROUTING NUMBER ” OF MY BANK, WHICH OF COURSE DOMINICAN BANKS DO NOT USE…THEY USE “SWIFT NUMBERS” WHICH IS MORE NUMBERS AND WILL NOT WORK !
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD !
HEY TRUMP, GET ON YOUR PRIVATE JET AND BRING ME MY CHECK !
JAMES
Yes, you do have to have a US mailing address. Haha on the private jet. I don’t know off hand if there are any other online banks you can open without a US address, perhaps?
did anyone who was supposed to receive the DD on August 19th actually received it?
No, I have not received it, I called IRS they said I have to wait keep checking with the bank for 5 days.if I don’t receive it in these 5 days they are going to put a trace on it.it does show in their system that the money has been released to my account number.
No, not me either. Checked the bank again today and no deposit. Will we ever see it?
Hi Pablo 🤓. I also Did Not Receive DD on the 19th. I Did Receive A New Mail Date (August 22), scheduled to be mailed on 28 August. 🤓😷
Hi, Everyone!
I finally got my stimulus check in the mail, here in Spain. They sent it to me on July 06 and I received it a week ago, so it took about 4 weeks to get here. Not bad. Now I just have to figure out how to cash or deposit it. I opened a Capitol One account a while back just to deposit the EIP check but I have to verify access with my Mom’s US phone number every time I want to get into the account online, and that got old pretty fast. My question is: has anyone had any luck with PayPal or similar? I keep reading that there are different apps and services available to do this, but I am not sure how it works… Any suggestions? Thanks, guys!
Hey. Thats great Kris. Im not sure about Paypal. You can definitely use it overseas but I don’t know if there is a way to deposit a check. My capital one doesnt make me verify everytime but I do know the mobile check deposit will only work in thr US.
Hi, Adam. I can’t thank you enough for setting up this forum…
I am sharing a link with the pertinent information in the Pay Pal portal… Not sure what the small print is on it, but I understand that you can upload the check via a Pay Pal Plus account and, if it’s an EIP check, they don’t charge a fee for that, apparently.
From what I understand, you can then transfer the money to a regular bank account. I am going to see if I can do it to my Spanish banking account (Bankia) or, worst-case scenario, I’ll have to bug my mom and do it through the Capitol One Account.
https://www.paypal.com/us/smarthelp/article/what-is-the-cash-a-check-service-in-the-paypal-app-faq3725
Whatever I discover, I’ll reply on this thread so everyone knows.
Cuídate!
Ok good to know! Gracias e igual!
Hello Everybody. I am in the Philippines and I was scheduled to receive DD deposit on August 19th, and never received it. Patiently waiting in the Philippines.
Hello everyone. I have posted before about my journey to get my check.. i live in the philippines.. had an date of april 24.. mail suspension here. i changed my address to a u.s addy. I put a trace. Finished the trace. And got a date of august 24. Today august 21.MY DAD RECEIVED MY CHECK.!!!! Thank you finally..
Great news!
That’s good you finally got yours Annalisa! I’m still waiting for mine, they scheduled it to be mailed out on August 21, hope it’s on its way to my dads address in the US.
Most of those of us who are on SSDI in Australia have NOT gotten checks, letters or *anything*! The Get My Payment is always saying “We are sorry for the inconvenience but this service is currently unavailable. Please try later.” Needless to say, a lot of us are very angry!
I’m sorry to hear that Pamela. I hope it gets sorted soon!
It’s still doing the same thing months later 🙁
Greetings from Argentina!
Hi Binita, Ingrid and Steve,
Same here…
just an update for everybody. I was finally scheduled for a DD on August 19th but never received to bank. So this morning I checked the GMP APP and it has changed ,and now says we have scheduled your check to be mailed August 28th. I assume they will send that to my updated USA address, I hope! I would of have much rather received DD. So still Patiently waiting in the Philippines. I wish everyone the best of Luck! Any updates from Marc? That’s good you finally got that Annalisa!
Hi Steve 🤓. Everything that happened to you, has happened to me too. I did get a worthless check sent to me by REGISTERED MAIL from the US Embassy Manila, Phil Post Date:08 June.
New mailing date on 28 August (GMP). 🤓😷
Hi Steve 🤓. I too will be waiting for another Mailed Check (GMP says August 28). Did not receive the August 19 DD Payment. 🤓😷
UPDATE: I logged onto my PayPal account (Spain) only to discover that I had to update and verify my (Spanish) phone number and my (Spanish) bank account because I have changed both since the last time I used PayPal. I am waiting for approval on the number change before I can link to the new bank account. It takes about 7 days. I will update my progress on here, in case it’s helpful for anyone.
Hopefully, if they approve a second stimulus check at some point, we will all be “experts” at this game 😉 Can you imagine a “rinse and repeat” of all of this? hahahaha…
Hi Kris. Great, hope that sorts it. And yes, couldn’t agree more on the 2nd, hopefully it’ll be much smoother.
Hello Everyone,
I live in the Philippines. I was able to enter my DD information on the GMP site a couple of weeks ago (I am guessing that my check was returned to the ITS. Does anyone remember how long it took from entering the DD information until the money was actually deposited into the account?
Thank you in advance and thank you for this forum. Have a great day!
Hi Rodney. I’m going on close to a month now. From other comments, it sounds like it took a week or two, and others more like us. Let’s hope it’s soon!
Same here, I don’t have good news. I was scheduled for DD on August 19th, but the funds never came. So I had to put a 2nd trace on my payment. The IRS said it could take up to 90 days for the bank to respond on the location of the funds. Of course the bank says, they are only receivers and don’t have the information of the deposit. At this point, I think it’s not worth my time anymore to chase it down. Good luck for the rest!
Ughh yea that’s frustrating. My understanding (I could be wrong) is that if nothing else, you’ll be able to claim it as a return on your 2020 taxes next year.
Actually it is the GMP system fault, mine did not come through either,they said they tried sending it twice thru direct deposit but it got rejected so finally they decided to send it through mail .Mine is scheduled for August 28 th.they blamed the financial institutions for rejecting the dd.when we called the bank , got to know that there was no transaction intiated from the GMP had a systemic error and even now it has a error .
Mine was scheduled for Direct deposit on the 19th, nothing happened. Then it changed to a paper check being mailed out on the 28th. Somehow my dad received the check at his house on the 27th, took photos of it for me. I printed it, cut it carefully, then signed the back and did a mobile deposit. Fingers crossed it clears, but so far so good.
Good to hear Jaclyn
Hi Binita🤓. I had the same exact experience as you. 🤓😷
Hi. my dad received my stimulus check at his house in the u.s. unfortunately he could not deposit it into his account. He ended up mailing it to me through dhl.. it cost $211 just to send.. so expensive. If there is a next stimulus check hopefully i can get it through direct deposit.
Yea, that’s pricey. I hope you are able to set up dd for the next one.
Congratulations Annalisa!🤓😷
Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to give an update. As per GMP website my check was scheduled to be mailed out on August 21 to my dads address in the US. My dad received my check on August 24. Finally the long wait is over! Thank you Adam for this page, it helped a lot to know that I’m not the only one who was having the same issue and for everyone who shared their experiences/solutions they found along this journey. I hope everyone get their check soon and best of luck!
Great news Reine. Glad the page helped and even gladder you got the check!
Congratulations Reine 🤓😷!
Hello I just wanted to update everyone. I had a DD date of august 19th. and never received. Then the GMP app changed and gave me a mailing date of August 28th. I finally received the check to my USA address on August 27th. So now I have no other choice but to FEDEX it to the Philippines. Good luck everybody!
Congratulations Steve! 🤓😷
Hi Again Steve 🤓. I really hope I’m wrong. But, I am skeptical that you received a Reissued Check, Before the scheduled Mailing Date. Of course anything is possible. We both know from past experience with the IRS, that at this point they would actually be ahead of schedule. May I suggest that you verify with the IRS that the check you will soon be in possession of is NOT the original check that is cancelled? Another check might be mailed to you at your USA address in 3 or 4 weeks…..As I posted, I have my original (now useless paper check) and on the GMP a new Scheduled Mail Date of August 28. I too was supposed to get DD on August 19, and Never Happened. Again, I hope I am Wrong! Please consider. 🤓😷
Hi everyone,
This is for anyone living in Australia. The GMP website said my check was scheduled to be mailed out on August 31st. I have received my check today Friday 28th August. Just wanted to let you know and remind you to keep an close eye on your mail everyday for the next few days/week. It comes in a tiny envelope with a massive window panel showing so much information that blatantly screams ‘I AM A CHECK FROM THE USA’. Good luck and stay safe!
Hi, everybody.
Thanks to ypur fabulous forum, I’ve found out a lot of super valuable info about the Stimulus payment. My mom, who got the LAST stimulus payment years and years ago (without even knowing it would be sent to her), is DEFINITELY eligible and should get a check in the mail, but has gotten NOTHING. Now, every time I try to use the “Get my payment”! page, it says “Technical Difficulties We apologize for the inconvenience but this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later.”. This has been going on for weeks now. Does anyone else get that message?
DARLING VIC! Thank you sooooo much for the heads-up. Just went out to the mailbox, and as you described, it’s the world’s smallest envelope and it screams I AM A CHEQUE, but it’s here at last. Without your post, I would have missed it, a tiny thing sandwiched in among Pizza Hut flyers.
Adam, you deserve a Medal of Freedom for your good works. Without this site, I’m sure most of us would have been lost and despairing. You gave us a place to commiserate, cross-check experiences, and in my case (and I am sure others) to get the final piece of the puzzle. I bow down before you.
One last question for Vic: How are you planning to bank your check? My journalists’ credit union is great for home loans, but international banking is a bit beyond them. I was planning to open a Commonwealth Bank account. It seems to handle these things. If you have a better idea, I would be grateful for your advice. What you say works splendidly for me ;-)))))
Glad it got there Betsy!
Congratulations Betsy! 🤓😷
Although I don’t/wont vote Democrat (and certainly NOT Republican) I’m involved in Democrats Abroad. They are a good source of infos & contacts in matters like this.
I got the idea of filing (for non-filers) and some help from them. I filed early Aug. and the money came to my online 360 2 days ago. be well & good luck.
Betsy from Australia here. Not sure that my recent attempt to postwas successful, because I stuffed up the name and email entries. Adam, the last thing I want to is make your life complicated, so I will wait to see if my post made it throgh before posting at length.
In short: Vic’s post sent m scurrying down to the letter box, and sure enough there was the tiny envelope as he described, buried among Pizza Hut flyers. I would like to thank Vic profusely for the heads-up, and the mavellous Adam for this gathering place.
Heads-up, Aussies. Our batch is coming through, but really comb through your mail. That thin midgety envelope is sooooo easy to miss
Hi Betsy, sorry. I have the comments set to where I have to manually approve them. A fair amount of weird gambling, viagra, etc spam comes in. Hadn’t gotten a chance to log in yet today. I’m glad the site was a help, and more importantly that you got the check!
Adam, I am moved to make a final post (although I shall continue to lurk for other Aussie results).
Without you, all of the expats milling around in confusion and frustration would have had zip zero nada mutual support. Without you, Vic would not have alerted us, and without Vic’s post I wouldn’t have found the envelope. Pamela, Steven, I hope you are still watching…
I am ever grateful to you, Adam, and to your site. I am certain all of us here agree that you have made a tangible contribution to our wellbeing, and that your hard work of oversight and personal support in the trials of others has made a huge difference right here, right now. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words Betsy. Well, if you ever decide to come visit Cartagena, Colombia, you know where to come to plan your trip! Really and truthfully I wrote this thinking it might help a few others here to share around in the Colombia expats groups, and it really took off with people from all over, but I again can’t thank everyone who has shared here enough as the comments and updates from everyone far outstripped what I could keep up with writing myself. Best regards Betsy!
Hi Everyone 🤓. Well, here’s a twist: On AUGUST 14, I RECEIVED MY EIP CHECK. BUT, because of the TRACE apparently THIS CHECK WAS CANCELLED. I didn’t attempt to deposit (via my bank app). I received the check by REGISTERED MAIL, from US Embassy Manila. The Philippines Post Mark was June 08, 2020. On August 15 (Saturday), the GMP gave me a Direct Deposit Date of 19 August 2020. No Direct Deposit was ever done. On Saturday, (Aug. 22) GMP changed to “We will mail you a check to the address that we have on file on 28 August 2020”. Well, the good news is that the Reissued Check will be sent Registered Mail from the US Embassy Manila. 🤓😷
Hi Adam 🤓. This message is for you and anyone else who might receive a check in the mail, and STARTED A TRACE. Be aware that once the Trace is started, the IRS Considers that check CANCELLED. It didn’t make sense to me when I was told by the IRS on July 30. I was under the impression that the USPS had physically Returned the Check to the IRS. (I was even told that BY THE IRS!). Turns out that is not always true! I have the original check that was Mailed on May 08. Check with the IRS, If in Doubt! Check the Postal Service Stamp. This could get confusing IF there is a 2nd check in the future. Stay Safe and Good Luck! 🤓😷
Hah. Thanks for the fyi Marc. It looks like mail service is back online for Colombia so yes the first check may very well in up arriving. Haha. The saga continues….
Hello Marc and everybody, I checked the window on the check through my USA mail service app and it has the date of 8-28-2020 on the check and also with my new USA address printed on the check. I am confident that it is a new check. I did receive it one day early to my USA address than the mailing date of 8-28-2020. I received it on 8-27-20. But once again It does have 8-28-20 printed on the check. It costed 133 dollars to FEDEX to the Philippines and waiting 10 days. Good Luck to everybody!
Hi Steve 🤓. I’m very glad to hear that great news! I’m also happy that you took the time, to double check, because I didn’t want you to run into any future problem with the IRS. Well it sucks that you ran into additional costs to get the money, it’s better than nothing. 😀. For me, it’s encouraging to hear that at least checks are being sent as quickly as possible (that’s a first from the IRS). I have no idea why my check went to the US Embassy first, I can only guess for security reasons. Philippines Postal Service is now accepting both in/out mail to the USA. If I call the IRS again, I’m pretty sure that they will tell me to return the check to them (even though it was cancelled). I will not be using FEDEX to return it (haha). I do want an intelligent and honest answer from the IRS, as to why they are not able to DD, to people who had a Trace started (that appears to be the trend). Anyway, Great News for you! Stay Safe and Good Luck 🤓😷
My check arrived today in Melbourne Australia. Undoubtedly the best information & support came from you & the people who commiserated on your website Adam, so please accept my gratitude. Second best belatedly was from the SSA website. Can’t say much about the IRS though some people there did care. I’m sure the saga is not over for many & lord knows how they’d handle a second round of payments. You have peaked my interest in Columbia & maybe our paths will cross one day.
Great news Stephen. I’m so glad this page was of help!
My American wife received her check yesterday. She will pay it into her Australian bank account; but the bank will charge about $40 collection fee due to the amount being in US dollars and drawn on a non-Australian bank.
Hi Everyone 🤓. I called the EIP Hotline. I got through, after 45 minutes. After the initial “screener” General Information Rep, I was transferred to the IRS guy. He told me that I was able to Deposit My Check! I explained everything I knew, and he asked me about the Date of the Check. I explained that the GMP is showing a Scheduled Mail Date of 28 August. He said 3x that I Could Deposit the Check. I asked him to Repeat his Name and Employee ID Number. He slowly Spelled out his name and number. After hanging up with the IRS, I SUCCESSFULLY DEPOSITED THE EIP through my bank mobile app. After 1 hour, partial funds were Immediately available ($225), because it takes 1 business day to process and then the rest of the EIP will be available in my account. Thank You Adam and Everyone who at times read my rants and Frustration. My Saga is over. I will continue to check here and hopefully offer any useful tips, to help anyone who might need it. Thanks again from the Philippines! Stay Safe and Good Luck to ALL 🙏 🤓😷
Great news Marc. Don’t spend it all in one place!
Haha 🤓. Adam, bills, bills and debt reduction. After that, we might be able to enjoy a pizza 😀! Take care and thanks again! 🤓😷
Haha. All that sounds like good uses! Best of luck Marc. Take care!
Hi everyone ,
This is Hicham again i got my check yesterday by mail it arrived very fast it takes four weeks between the call to IRS and the date of receiving it where i am living in Morocco but the problem how will i cash it since i do not have a bank account and the process take long time .Anyway i am done with the first step and ready for the next one .
Thanks
Good you got it Hicham. Good luck figuring out how to cash it!
This is Anela from Japan.
On July 24 my GMP changed message to「We scheduled your check to be mailed on July31」from May 1.
On Aug 6 GMP showed「Enter Bank Information」. So I entered Hawaii Bank’s account. But GMP showed「We scheduled your check to be mailed on July31」 again.
On Aug 14 I received EIP check from IRS.
I have not received DD information yet.
What should I do… wait for the DD information or cash the EIP check. When will it be resolved?
If you can easily cash the check, I say try, if it goes through great, if not then I guess wait for the DD?
Hi Anela 🤓. Cash the check. Scroll up and read a few of my last comments, And You’ll understand why. 🤓😷
On my GMP the request for DD details was for a possible next payment. I’ve deposited the check & will wait for it to clear.
Hi Betsy,
I spent days monitoring this page for anything related to Australia, the least I could do was post and help others avoid the same fate. What I did was open a goal saver account with CBA and went into a local branch to deposit the cheque. After waiting a while (they didn’t know how to process it really), they said it would take around 28 days to be cleared. I was in no rush, been waiting for months not even knowing if it would ever arrive, so what’s another month. I can already see it in the account but the funds are not yet available to transfer out. Call and ask which branches process foreign cheques before going to one. Apparently that’s a thing for some branches. I had to go to two different ones. Good luck!
Good tip Victor. Thanks for sharing.
Hey, Adam! Did you try to deposit the check to your Capitol One account with a VPN?
Hey Kris, no I haven’t gotten it. I think someone else mentioned in a comment they were able to do it that way though. I know I’ve successfully done mobile check deposit in the US and here will say it’s outside the US.
Deposited my cheque with the ANZ. A low fee but wait for up to six weeks to clear. Better than waiting 5 months for the cheque.
Hi Everyone 🤓. Apparently, as many of us have found out, the IRS is still having computer system problems, and NOT ABLE to Direct Deposit lately. I was hesitant to cash my check, after finally receiving, because of the [Misinformation] someone at the IRS told me over the phone. I decided to call, because of the changes from Direct Deposit to Mail check on the GMP. I fully expected for the IRS to tell me to RETURN the check, and wait for a new one. To my surprise, I was told that I COULD CASH THE CHECK, even after explaining everything I posted here since June, and what is currently displaying on the GMP. Sure you can call the IRS for verification, but you also might get an Employee who might not really know what he or she is talking about. I’ve shared (and others here have also) the contradictory information I’ve received over the phone from the IRS. Mailing Anything to the USA, through USPS, is a little cheaper than FedEx nowadays! At least with FedEx, you can track your mail and gets delivered in days, Verses 1 or 2 Months from the USPS mail. Just saying….🤓😷
Hi Adam, Mark and Stephen This is Anela. Thank you for your useful advice. I decided to cash the check. Thank you very much.
Betsy from Australia again. Just to add to Vic’s good advice about checking with CBA about which of their branches will accept the EIP check. Aas Vic points out, not all the branches areset up to handle foreign cheque. Save yourself some hassle. Before starting outthe door with your cheque in hand, do a search on the CBA online locator. First, enter your address for a list of the nearest branches to you, then on the next screen page, GO TO THE RIGHT HAND BUTTON that allows you to modify your search. A page will appear with Foreign Cheques as a filter. Hit that button, and the map will show you very clearly which branch(es) closest to you can handle the EIP check. Sorry for various spellings of cheque/check. New Yorker-Sydneysider here.
Looks like I am not as lucky as you guys (Marc, Stephen and others), I have not received my check yet. My mailing date was 28th August and I am in India. I never received my first check which I put it for trace. Now I am waiting for this check, keeping my fingers crossed.
Hi Binita 🤓. As I’ve posted here, Cash Any Paper Check that you eventually will receive from the IRS. The IRS still has 1200 credited to your IRS Account. Apparently, (in my case) it turned out to be a Myth that the IRS Actually Received a Returned Check from the USPS. Another Myth, is that the IRS Actually Cancelled the First (original) Check. On the GMP, although I have long since Deposited the Paper Check, it’s STILL Displaying a (Re-issued) Scheduled Mail Date of August 28. It took 13 Weeks for the Original Check to reach me at home. *4 weeks to get to the Philippines, and then another 2 Months through Registered Mail from the US Embassy. I simply checked the Post Office Stamp. ** I suspect that it could be another 13 Weeks to receive the Re-issued Scheduled Check (1st week of December)? At that time, assuming NO SECOND EIP IS PASSED, I will have no choice but to Return the REISSUED CHECK. Believe it or not, I was told by the Local Post Office (here in the Philippines) to mail a letter to the IRS, it could cost upwards of $40.00 Dollars (Depending on your local currency exchange rate). Regular Mail Delivery was 1Month, and REGISTERED MAIL was 2 Months! I opted to use FedEx (to mail a 2018 TAX RETURN). It cost about $9.00 more. I tracked it online, and it arrived in Texas in 3 Days, and Signed for by an IRS Employee. ***IF YOU, (or ANYONE Reading this); Has to correspond with the IRS, they Only Accept (FedEx, and 2 other Private Delivery Services) At THIS ADDRESS: AUSTIN- Internal Revenue Submission Processing Center, 3 651 IH35 Austin TX 78741. Consider saving that Address, in the event that you have to send Time Critical correspondence to the IRS. Stay Safe and Good Luck! 🤓😷
Check mailed (IRS confirmed) on June 18th to Albania. Nothing yet as September 9th, not even the letter but I am waiting 2 more weeks since tracing has its own delays.
Has anyone gotten e check this late?
Hi Ardiii 🤓. I kindly encourage you to wait at least 13 Weeks from (June 18). Call and start a Trace, Only as a Last Resort. Maybe end of October? Stay Safe and Good Luck! 🤓😷
Will do so Marc,not much of a choice to be honest. Until June 26th Albania had mail restrictions due to COVID so who knows. I have gotten no letter and definitely no check and it has been 11 weeks already.
From USPS:
“Albanian Post advises that a state of emergency and government lockdown measures are extended until June 26. Due to a lack of transport capacity, the post is unable to send mail to many countries and has stopped accepting express mail service items within its network. Letters and parcels will be accepted only for those destinations where transport capacity is available. Albanian Post is declaring a situation of force majeure with regard to letters and parcels and is unable to guarantee service quality for international inbound and outbound services until further notice. “
Hi Ardiii 🤓. I never received any special letter either. In fact, I haven’t received any other mail since August 14 (when I received my Actual Original Check). The Philippines had a USPS Suspension until July 10. 🤓😷
Hi,
I’m trying to enter my direct deposit account with the IRS “get my payment” but it keeps on redirecting me the first page. Does anyone else have this problem? Or knows how to help?
The only bank in The Netherlands that cashes cheques is cancelling this service on the 31st of december 2020. Just in case we might receive a second stimulus cheque. Thanks
Hmm Edith, not sure. The system was down for a day or two but is back up for me, I would say keep trying and if it isn’t working in the next day or two, maybe try calling.
Hi Adam,
David writing from Bogota. How’s it going? A little update in pay me IRS project. So as you remember I put a trace on the check and changed my address to one in the USA. My new message on the IRS portal says the check was mailed on August 21st. My address is a forwarding company that delivers to me in Colombia. I received notification that I had mail and when it arrived low and behold it was from the IRS but not a check. Letter saying I owed money. Anyway, I called and they said that the check was mailed but not on the 21st but rather the 31st. So playing the waiting game again. Just for a heads up. The letters that I did get from the IRS took 4 weeks to arrive to a Miami address. I have also seen other important mail within the U.S. take 3-4 weeks. So I’m still waiting but a little more optimistic.
That’s good to know David. Yea mine is still we are going to update with the pay date for direct deposit…I guess I should probably call again. I do understand that mail service to Colombia is running again. Anyways, hope we both get the moolah soon. Best to you there in Bogotá, should be an interesting few weeks and months with travel opening up a little.
Hello all, and thank you for contributing to this wonderful resource!
I am an expat currently living in Mexico. My stimulus check was originally scheduled to be mailed to my Mexico address on May 1. Although I did receive the followup letter at my Mexico address, I never got the actual check in the mail. I never initiated a trace on the check, but in mid August the Get My Payment portal finally allowed me to enter my Direct Deposit information. I have a screenshot from August 17 showing that the bank information was inputted successfully, yet since that time the Get My Payment portal has reverted back to the original payment status saying “We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020”. It’s been about a month now, and the payment status remains the same, with no update relating to an upcoming deposit.
I am concerned that so much time has passed and the Get My Payment portal has not been updated. From your experience, how long does it normally take the IRS to give an update the payment status with a scheduled direct deposit date after finally being allowed to update DD info in the portal?
Hmm Sarah. Yea I was able to put in my bank account info in late July and it changed from saying my check had been mailed on May 1 to it will be direct deposited, we will update with the date. That is still what it says (well as of yesterday, I didn’t check today). So from my experience it takes a while, but mine has never revereted back to the check was mailed message.
Thanks for sharing your experience Adam! It’s interesting to note that others have had to wait quite a while for the DD date to be updated as well, although I’m concerned by the fact that your message on the portal changed while mine reverted back to the original. I may have to give in and call the EIP hotline to make sure everything is in order…
Hi Sarah. I, like many others had the same experience as you had with the GMP in Mid August. I was actually given a Direct Deposit (DD) date posted on the GMP, scheduled for 19 August. The DD NEVER HAPPENED. The following Saturday (22 August), the GMP displayed a new scheduled mailing date of 28 August. I had a terrible experience with this whole thing. If you decide to call the IRS, they might tell you that all they can do is start a trace. That [action] will get you another Reissued Check By Mail. There is no way that whomever you speak with on the phone, will not be able to change that. For now, it might save you lot’s of frustration to forget the possibility of a DD. It is odd that you have not received a new scheduled mailing date for a replacement check. For that reason, you may want to call the IRS. From my experience, the check was never returned to the IRS, nor was it “cancelled” in the IRS computer. The only thing the “trace” (in my case) did was generate a Reissued Check. I eventually received the Original Check By Mail. I waited 2 weeks (because the IRS told me that a trace automatically cancelled the check). I called the IRS (after 2 weeks of having the check) simply to tell them I could not mail it back to them at that time. I was told by the IRS, that I COULD CASH THE ORIGINAL CHECK (the one that was “traced”). The GMP still displays a scheduled mailing date for August 28. I have cashed the check. If you call, my advice is let them trace the check. If after you call, and receive the check in the mail, Cash It. If US Congress does Not Approve a Second Stimulus Check (EIP), and somehow you finally end up with a Reissued Check, then of course you will Need to Return it to the IRS. Hope this helps you. Stay Safe and Good Luck!
Thank you Marc for your detailed reply! That was extremely helpful. I did call the EIP hotline yesterday and they have initiated the trace (turns out you were right, the check was never returned to the IRS nor cancelled) ! Now I’ve been instructed to wait 4-6 weeks for the trace to process . I’ll keep you guys posted!
Hi Sarah, I’m in the exact same boat here. Living in Mexico with a mailing date of May 1, never received anything but I was able to put in my DD information on August 7. The portal message still hasn’t changed, and it still says “We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 01, 2020”.
When I called the hotline in August to clarify, they said that it might be a while before it changes, but didn’t specify how long. Let me know if you get any new information from them!
Thanks for your comment, Pearl! Here’s a little update on my situation: I called the EIP hotline yesterday. They informed me that the check was never returned to the IRS nor cancelled, in fact as far as they were concerned everything was in order! According to the woman I spoke to, the portal likely asked for my DD information because of the possibility of a second stimulus payment, but it had nothing to do with the check I’ve been waiting for. She suggested I issue a trace, in order for them to properly investigate what happened to the original check and so that a new payment could be initiated (although they could not say whether the reissuing of the payment would be by DD or mail). Now I’ve been instructed to wait 4-6 weeks for the trace to process. I’ll keep you guys posted!
Good news and an update on my situation. I called the EIP hotline on Oct. 1 to initiated a trace. They said that it may take up to 6 weeks, but may be sooner. I checked the portal yesterday, Oct. 14, and it said that they will deposit the amount to my account on Oct. 15. The money was in my account this morning. So hopefully if you were able to input your DD information, you should receive the money soon.
Good news Pearl. Glad to hear it!
Hi Sarah. I would suggest calling and initiating a trace. My check was also supposed to be mailed on May 1. However, I’m in one of the countries where mail was suspended. So I initiated a trace via fax on July 15…or, so I thought. A few weeks after sending the fax, I entered my DD information. Because of that, I thought the IRS received my form. But by late August, there were still no changes for me on the portal. I called the EIP hotline on Sept 2 and initiated a trace. I happened to check the portal last Sunday and saw that my payment was scheduled for DD for the 16th. My bank account was credited yesterday. Since your DD information is already in the system, I assume you wouldn’t have to wait long after the trace is initiated.
Thanks for the advice Uche! I called the the EIP hotline and have initiated the trace. Fingers crossed that my situation will work out like yours and I won’t have to wait long now that the trace is in process 🙂 I’ll keep you updated!
Hi Adam! David here in Bogota. Just got it! That was the toughest money I’ve ever worked for! Now my next dilemma. The check is two both me and my wife since we file jointly. We don’t have a joint account in the U.S. Just me. I wonder if depositing it will be my next issue. Can you deposit a check made out to two people into a single person account? Another forum I suppose. Thanks for the forum. It’s been a great one! May your check arrive soon!
Hi David. Great! No idea about your question to be honest. I would think it woudl be fine to deposit into yours, perhaps you do both need to sign and endorse it, but you’d have to try to be sure. Best to you in Bogotá. If you ever plan a trip here to Cartagena, I hope you’ll find the rest of the site useful too!
Hi Adam
I fall into Case 4: I am a retiree abroad who receives Social Security and does not file taxes:
I receive my SS benefits into my South African bank account, but have not received a stimulus payment.
When I check Get My Payment it asks for a street address – but I only have a PO Box address registered with them [which is where they mail me information regarding my benefits], and it keeps telling me that the information does not match the records.
What do you suggest I do?
Jesse
Hi Jesse, Hmmm…it seems like they should show that address. I would double check the FAQ page about retirees, they’ve updated some of that since I wrote the original article, and I’ve heard contradictory things on deposits into foreign accounts.
Hi Adam, I have a question. I have dual US/Colombian citizenship, I came to Colombia to live with my dad back in 1998 and have not moved back to the US ever since. There’s a lot of stuff I’m unaware of regarding taxes, etc. since I was child when I came here and I haven’t really educated myself on the matter. I have a social security number and have never filed taxes because I was under the impression that I didn’t have to based on the sole fact that I’ve never earned any income in the US. Do you know if I would be eligible for the stimulus payment? If so, how do I go about receiving it? I don’t have a US bank account. I appreciate any hekp you can provide, thanks in advance!
Hi Chris. So, the guidance says if you have a work eligible SS # you are eligible. I am not 100% sure what work eligible means beyond age but my inclination would be yes you would be eligible, but if you have never filed taxes, the IRS I guess likely doesn’t know you exist. You most likely don’t have any tax obligations but (with the caveat I am not an expert), you may still need to file and take the foreign earned income deduction (as long as you don’t make over 106k, you don’t actually have to pay any taxes). I would play around reading on the IRS site, and if you do in fact have a filing obligation, I would go ahead and file for 2019 late.
Great news!! I have finally received my EIP!!
Thanks to Adam, Mark and all others who have left helpful comments.
Since I have received so much help from this palace, I wanted to share my experience really quick for those who might need some tips.
As many people did, “Get my payment” portal showed me that the check was sent on May 1st. however, I have waited till the 9 month patients period, and called the IRS on July 17th. At that time, Mark advised me to ask for “check return” first, since Korea did not had a mailing issue.
The IRS told me that they have not received my check, but they do have the correct address. They asked me if I wanted to go ahead and put a trace on it, but I decided to wait for few more weeks. (I have waited for more than 10 weeks, why not few more? :b)
So, after about an month, GMP portal showed up an new message saying that they need my bank information. Since, I don’t have an US bank account, I asked my brother if he could receive my EIP and transfer it later to my korean bank account.(on this I have read a previous comment that receiving EIP through sibiling’s bank account has actually happened) Thankfully he allowed me to do that, and I enterd my brother’s bank account on August 13th,
The GMP might have shown different message for 1 or 2 weeks (I can’t remember what it said :() and went back to the same old message “May 1st.”
At this time, I was tired of checking GMP every week, so I tried to forget about it and check less often.
And then on the 2nd week of September, GMP has finally changed to “scheduled payment to be deposited on September 10th.”
I wasn’t sure if I would “actually” receive my payment, since there were some group of people who hasn’t received their’s on the August.
I asked my brother to check his bank account, he confirmed me that he has finally received my EIP.
It has took me about 4 months.
I hope everyone get their check soon and best of luck!
Hey, great news April! I hope mine is shortly behind yours! And thanks for sharing, it’s good for me I know and I think many others finding out others are experiencing similar.
Hi April. I’m so glad you finally received the EIP! Hopefully, IF there’s a second payment, it will go a lot faster for you. Stay Safe, and Take Care.
Hmmm mine is a different story,after a long saga I finally got my payment date scheduled to August 28th.IRS was supposed mail the check.Today ie. Sep 29 th I received a letter signed by the President and NOT a check.I don’t know whether I ever I get my check.I want to know if it has happened to anyone who has received the letter first and then the check and whose payment date is scheduled to August 28th.
I, too, had scheduled payment date of August 28th. In fact first I had DD date of 19th August which was changed to check date of August 28th. Original date April 24th. Never received anything. So, I put a trace. Within a week GMP allowed me to enter DD information. Misleading I guess.
On 24th September I received the letter signed by the President (notice 1444) dated 19th August. It stated that the money has been deposited to my account. This was not true. Today (29th September) I received one more letter (notice 1444) claiming that check has been mailed on 28th August. Not yet received any payment!!
Hi AJ, I am from Karnataka, just like you I got the 2 letters dated 19th and 28th of August.whatever you have written it is rinse and repeat for me too.please let us know when you receive the check. Thanks.
Binita, which part of India are you in? I am in Mumbai.
Hi Binita, this is just a pure guess here. Is it possible that the letter you received was in regards to the Original Check (which you have not received)? I never received a Trump letter, so I don’t know if they have a date on them. What is the date on the envelope (US POSTAL STAMP)? Have you contacted the US Embassy, and asked if EIP checks are being mailed by them? That’s how I eventually got mine (through Registered Mail), and THAT took 2 months! The GMP still shows a scheduled mailing date of 28 August 2020. I cashed my Original Check, August 31. Best of luck, and stay safe.
Marc,my first check was never posted because by then IRS was aware of the fact that there is mail suspension in India.when I spoke to IRS guys,they told me all this.mine was scheduled on May 8 th and they got the check back on May 18th.They never revealed this in the beginning,they simply made me wait for 6 weeks and put a trace .Now when I called them back they are revealing all this information.well I am not as lucky as you , hmmm let’s see when I get my check.Btw the two letters I got are dated August 19th and August 28th.
Hi Binita 🤓. It sounds like you had better luck communicating your concerns with the IRS, than I did. You might recall my posted frustrating experiences. I was lied to multiple times. They even told me my check was returned to them. It seems to me, since you received the letter(s) the check can’t be far behind. As I’ve said, it turned out the US Embassy was the hold up for me. Hope you get it soon. 🤓😷
Hi, I will hopefully get some advice here because I’m running out of time at this point. I’m unable to sign in to the IRS after I created my account. I thought it might have something to do with my foreign IP but I see many people having successfully done it from abroad, I’m wondering what could possibly be the problem here? anybody knows?
Hi Marcela 🤓. I’m not sure what you mean by “signing in to the IRS”. Did you mean the Get My Payment application (GMP) or the IRS filing portal? 🤓😷
Hi Marc,
The US Postal Stamps are just barcodes. I can not read them. There is no old fashioned mailing stamps. The dates I mentioned are from letters (notice 1444). But, obviously they are from second payment. First letter, dated 19th, states the money has been direct deposited. And that was the date given by GMP for DD. Then the GMP changed the message on 20th or 21st saying check will be mailed on 28th August. That is the date on the second letter!! And it states check has been mailed.
Marc, here is the weirdest thing – I received the original check dated April 24th today. Registered mail sent from India. By American Citizen Services here in India. The franking date of ACS is 20th August. The main post office (GPO) which is the collection center has receiving stamped date of 22nd September. And the local post office date is 30th September. I have no idea what is going on.
Are you sure that I can deposit this original check? I do not want to unnecessarily pay ‘bounced check’ charges. They are hefty for international checks. Or maybe I should wait. Since things are moving now, maybe I will get the second/rescheduled check in a week or two. I am confused. ;-(
Thanks for all your help though – thanks to everyone contributing here. That helps to keep the spirit and hopes up.
Hi Aj🤓. I felt the Exact Way you do now Regarding Depositing the Check. I called the EIP Hotline AFTER HOLDING IT FOR 2 WEEKS. I made sure I got the IRS guy’s name and Employee ID Number. I had No Problem with the check at all. Cash it, as long as it Belongs to you. 🤓😷
AJ,have you received your latest check?Did you deposit the one you received it?Neither I have received the old one nor new one.
Hi AJ and Binita 🤓 (and All): I’ve posted a few times here about Finally Receiving my EIP CHECK by REGISTERED MAIL from the US Embassy Manila. I too had a Trace, Allowed to Enter Bank Account information on the GMP, and was given a DD date (19 August, that never happened). A few days later, the GMP changed to a New Scheduled Mail Date for 28 August. I had received the Original Check (08 May) on 14 August. I thought it was no good anymore, because an IRS Employee told me (back in July) that a Trace Cancelled the Original Check. That information apparently was NOT TRUE. On August 31, I called the EIP Hotline. I spoke to another IRS Employee (not a “general information representative”), and I confirmed (3x) explaining my detailed experience with the GMP, etc. I was told : “As long as the check belonged to me, I Can Cash it”. BTW, the GMP still shows that I am scheduled to be mailed a check on 28 August. If I do eventually Receive A REISSUED CHECK, I will “Void” and Return it to the IRS. IF Congress approves another EIP Payment (Stimulus Check), hopefully they [IRS] will use Direct Deposit, now that they have my Bank Account information. I encourage anyone else who is in the same situation that I described, to simply call the IRS and verify that YOU CAN CASH YOUR CHECK. I hope this helps. Stay Safe and Good Luck! 🤓😷
Update… finally on October 5 th I received my check from IRS. My is check is dated 28 th August and it was sent by American citizen services from Chennai ,thru register post.I heartily thank everyone in this forum for helping me get my check. Thank you Adam for creating this website and helping us. Marc ,AJ, Steven,I really appreciate all your help.
Thanks,
Binita.
Hi Binita. Great news. I’m glad you finally got it!
Great news 🤓 Binita! Stay Safe and Take Care 😷
Congratulations Binita!! Great news. My hopes are up now – maybe I, too, will get it soon………….
Hi AJ 🤓. I was under the impression that you already have received the Original Check. I understand if you believe that you can’t cash it, but I (and another who have commented here) have already Deposited the Original Check. It’s understandable that you choose to wait for the Reissued Check, as I’ve said before another option is to call the IRS and verify that you can deposit your check. 🤓😷
Hi Marc & Binita,
I do understand what you both are saying; and you have posted earlier. I just thought of waiting for two more weeks. Yesterday I have written an email to American Citizens Services here in Mumbai asking them to confirm if they have received checks & the timeline to mail them. No response from them yet – I’m planning to call them tomorrow.
While putting a trace I had talked to the IRS official extensively. I had requested for a DD as I do have an account in USA. In fact, I file tax returns every year by mid-February although I need not file based on the income threshold criteria. Even this year I had filed by 15th February. The IRS official categorically stated that unless they receive the first check back, DD will never happen. If they receive the check, they will give an opportunity for DD. I thought either they received back my first check OR she mislead me when I got the opportunity to enter bank account information for DD. Both the guesses turned to be wrong. IRS official was absolutely right. I received the first check tooooooo late. And they did not do the DD!! Someone in the posts above has mentioned to have received DD. And in that case IRS did receive the check back. I’ll find the name of the poster and add later here.
So I am sure there is a second check mailed by the IRS. Based on posts from people from other countries like Australia, NZ etc. IRS mailed it in advance. People have received it on the 27th and 28th August when scheduled mailing date was 28th August!! Same like in my & Binita’s case. Now I am sure the whole delay is at the local consulate. Even when the international mail was suspended, the consular mail is obviously never stopped. The logjam, in my humble opinion, is at the local embassies/consulates. All the US consulate offices here in India are still saying only emergency essential services are on with minimal staff. All other services are suspended.
Marc & Binita, I could be wrong but two weeks after waiting this long is tolerable. Hoping to get it soon. Even my regular postman knows I am waiting for the registered mail !! For last one month he has been telling me everyday that there is nothing for me. 😉 May be soon he will be happy to deliver it…………
Thanks everyone. And stay safe.
AJ my original check returned to them ( may 8 th was scheduled and returned to IRS on May 18) so they sent me the new check dated August 28th.if you see others in this forum they have received the original check not the new one.I strongly feel you should call IRS and deposit your check.AS Marc said he never received the new check and deposited his original check itself.
Marc. FYI. Took four weeks for deposited check to clear in Australia. Bank fee was AU$15. There may yet be another check if the US Senate wakes up to the coming election.
That’s great news Stephen 🤓. Stay Safe and Take Care 🤓😷
Hi Adam,
Thanks for creating this platform as it has been a life saver! I live overseas in India and have spent last 3 months calling IRS and getting my EIP. I didn’t have any refunds in the last years nor did IRS have my DD information. My issues were/are:
1. I was unable to enter the online “Get My Payment” system in the 1st place. Some of the addresses in India are very long and after multiple calls and speaking to the agents who could access my records told me that the address in the system was incomplete. Apparently the 1st check was mailed sometime end of May which I never received (which was expected due incomplete address and the lockdown), nor did I receive any letter from IRS nor was the check sent back to IRS.
2. Sometime in August I sent the Form 3911 by fax and by registered post with the complete address and bank information. After waiting for 6 weeks and calling in between and getting different information every time I was told the address including the street, building name and apartment number has to fit within 35 characters or else the system truncates all characters beyond 35 which I thought was strange and all these years of living overseas I had no idea.
Is anyone else in this situation?
3. Finally 2 weeks ago, although the 3911 form was shown not to be processed, a very helpful agent and I managed to abbreviate the address into 35 characters and he initiated a trace.
4. Today, I was finally able access the “Get My Payment” system with the updated (35 character) address. There was a message that the check is scheduled to be mailed on Oct. 9 but it also allowed me to enter the bank information which was successfully validated using my 2018 AGI (not 2019 which was a surprise). I logged in again to see if there is a change in the status and this time I still read that the check is scheduled to be mailed on Oct. 9.
5. I called IRS and was told although I was able to input the DD information there is no way to change the payment mode from check to DD as the system takes the information that was on file until May. I told the agent that I have read on the forums that people are able to update their bank information post May and be able to receive the money through DD. The agent after checking with his supervisor came back with the response that the check will be mailed on Oct. 9, there is no way to change the payment mode or stop the check and that I must now wait 9 weeks before I call IRS. After 9 weeks if I still don’t receive the check then I need to claim the EIP as a refund on the 2020 returns.
I am surprised as after reading above it looks people were either able to receive the check eventually or were able to change the payment mode to DD. Would you or anyone else have any suggestions here? That would be very helpful. Thanks so much!!
Best – Jyothi
Just to clarify I do have a US bank account and that’s the information I had entered on the 3911 form and the online system.
Jyothi,
In my opinion, if IRS has given you 9th October as the date then it is already on it’s way. Wait for another 3 or 4 weeks and then write/call American Citizens Services in the consulate under whose jurisdiction you are residing. Like Binita resides in Karnataka which is under US Consulate in Hyderabad; I live in Mumbai and obviously have to deal with the consulate in Mumbai. You can find the information at in.usembassy.gov
If your US bank account has an App then you can deposit the check using the app. My account is with BofA. I downloaded there app and deposited the check. They gave me full credit in couple of hours!! I’m sure most US banks will do that for IRS checks.
Good luck to you. Stay Safe.
Thanks AJ! I live in Mumbai too and can use the app to deposit the check. Will wait as suggested and check with both IRS to confirm if the check was indeed mailed and with ACS if they have received it. Looks like there is some hope that the efforts will pay off 🙂
Did you have the same issue with the address? While in my 1040 I always write the complete address I didn’t know about this limitation. It may not always be possible to squeeze it into 35 characters and wonder if IRS wants to contact for any reason in normal times how would they do that.
Jyothi,
Indian Address has always been an issue in Software Systems everywhere. Including in India. I have been filing my US tax returns from India since 2007. So I had ironed out the issues to FIT it within the system. Additionally, I used the old names which the regular postal delivery folks are aware of. If I used the new names of road, area etc. it can be a problem. My current complete mailing address, as it should be, doesn’t fit BEST electricity billing system as well as MTNL phone billing system – my new neighbor faced this problem in December. They had to get smart to FIT the address. 😉
The limitation is in electronic filing and data storage. I knew because I used an accountant first couple of years for electronic filing. Didn’t know how to go about filing non-resident taxes. Learned within those two years and FIT the address to sensible way.
Hi Jyothi,
So I was able to enter my DD info a few days after I called and initiated a trace. When signing in it says my payment will be made by DD, we will updated this page when we have the date….it has said that since late July. So it’s looking more and more like I will have to claim it as a refund on the 2020 file as well. I guess you could try calling again (I should probably do so as well).
Hi Adam,
Have you call your local consulate to verify if they have the original check? Like as soon as I sent the email, they mailed the check very next day. Once I received it, I sent them acknowledgement. To that they responded immediately within an hour. Thanked me for notifying them.
I really believe local mailing is the huge bottleneck. In some of the posts above from people in Australia/NZ, they have received check before or on the scheduled mailing date. Or within 2/3 days. From local consulate!!
I sincerely hope and pray you get your payment at the earliest. Good luck!! Take care. Stay safe.
Hi AJ. I will have to try this week. Thanks again for the tip!
The Perth Consulate say they cannot help with the EIP. I’m guessing all I can do now is dig in and call the IRS. Not looking forward to that..argh
Hi Adam, in 3 months I called IRS 6 times. Perhaps every 2-3 weeks to make sure that the information they shared earlier was consistent which wasn’t but got lucky with one agent who finally helped. Had I waited their recommended period there wouldn’t have been any progress. So would highly recommend calling them again and speak to the agent who can access your records and as suggested by AJ to contact your consulate.
Good to know Jyothi. Thanks for sharing your entire experience!
3.5 Months after I should just ask for a check trace I think. It was sent to Albania on June 18th, something the IRS confirmed. The US Embassy said that they have not gotten any checks for expats.
Hi Ardiii 🤓. Well, I think at this point requesting a Trace probably wouldn’t hurt you. Of course, there is a slight chance that your (original) check will find you 😀. Either way, you would be able to cash 1 of those checks. That’s what happened to me. I’m still waiting for a Reissued Check (sent on August 28, according to the IRS GMP). If I receive a Reissued Check, I will not date cash it. 🤓😷
I have finally received the check today!!!! The second check dated 28th August 2020. As mentioned in my earlier post yesterday (not yet posted here – I guess waiting for approval), I wrote to ACS on 7th October. No email response yet. But, the check was mailed yesterday (8th October is the franking stamp date).
I would like to thank Adam, Marc, Stephen, Binita and, frankly, everyone who has contributed here. I do appreciate the valuable advice posted here.
I have slowly started putting the pieces together to solve this mystery of delay in the mail. My memory is not too strong now. Otherwise I would have recognized one of the reasons for the delay and posted here earlier. Just to sooth the nerves of folks patiently waiting for their payment. I have returned to India in 2006 and have been here since then. Does anyone remember the $300 check during the sub-prime crisis? At that time the consulate had called my home landline number to confirm the mailing address and left a message for me. To get in touch with them. The consulate in those days was nearby from where I lived – about half an hour by public transport. So I went their personally. They had already mailed the check as the address was confirmed. I happened to meet a very nice Consular Officer. Don’t remember the name. He spoke with me a lot jovially. During our conversation I asked him why was the check delivered at consulate when it had my address !! Here is what he said – “IRS DOES NOT MAIL CHECKS DIRECTLY TO INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS OUTSIDE US TERRITORIES. IT IS SENT TO EMBASSY/CONSULATE IN WHOSE JURISDICTION THAT ADDRESS BELONGS TO.” From the consulate, it is sent by registered/certified mail. Don’t know if this is true or false. But, looking at everyone’s experience/posts, looks like valid to me.
As mentioned in my yesterday’s post, while I put a trace the IRS official had categorically stated no DD if the check is not returned back to them. During that conversation I told them about disruption of USPS mail services to India. The official avoided any direct answer but murmured that it doesn’t matter. So they know that the checks are sent through consular mail which is not part of regular commercial mail. Now I think that the local mailing is a big bottleneck. Now a days it is usually an “out sourced” department. In the old days visa was given on the same day of approval. Now that it is out sourced, it takes 4 to 7 days. With the pandemic all over the world, these out sourced processes may be taking a lot longer. Just my guess.
Thanks, again, everyone. Stay safe. And Adam I have gotten so addicted to this page I will be visiting it everyday to keep tabs on whats happening. And hoping to meet you one day – visiting Cartagena sounds tempting!!
Hey AJ. I’m glad you got it! And thanks for sharing this about the mail, I have a feeling it is affecting a number of us. I wonder if that bit about not doing DD unless they actually get the check back is why no date has appeared by for my DD yet? And, yes, I hope you can come visit Cartagena one day!
Hi AJ😀! Great News! I’m glad the (2nd) check finally got to you! Yes, for me the US Embassy /ACS seemed to be the hold-up in delivery. I do recall others that have posted here, Received a paper check without the Embassy involved. But, not something to be concerned about (now). I still haven’t received any mail since August (the day I received my check). That day, I received a handful of old bank account statements. Probably a local issue. Anyway, Stay Safe and Good Luck 🤓😷
Hi Everyone, im an expat in Medellin, Colombia. I received my stimulus check. but now is been impossible to cash the check. BANCOLOMBIA doesnt due it unless you have a “Cuenta Corriente” the check is less than 4 months old and it takes 2 month to clear funds. other banks are harder. I did try Paypal butI have a comlombian savings account which is not good enough for paypal. Can you please advise on what option I may have. I appreciate it.
Hi Jose. I also have Bancolombia and didn’t have any luck trying to cash a check (granted this was a personal one a few years ago). Paypal I also have not had any luck linking to a bank account here. I wonder if a larger international bank (Citbank?) may cash it for a fee? If you don’t have a US bank account, honeslty just waiting the 2 months for it to clear may be easiest.
And I dont have a us bank account.
Hi Jose 🤓. If you have a family member who is/was in US government or military, and has an active account with USAA or NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO OPEN an account with them. It might be worth looking into. 🤓😷
Hi Jyothi 🤓. You may have already read that 2 other people who have commented here have received their (paper) check from India, via American Citizen Services (US Embassy) through Registered Mail Delivery (or “post” as you refer to it). They received a Reissued Check fairly quickly (dated 28 August). Another good thing in your favor is that you were able to straighten out your address issues with the IRS. With that in mind maybe you could see your check late November 😀. Regarding the Direct Deposit (DD), that might also work in your favor IF A SECOND EIP Payment Actually Is passed by Congress. Hopefully all of your efforts will pay off in the near future. Stay Safe, Good Luck, and Take Care 😷🤓
Thanks Marc! Keeping fingers crossed, this has been quite an experience 🙂
**NOTICE:. NOV. 21, MIDNIGHT EASTERN (STANDARD TIME). * Clock rolls back 1 hour on Nov. 1st. DEADLINE TO REQUEST YOUR EIP (Stimulus Check); IF YOU DID NOT: File 2019 Tax Return; Get an Economic Impact Payment (EIP / Stimulus Check); Register for the EIP already. See link below:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions
🤓😷
Hi
My granddaughter was born in the USA and she is 13 years old, but she is living in Brazil. Is she eligible for Coronavirus Economic Stimulus?
Thank You
Campos
Hi, no I don’t believe she is old enough to qualify.
Jyothi and AJ
Well,after I got to know AJ has received his earlier check thru ACS, I sent the mail to them.
The response I got is below, mine comes under to Chennai embassy.
“Hello Binitha,
Thank you for contacting the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai. We are committed to supporting U.S. Citizens overseas.
Please rest assured that if any mail has been or is received, it will be sent out to you following due process. To determine your eligibility for tax return checks or COVID-19 economic stimulus payments distributed to qualified U.S. citizens, please contact the Internal Revenue Service or visit https://www.irs.gov/. Other than forwarding any mail that has been received, the U.S. Consulate General Chennai has no further role or involvement in this matter. Please
contact the IRS directly with any follow up questions.
We hope this information is helpful.
Regards, ”
BUT as AJ said immediately the very next day I got my check. I don’t know if it has got something to do with them or postal service.seriously this whole saga has been a rollacoaster ride. BTW congratulations AJ for getting your check, your wait didn’t go waste.
Hmm interesting.
Binitha,
Looks/Reads like a standard ‘no-comments’ response from them. 😉 The true response is getting the check!! I am not sure about Chennai but in Mumbai the mailing is definitely out-sourced. So, I believe, enquiring definitely works. It did for me in getting my second check. And it worked for you, too.
I contacted the Consulate in Perth, WA, and of course they have nothing to do with the stimulus check. I didn’t think they did. We actually haven’t gotten very much snail mail lately, and my husband and father-in-law both go through the catalogues (flyers) when they come. Those are put in the top of the mailbox, not inside it, so I doubt a check would be hiding in them.
Hello! Can you please help me with that? I did the direct deposit, however it is to my understanding that routing numbers are for US banks only, how did he get the direct deposit? Thank you
Hi Maria Jose, that is my understanding as well as that routing numbers are a US thing. Not sure, anyone else know about this?
Hi Adam. 🤓. Overseas banks use SWIFT Codes. Check with your local bank.
Hi Maria Jose🤓. If the Get My Payment (GMP) application orginally displayed “a scheduled Mailing Date”, then that is how you will receive the EIP Check. Even if the GMP is asking for your Bank Account information. From other comments here, some people that were able to receive Direct Deposit (DD), had a US Bank Account, or had an overseas Bank Account with Branches Located in the US. A “routing number” seems to be unique to the USA. Other countries use a SWIFT CODE (similar to a routing number, but longer digits and letters). Generally, the IRS CANNOT DD to a foreign bank account, except for a few exceptions (described above). If you have not received your check by mail yet, you might want to call the IRS EIP Hotline. You might also want to check with the US Embassy/American Citizen Services, and ask if they are Forwarding EIP Checks from the IRS to American Citizens. * That’s how I eventually Received my check (through Local Registered Mail). Good luck, and Stay Safe 🤓😷
I have not received my EIP. I live in Europe now. I was not succesful calling IRS many times.
On October 9, I faxed (through fax.pdf24.org) a form 931, requesting the help of the Taxpayer Advocate Service. (IRS website says fax it to a code 304 number, but Puerto Rico deals with US citizens abroad)
On October 21, somebody called from Puerto Rico. He had very heavy Spanish accent and said he was from the Advocate Service. He gave me his IRS employee number, a TAS case number. He sent me an e-mail containing only his name, phone number. But the email had the legitimate form name@irs.gov.
On the telephone he asked me to send him a photocopy of my social security card, passport & my 2019 paper tax return “with my signature” in order to help me. So I sent him everything at name@irs.gov, in 4 pdf files on October 26!! (He has now my SS#, DOB, passport #, even my US bank wiring & account number on the return!)
He called me from the Puerto Rico phone number acknowledging receiving the files, but did not acknowledge this fact in e-mail.
He still can be a legitimate IRS Taxpayer Advocate employee, but I have great fears.
How can I find out whether the guy is really a/the IRS employee?
Hi Lala. Hmm, honestly I’m not sure. Do you have his name and IRS employee number written down? You could try calling and seeing if they can verify? It has only been 2 days so maybe he is in fact legit, I honestly don’t know enough about the tax advocacy services to say if those are red flags or not. If you are unable to verity and/or he doesn’t write you back, it may be worth looking into with your bank if they offer a free credit rating tracker or something like that just to be extra sure there’s not identity theft. I hope you are able to get it sorted one way or another. Best, Adam
Hi lala🤓. If I were in your shoes, I would call the Stateside TAS, where you previously lived. Regarding calling the EIP Hotline, I have always used Skype to call (and it’s free, from anywhere in the world). All summer long I used Skype, with only 9 cents in my account. I’ve added a link below for you to search for the TAS in the US state (for contact information). You’ve probably already visited this site (Link Below). Hope it helps, you still have plenty of time November 21 is the Deadline for registering for the EIP. Good Luck, and Stay Safe 🤓😷
https://taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/news/nta-blog-tas-to-assist-correcting-eip-amounts-for-limited-groups-of-taxpayers#mobile-nav
I forgot to mention, that you may want to call or email your local US Embassy (or consulate) American Citizen Services (ACS) and see if they have your EIP CHECK. That’s what happened to me and others who have commented here. 🤓😷
I’m an expat living in Colombia. I was just able to successfully login to “get my payment” (Nov 23, 2020) and enter my bank account information for electronic transfer. The system response: “your payment will be direct deposited…” There was not a date associated with the payment. Previously, when I logged in my status was “check has been mailed.” FYI – For several months I was rejected from being able to login in after I filed my 2019 returns and I couldn’t figure out why. Earlier this year I logged in several times with the exact address I used for my 2018 return. For my 2019 return used a slightly different format for my address. The 2019 form address wrote over my 2018 address for the get my payment login. If you’re having trouble logging in try copying and paste your address from your most recent tax filing.
Hey GB. Thanks for sharing, and nice to see someone else in Colombia! I too couldn’t get in to put in my bank account info for months, finally was able to in late July, but still have not actually received the payment. System says it will be direct deposited in to bank account xxxx…and will update with the date. Has never updated. I also found that when it did let me put in my bank account info, I had to put in the AGI from my 2018 return. I actually paper filed my return for 2019 via mail while visiting the states in early March, so I don’t know, maybe they still haven’t actually processed all 2019 returns?
Greetings Expats, I finally received my stimulus payment and thought I’d post my ordeal just in case there is someone out there who hasn’t received their payment and is losing hope. Remember, it is an advance on 2020 so if all else fails you can claim it when you file in 2021.
My original date was May 15th, received the trump letter a little over a month later. I let around 12 weeks pass before I called and put on a trace. The portal changed roughly 10 days later to a new mail date, Sept 11th. Nothing came again, no letter, no checks and sometime in November the portal changed to need more info and I was able to put a direct deposit USA bank account in the system. The portal then said when we have a payment date it will be direct deposited and stayed that way until I called the IRS.
When I called I was told my 2nd check was returned, but even though the system said direct deposit, there was no way for them to change payment method from check to dd. I told them to reissue it anyway, hoping the system would trigger a direct deposit when the date came. I received a new date of a direct deposit of Dec 2nd, the deposit actually came in on Nov 27th. So now my journey is at an end and I’d just like to thank all of you who posted here, as the info I gathered was very helpful in figuring things out as to what I should do. I still don’t know why the check never came to the country I’m in, next year I’ll just file with a USA address to keep things simpler.
Hey Gerard. Glad to hear it! And glad to hear the page helped, thanks again to you and everyone else who shared.
Finally received my check and deposited using my bank’s App. Couple of interesting things happened:
1. This is apparently the 2nd check that was sent on Oct. 9th after I got my address fixed within 35 chars and a trace was put on the 1st check of which I have no clue what happened
2. I received the president’s letter (notice 1444) dated Oct. 9th a month later on Nov. 9th DIRECTLY from IRS and not from ACS.
3. However, in parallel, I had written to ACS asking about the check and they did acknowledge that they are sending checks on behalf of IRS.
4. After waiting for 3 weeks for the check I wrote to ACS last week asking about the check again and on Nov. 2nd I got a call from them asking me to personally pick up the check. I was surprised at this but they told me that the rules have changed and now they are asking people to come personally. Since I live closeby I went but I can’t imagine how this could be true.
5. I went today and picked up the check. Another officer from inside came to speak to me and told me that this has been quite a task for them to send out checks on behalf of IRS given the large number of American citizens living here, many checks were undelivered and they had to call some of them to verify the address or ask them to pick up the check. The officer also suggested that everyone should update IRS with the direct deposit information at godirect.gov. This came as a surprise to me as I was aware of this and even IRS didn’t suggest the same. Any idea of this website?
I did tell the officer of the efforts I put for the last 3 months and how IRS never gave proper information. I suggested they write to IRS which they have apparently but there has been no action. The officer was very nice but also sounded quite tired of this EIP check delivery process.
Anyways, glad that this has come to a conclusion. Thank you so much Adam for this blog and others who pitched in with information on how to proceed. Super helpful! Please do let me know what you think/know of godirect.gov and if that is a solution for IRS to get the updated bank information.
Hey, excellent news! No I had not heard of that website either. I’m still waiting with Get My Payment saying it will update with my date. I am going to take a look at it today. So many thanks for sharing and I’m glad the page was helpful!
I just checked….that website is to update for SS and other federal benefits but not IRS. My GMP still shows the check is scheduled to be mailed on Oct
9th so yours may also not be showing updated information. Did you check with your local consulate or call IRS to put a trace and issue a new check?
I tried emailing consulate and never heard back, also tried calling ot do the trace twice, last time they claimed they had no record of the last and said I had to do it by mail or fax. Not sure if the like online scan and fax thing I’ve used has gone through. At this point, I’m probably just planning to claim it when I do my return next year and keep my finger’s crossed if they do any more it will just come direct.
Regarding signing over the check to another person in the US … I have accounts in two banks in Belgium, but both no longer accept checks. My cousin in the US checked with her bank about me signing over the check to her, and they said that would be fine. I signed it over to her and sent it in the mail. Then when she took it to the bank, they refused it. So she mailed it back to me in Belgium. Hard to believe this is 2020, and this is how we have to deal with this. I have now found a Belgian bank that does accept checks and so will have to open up a third account there. Fun.
Yea, for some reason these things are harder than they should be
Hi, how are you? I am a USA citizen and not been filing my income tax for years since I been living here in Brazil I haven’t been up to date with my IRS I HAVEN’T DONE MY INCOME TAXES MY TAXES for 10 years can I receive the COVID-19 economic stimulus check???
Hi Maria, you may be able to receive it, but you will have to file. Even living abroad you most likely are required to file even you dont owe anything. I would look into it (I have another post on the foreign earned income exclusion, its easy to do) and file at least for the coming year.
Try contacting your US Congressman or Senator. That’s what I did, and his staff is onto the IRS about it. Maybe I’ll get both at once *sigh*
Fingers crossed!
I contacted Capital One just yesterday and was told they do not open bank accounts online for Americans living abroad…Do let me know if I’m missing something or if the information given to me isn’t accurate.
I received my first stimulus check in November (yes, it took THAT long) and I’m still waiting for it to clear with my bank. I really don’t want to receive another check. It’s such a pain to submit to the bank and takes forever to clear plus fees and dealing with a terrible exchange rate.
You mention someone was able to get their payment sent to another person’s bank account. I asked the IRS and was told that payments in your name, sent to someone else, usually bounce back to them and wouldn’t be accepted in the recipient’s bank account, so I haven’t tried this option…
I’ve been trying to open a U.S. bank account but have so far been told no by every bank I’ve asked. The one exception has been Ally but I couldn’t sign up online for some reason (they seem to be blocking certain countries, I’m based in Africa). And I was told I shouldn’t use VPN as that triggers security checks.
I know about SDFCU, but I’m not interested in ACA membership.
It’s just insane how the U.S. government forces those of us abroad to file and, in some cases, pay taxes in a country we don’t live in (I’m self-employed so I actually send the IRS thousands each year) and we can’t open US bank accounts to pay these taxes or receive payments we desperately need in these super trying times.
This guide has been super helpful though, so thank you so much for your work! 🙂
You have to have a US mailing address
Hi Roxy,
I know it’s been a struggle to get payments from the IRS. Can’t speak for anyone else, but when my check never made it to me in the U.K. the options on the website asked me for more information. That included a back account number. I asked my sister living in the states if she could help, and I could put in the routing and bank number. Which she agreed to. Her last name had changed two years before as she got married. The site did not ask for a name just bank details. She had the money in her account 15 days later. Sent it to me by PayPal. I’m hoping that the IRS will use it again. Will let you guys know when the time comes. Take care!
Hi Roxy, sorry for some reason I could only see part of your comment above. Yes, it’s frustrating and in my opinion an overcomplicated system
Hi Adam,
New stimulus plan has been accepted. Do you have any extra information how to get it? Is there a way to put bank info instead of mail or we will do the same procedure as we did it before?
Hey, I have actually been traveling the last couple weeks and neee to sit down and update this once I get back.
Food for thought:__ The people that are SO concerned about our children inheriting a debt .. really are voting to double student loans .. ??!! .. Doesn’t make sense .. ~
Update,
That was quick, my sister got hers, and mine ant the same time. $600
Hope it comes though fast you you guys as well. Take care, stay safe!
Hi Marv,
I was just curious, did you entered your sister’s bank account when it asked for more information on GMP last time? and received your 2nd EIP the same time your sister received it?
Hi April,
Yes. Exactly.
I have an American friend living overseas who has not filed any US tax returns for a number of years. He works for a local computer company and is paid in cash. Basically he has been living on a low wage and would not owe any US taxes.
After talking with him, I found out he never filed for the first stimulus payment which he was entitled to as he is to the second stimulus. So now I am trying to find out what he has to do to get both payments.
If anyone has any advice on the steps he needs to take I would greatly appreciate it. He’s a hard worker down on his luck and I try to help him out from time to time. The $1800 would definitely go a long way for him.
Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions.
Hi Jim, it may be worth double checking the requirement to file as even if you don’t owe you may need to file, although there is an amount under which you don’t have to file. So, he is best off either filing late, or filling out the non-filers form, and he should get them at some point. Worst case, he should be sure to file next year and get it.
Hi Jim 🤓. I too was in a similar situation as your friend, regarding NOT FILING IN 2018 or 2019, which is a Requirement for the 1st Stimulus Check. In March, (2020) I filed Electronically (free) for 2019. I finally received a paper check in Mid August. I have a US Bank account which allowed me to deposit the check online via the Bank’s App. For THIS SECOND PAYMENT, your friend MIGHT NEED TO FILE FOR 2019, IF he is unable to use the Non Filers Tool. He would have to file with a Paper Return, for 2018 and 2019. * I had to use FEDEX TO FILE MY 2018 INCOME TAX RETURN. Your friend MIGHT NEED to invest a little time online to gather the information/forms to print. More information is available on IRS. Gov FAQS.
Hi Jim, he may be able to E-file a federal return for 2020 and there will be a section asking did you receive a stimulus payment for the first round of checks, then will ask about second one. FreeTaxUSA is one such e-file company and i believe it’s free
Hi Mel, ok, this is a good thing to know that it will show up on forms.
What happened to my post?
Hi Jim, sorry, I approve comments manually, so sometimes it take a bit until I get a chance to log on and approve them. You’d be surprised the number of weird stuff that comes through, everything from Viagra to plumbing to roofing. Hope your friend is able to get the payments! Best regards, Adam
I’m still waiting on my first one! I need to email my Congressman’s staff … AGAIN *SIGH*
I hear ya totally….I finally got the first one in my account while traveling on Dec. 15…at least in worst case scenario, you will get a nice bonus when you file taxes next year. Still, hope you get it sooner, especially if you need it!
Hi Adam and All 🤓! Happy New Year! Well, here we go again! The Get My Payment (GMP) APPLICATION is ONLINE. It seems (for me) I will get yet another Paper Check, probably in 3 months here in the Philippines, through Registered Mail, through the US Embassy. ** 1 to 3 weeks to reach the PH, and another 2 Months from the US Embassy. I will not be calling the IRS, so there’s that. 🤓😷 Stay Safe
Haha, so it is, just finished trying my best to update this to help us all get the 2nd. Hopefully, it goes a bit smoother, but maybe that’s just wishful thinking. Best regards and Happy New Year Marc!
Congratulations Adam🤓! Happy to hear that you finally got your payment via Direct Deposit! Even though I updated my bank account on the GMP last summer, they are going to send me a paper check again. 🤓😷
Haha, my wife and were traveling and I didn’t even know it until a few weeks later. Glad to have finally gotten it though!
That’s great News Adam. Glad to ear you finally got your 1st check! Hopefully the next ones come quickly for you.
Hey, yes, as a matter of fact it came almost right away. Now, wonder if there will be a 3rd?
Hi Marc,
Same here inspite of updating the direct deposit information they are mailing the new check
Hi Binita 🤓. I think maybe they were too busy to get the money out in a hurry, and took the path of least resistance. For me, maybe in April. Hope it goes quickly for you. Stay Safe 🤓😷
Hi Binita,
That’s surprising! The 2nd payment for me was a DD and it was done on Jan. 4th. Even the GMP shows that it was DD on Jan. 4th and mentions the last 4 digits of my account no. Infact until today I didn’t even know about 2nd payment amd just checked GMP and my bank the money is already there and with no hassles!! I hope you get yours soon.
Best – Jyothi
Tip: IF YOU RECEIVED THE “TRUMP LETTER” (IRS FORM 1444) and NO PAYMENT IN 2021, DON’T THROW IT AWAY! You will need it to Claim this Filing Season. 🤓😷
Is there anyone that filed a paper return and has gotten the second payment? My paper return was received (whether it was processed is a different story). But according to the portal, “ Payment #2 Status – Not Available”. I’m curious to know if I’m the only one in this boat and if it’s possible information will be updated before the 15th.
I filed by paper, and got the 2nd payment on the 4th. Hope it comes soon! Did you get the first one?
That’s good news. I got the first one in September. I hope this second one comes before the 15th.
Consider taking a look at your IRS Transcript. It MIGHT answer what’s going on with your payment. Here’s the link:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
🤓😷
I’m an English teacher in Vietnam. Last stimulus came through for me via a friend’s bank electronically. THIS time that account closed, and we can’t update info for a different acct. I know there’s no chance I will see a paper check here in Vietnam, so can I file a 2020 return and claim the second stimulus using the new acct number? Thanks and Hi everyone…Happy 2021
Hi Mel, you should be able to do that.
Hi Mel🤓. I’m in the Philippines. Just curious, why you think you have No Chance of receiving a check by mail. I agree with Adam, regarding claiming the payment on your next Income tax return, however, You Might Need To Provide a mailed copy of the letter (form 1444) that the IRS will SEND BY MAIL, Regarding the Second Stimulus Check (or Deposit). It seems it would be worth your effort to make sure you have a good mailing address on file with the IRS. I posted today suggesting to another checking your Transcript online, and you might see exactly what the IRS has on file about you. Last Year, I received 2 paper checks in the mail (it took 3 months each check, in the PH).
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
🤓😷
Thanks for that Marc
Thanks Adam, I just now heard IRS may be updating their Get My Payment tool to address this, and similar issues.
That’s good to hear, I hope you’re able to sort it and get a new account entered.
Any other expats having stimulus sent through a friend’s account? Any issues with that?
Hi All,
I live overseas
Info: my second $600 check has been mailed. I checked on IRS webpage: “We scheduled your payment to be mailed on January 6, 2021 to the address we have on file for you.”
How on earth did you get that thing to work? It always tells me there are technical issues or it’s not available! Grrrr
My first payment took about 2 months to be put up on Get My Payment. I can see it’s still an issue the 2nd time around as well.
My first one never has. I have my Congressman on it. Hopefully they can fix it after the inauguration *sigh*
Unbelievable! I just got an email from my Congressman’s office. The IRS claimed they didn’t have my correct address. Gee, didn’t Social Security give them that with my infomation? Idiots! I don’t believe it for a moment, and now I have to wait for the 1044 to file for the credit!
Hah, you’d think maybe government agencies might work together? I’m glad you were able to get it sorted though Pamm. I hope you’re able to get it soon!
It gets better. They claimed they tried to call. My Congressman’s staff had sent me an email with phone numbers ending in 4 numbers that the IRS would use to say they called. Nup. Neither my phone or my husband’s had it. The IRS is going to find out it’s not nice to try to CYA with me, I’m taking it up high as I can!
Gosh. Definitely do it! They did not handle the process well. It should be easier in 2020, now 2021
Hey expats. As soon as I heard of the second payments I thought immediately of this wonderful thread which I spent many days reading during the confusion of the first checks 🙂
Anyway, my check #2 update is that the IRS website shows check status as processed on Jan 6. It took several months for me to get anything from the IRS site the first time around so that is a good sign. It worked on my first attempt. No paper check received yet but eventually it will arrive…I think the first time around it was received around 6 weeks after the IRS processed date.
Talk to y’all again for stimulus round 3 🙂
Hi Larkinn…so glad to hear it has been helpful! Hope you get the check soon (and yes hopefully a 3rd on the way soon too!)
Still waiting for my 2nd payment here in Germany…
I heard about the “Get my payment” website and used it for the first time last week. It was interesting as it also contained info on the first $1200 check, saying: “We scheduled your payment to be mailed on August 27, 2020 to the address we have on file for you.” The check arrived 1 week later, which was great (Sorry to all you with the horror stories of waiting months!). It also stated “We will mail you a letter with additional information on this payment.” This letter (from the white house), came like a week later.
For the 2nd payment: “We scheduled your payment to be mailed on January 6, 2021 to the address we have on file for you.” It is over 2 weeks now and no check as of today (Jan 21st). I also did not receive any “letter with additional info” yet.
What is dissatisfying to me is the term “We SCHEDULED your payment…” Well, lots of things are scheduled and, even before Corona, didn’t mean it actually happened. How can I see if the check was ACTUALLY sent? Should I call the IRS (someone posted an 0800 number here?). Or am I being impatient – I mean, the first one only took a week, why longer for the 2nd one?
By the way, I used TaxAct to file electronically for the first time. I had sent my 2019 as a paper return in March, knowing I needed to do so in order to be eligible for the EIP. Due to Corona, it never arrived in Houston/IRS for processing. The US post could not track it (since it was sent by Deutsche Post, and they could not track it either, other than “arrived at NY” a few days after sending it – it actually made it to Houston, I think but never to the IRS – lots of telephone calls to the USPS and IRS – on hold 45min to an hour to get basically no info…. which is why, before I try to call the IRS again, I’m wondering if anyone has some ideas – or others living in Germany or elsewhere in Europe if you got your second check already?
I suggest be patient. Your first check arrived pretty fast (very unusual for what I have red on forums). I am from Europe too… My first check arrived 1 month later after it was scheduled on get my payment website. Also still waiting for 2nd one.
Hi Paul, same here, waiting for my second check in Japan.
Received my first check somewhere in May.
Still waiting for the second check.
The Get My Payment website tells me :
“We scheduled your payment to be mailed on January 6, 2021 “.
My dad received his second paycheck last week( he got his first payment somewhere in December ).
He also lives in Japan and we live relatively close(30 – 45min. away).
I think I’ll wait a bit and see how things go.
Hi finally received mine.
Not sure why my dad received his first check so late(Dec. 2020) and second check so fast(Jan.20th, 2021).
I still haven’t received my first stimulus check even tho I filed non-filers form 2-3 months ago. I don’t have US bank account, so I put my foreign address to the file. On get my payment website it is written “Payment #1 Status – Not Available”. Funny thing is that I will probably get second check because for 2nd check it is written: “Payment #2 Status: We scheduled your payment to be mailed on January 6, 2021”.
Can anyone please help me… what should it do to get my first check…?
Hmm, that is weird. It seems like there are just some glitches in the rollout of that first payment. As I understand it though, you can claim it as a return when you file your taxes this year (again my understanding is even if you don’t have a tax burden or haven’t paid withholding, you can list it as a return). I hope you get it soon Felix!
I think at this point the only thing you can do is claim it on your next Income Tax Filing. 🧐😷
Hi again to this excellent forum. First of all: Adam, no one deerved that first (and secon) payment more than you, and I am very ver very chuiffed to hear you finally got your loot.
Second: Putting a placeholder here for Australians waiting on the second $600 check.
The magic date of January 6th mailout, according to the GMP, came up for me, too. It seems to be a genral catch=all date for so many people, and yes, I note the word”scheduled” .
If any Australians watching here (maybe Stephen, maybe Vic) should receive their payment, can youplease post here to advise?
Haha, I appreciate that Betsy. I hope that second one gets to you soon (and looking likely a third too).
Hi, I’m in the UK and my second check is dated with the January 6th mailout.
I’m on a UK forum with lots of people with physical checks showing on Get My Payment as ‘6th January’. No one on the forum received physical checks until today – today, FOUR people received checks in the UK.
So the physical checks are definitely on their way, I think it’s just a matter of being patient and waiting a few more days.
Fingers crossed they arrive soon Julia!
Hello all! I posted earlier in the year about the first check. It came rather quickly after the posted processing date on the IRS website here to Germany. I too have a processing date of January 6th and the second check has not yet arrived. As soon as it does, I will post here to give others living here and elsewhere an idea of where things stand.
Derek, where were you able to cash the check? I have Sparkasse and supposedly they no longer take Treasury checks. I have zero income so even letting Western Union take a chunk of it would still put me money ahead!
My stimulus check arrived today! And 11 people on the UK forum received theirs either yesterday or today.
Nice! Glad you all got it Julia!
Hi All, Thanks Adam. I got my first stimulus check by mail. But have not received my second. I can log in to the get my payment website with XXX-XX-XXXX and a carefully entered foreign address. My address has two lines, but I have to enter both on the same line with no comma between them. Also my postal code is entered with a space XXX XXXX
Unfortunately the message is the following (despite having filed 2019 taxes)
“Payment #2 Status – Not Available
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.
For more information about why you’re receiving this message, see our Frequently Asked Questions.
You can check the application again to see whether there has been an update to your information. Get My Payment data is updated once per day, so there’s no need to check back more often”
I hope they are ‘working on this’ but the message isn’t very reassuring.
I doubt the Recovery Rebate Credit will be of any use, so hopefully the check comes in (I included bank details on 2019 taxes)
thanks again
Hmm, I think mine said this too before I got the payment but I know that isn’t really very helpful. Maybe it will get there by mail. I hope so!
Hi, i am a US citizen too but my family moved to Turkey in 2000 when i was baby. So, now i am 22 years old and go to university and don’t work-earn money in Turkey. I don’t have US bank account as well. I have social security number. Is it possible to get that stimulus money for somebody like me?
Hi Safa. Hmm, I believe that yes you should be able to get it. But the IRS wouldn’t have your information if you have never filed. You would have to look and see if the non-filers tool is still available on the IRS website.
Hi, is there anyone from India whose payment date was scheduled for Jan 6 th and have received it by mail?
I know Jyothi received it by direct deposit how about AJ?I am still waiting for mine.This time also I am getting thru mail.
Hello fellow Australians. Pleased to report that the EIP cheque landed this morning. If anyoen from Oz is waiting, it shouldn’t be too long now ;-)))))))))))))))
Excellent Betsy!
And yess, I know I should shoot my proofreader. Apologies to Adam and all for my seriously defective typing in every post
Haha, no worries. It was all that excitement from finally getting the check!
Hi is there anyone from india who has received 2 nd stimulus check thru mail and whose mailing date was Jan 6th 2021.please let me know.
Hi Binita and everyone,
No I have not received my check yet. And the EMP date is 6th January 2021. Still waiting for it.
Thanks AJ ,I was waiting for your reply, please let us know if you get it.
Thanks
Binita/AJ,
I am also from India and eagerly waiting for the 2nd Stimulus Check. It was mailed on 6th Jan 2021 as per the IRS website. Please keep me updated.
Thanks guys keep us informed if u have any updates
Dear Safa my situation is same as you but I’m 37 years old:) please share your experience here!
Dear Felix,
when you fill non -fillers form? i can’t see it on IRS site?
what can i do now also i dont have US bank account!
hello dear,
non-filers tool is closed what can i do to register my information, im USA citizen but im livind abroad im not taxpayer in USA have no incoming from there i have never filed, please help me, what can i do for first and second economic stimulus???
There was a non-filers tool you could fill out. I’m not sure if you can do it now or if you would just need to file a normal 1040 and claim the payments for this year.
Hi everyone,
I live in Taiwan and received my first check about 4 weeks after it was mailed. The status for the second check also says it was scheduled to go out on Jan 6, but it’s already Feb 18, and I still have not received it yet.
My question is do I need to call IRS and put a trace or I can just claim it as tax credit when I file my 2020 tax return? Should I wait until the end of Feb to put a trace? Thank you.
Hmm, it might not be a bad idea to call and fax the form for a trace just in case, but my understanding is you can claim it on your 2020 return, I’m not 100% clear how you go about doing it though.
AJ and others who live in India,
We received an email that our check has reached American citizen services chennai,we have to send them prepaid envelope or 450 rs DD with the right address.
Has anyone received any email from the consulate?
Thanks,
Binita.
Hi Binita,
How did Amercian Citizen services had your email? I live in Delhi. So I am assuming that it would have reached American citizen services Delhi. Who should I contact?
Also, last time (during first stimulus check) I received the check automatically through courier and no one asked for any DD or prepaid envelope. What’s different this time?
I think we signed up when we first moved to India.you are right last time we did receive it in
Courier,they didn’t charge it but this time they are asking for one.yes,you should check with Delhi embassy ,I am sure it would have reached them.
Thanks,
Binita
Hi Binita (and everyone),
No, I have not received any email from ACS. Still awaiting for my check eagerly. Will update here if the situation changes.
NK, you should contact ACS in Delhi. Either call them or email them. I am confident they have the checks. At the time of first EIP, I had sent them email. And received the check via speed post immediately.
– AJ
Hi! Thanks so much for this!
Question: I am a green card holder, and my young child is a US citizen. My husband is neither, so he is a nonresident alien. We have never filed taxes before and I didn’t apply for the stimulus check. I want to try to get the money so I will file taxes. However, I don’t earn.
So per the turbo tax article ‘How should I file my taxes if my spouse is a nonresident alien?’ I plan on:
Filing either as ‘married filing separately’ so as not to include my spouse’s income, and because we don’t want him to be filing and treated as tax resident just yet (he’ll get his green card soon we hope).
or
Filing as ‘Head of household’
The question I have is, whether I can claim my child as a dependent / qualifying child, because my spouse pays for everything since he is the sole earner, however, he is not filing and so not claiming her.
Can I file with $0 income and as married filing jointly or head of household and add my child to my tax forms?
This way I can file the recovery rebate.
The other issue is that since I have never file, the IRS has no information on me and hasn’t sent me the 1444 or 1444 B notices. Do I need those or can I just make an online IRS account and use the info there?
Thank so much!!!!!!
Hi Lucka. Honestly, I am not 100% sure, but I would think at least you are entitled to the payments, and it seems like your child should be as well. When you file I would include your child as a dependent. As far as what to do about not getting the letters, I’m not sure. The IRS page on claiming the recovery rebate says to make mention of those. I’m thinking maybe that is for people’s whose income changed in some way and they are now eligible for a payment or for more of the payment. I wish I had a clearer answer and I hope you sort it out. Maybe someone else who is still checking these comments regularly has a better idea.
Thank you so much Adam, and so sorry about the double post. Regarding the IRS Notices, I read that perhaps instead of the notices from IRS, I could create an online account and look there. However to create an online IRS account, I need a US credit card, bank account or loan. So I guess I have to do that first. Thanks again!
No worries at all. I hope you are able to figure it out and get the payment. Best regards to you and your family Lucka.
Hi Lucka, 🤓. I think the key here is, you have to have a valid Social Security Number.
Hi, thanks for this post! Very helpful!
I did not file tax forms ever as a GC holder and so did not get the stimulus check. I will file the 2020 one to get the rebate credit. I live oversees and am married to a nonresident alien who is the sole earner. I found out that I have to file as married filing separately since my spouse is a nonresident alien. However, since I earn $0, can I still claim my child (US citizen) as a dependent since my spouse won’t be filing US taxes? This way the stimulus check would be for my child as well. Thank you!
(sorry, looks like my previous comment must not have posted, so am trying again).
Hi, it’s because I approve comments manually and hadn’t had a chance to take a look the last 48 hours or so. I hope you figure it out!
Hi (again) Lucka 🤓. Assuming that you have a valid Social Security Number, you MIGHT need to use the IRS Non Filer’s Tool to get you into the IRS’ system. It might take a while, but eventually you would be able to track your stimulus eligibility on the Get My Payment (GMP) portal. Hope this helps. 🤓
Hi all🤓. I’m here in the Philippines. I too am patiently waiting for the Second Stimulus Check by mail. The GMP last posted a scheduled Mail Date of January 6, 2021. The FIRST check took 3 months to arrive. I’m guessing that will be the same for the Second and Third. In my case, it was delivered Registered Mail via American Embassy in Manila. I think other American Citizens living here, might have had the same experience. * I did provide the IRS with my US Bank information (Last August via GMP); That proved to be wasted effort. I’m just going to assume that future checks by Mail will be 3 months, and I can deposit it online. I will post here when / if they arrive. Good luck. 🤓😷
Hi Marc. Glad to hear at least you’ve gotten the first. Here’s the hoping the 2nd arrives soon and just maybe the 3rd comes via direct deposit!
Hi Adam 🤓. Today I checked the GMP. I got a “Payment Status not available” message. Oh well, I’ll just keep checking. After last summer’s experience with the IRS, for me calling the Hotline seems like a waste of my time. I’m not confident that the IRS has the ability to have saved my DD information, but hopefully I’m wrong and it’ll all work out in time. 🤓😷
Hi guys I am replying from India, if u have seen my earlier message ,I said that American citizen services in India is sending my second check.Guess what I did receive it but it is an old check ,it has a date of August 2020 and even amount is also same as the first check it says economic impact stimulus check.🙁🙁🙁
Now I got 2 checks just like Marc.I am so disappointed.still waiting for my second check.who ever has received the second check, can you share what date is written and also the name of the stimulus check ( is this economic impact or something else)
Hi Binita (& everyone here),
I still have not received the second check. But, I just finished filing my taxes for 2020. I decided to claim the $600 in it. So I will get it as a direct deposit with refund. If I get check from ACS, I will just return it.
– AJ
Even we have decided to do the same it makes more sense than waiting for ever.
Thanks,
Binita
Hi Binita 🤓. Well it appears we have almost the same situation. ACS involvement seems to add another layer in waiting time. For me, BOTH [FIRST PAYMENT CHECKS] arrived in 3 Month increments. ** In November, I received a Check (Dated 28 August). Sent from the US Embassy. *** I recently sent the Embassy an email, simply asking if THEY had already sent out the Second Stimulus Check. *** The reply from them was a standard Form Letter, explaining how I should contact the IRS, and THEY ARE NOT in EIP Process. I was so tempted to reply with sarcasm, but I haven’t yet.
*** Have you been able to Log into the GMP?
Take Care, I hope it goes better for you this time around. 🤓😷
Marc, I stopped calling IRS and also checking the status,it’s frustrating.we have decided to claim it in our tax.
Thanks,
Binita
Hi Adam!
First of all this seems to be a very useful site, than you for your effort. Let me quick explain my situation. In live in Hungary Europe as US citizen. A receive SS benefit since the beginning of last year, getting my monthly payment to Hungarian Bank account. I received the first two stimulus checks on paper, but Banks stopped cashing checks. Please explain what can I do to solve this matter.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Tamas. Hmm, I’ve never been able to find a clear answer on the foreign bank account for SS recipients question. There’s an IRS page I read one time that said they cannot deposit into foreign accounts but there’s also guidance that says if you are a SS recipient the payment should be paid into the bank account you get your monthly payment in. I guess this has something to do with different entities doing the payment. Anyone in the States that could receive your check and then transfer it to you? Or possibility of opening a US account? CapitalOne I like a lot and use it easily from Colombia but you do have to be in the states and have a US phone number to do the initial opening. Others have mentioned Chase (I think) as a good option. It may be worth looking back up in the comments as there may have been someone in a similar situation who commented, or hopefully someone else can be of better help than me. Regardless, I hope you are able to figure something out!
Hi all,
When I tried to check the status of the 3rd check on GMP. I got a “Payment Status not available” message.
Has anyone gotten any status that has a check mail out date?
Because I received my first 2 checks with no problem, I wonder why this time the status isn’t available yet. Thanks.
Hi Crystal 🤓. I’m experiencing the same as you. The only explanation the IRS gives on it’s website, (that would possibly apply to you and me) is that THEY haven’t processed your Payment yet. All we can do right now is wait, and hope THEY straighten it out. 🤓
Hi All 🤓. Well, here’s a twist. This morning, I received an email from my US Bank. It said that I have a “Pending Deposit” for 1,400 from the IRS scheduled to be available on 24 March, 2021. However, the GMP still shows “Payment Status Not Available”. I won’t get too excited, until the the money actually is in my account. Meanwhile, I still am waiting for the $600 check they apparently sent by mail on 06 January. Maybe some of you should check your US Bank Accounts’ Mobile App? Good Luck, I will update IF the money actually appears in my account. 🤓😷
I just moved to Canada in late 2020.
I got the first 2 Stimulus deposits direct deposited into my US Bank account (which is still active), the second one at the beginning of January 2021.
I sent IRS my Canadian address in early January, and filed my 2020 tax return in late March with my new Canadian address.
I have NOT received the 3rd Stimulus direct deposit of $1400, neither have I received a check in the mail.
Get My Payment keeps giving me an error message, no matter which address I enter, old US address or my new Canadian one.
I am stumped!
Can any of you tell me how to find out what is going on with my 3rd stimulus payment?
This is pretty similar to what I’m getting too! Payment status not available is all I get. I filed too in late March, but no change of address.
Hi Vanissar
We are in almost the exact same boat. Moved to Canada from Thailand in late 2020. Filed a “non-filer” form last year and received both payments by direct deposit. Normally we don’t file returns but need to start again due to reporting requirements on cross border income. Not knowing there would be a third stimulus, we filed an electronic 2020 return on TurboTax in late February using our new Canadian address but did not include any bank information since we have a zero balance. Only difference is the Get My Payment tool does know the new address and says they mailed a check on March 26th to the address they have on file. No check yet of course. Deciding how long to wait before calling for a trace
The IRS has Extended the filing Deadline for MAY 17,2021. HERE IS THE LINK:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-day-for-individuals-extended-to-may-17-treasury-irs-extend-filing-and-payment-deadline
My GMP was “Payment Status Not Available” yesterday, but today it changed to “Need more information”. I entered my US bank info. Hopefully, will see the payment in bank soon. BTW, I got my first payment by direct deposit and second one by paper check.
Great news Maggie! Hope it gets there soon!
Hello Everyone,
Here is the update with my status for the third EIP. I have already filed my 2020 tax returns electronically. I claimed the second EIP as recovery rebate and provided my bank account information for DD. The return has been received and processed.
Here is the confusion: The GMP status for third check changed today from ‘Payment Status not Available’ to, unfortunately, ‘Your check will be mailed on 26th March to the address on our file’!! So much for rushing to file the return to get DD. The frustration continues………………….
I hope others have better luck – best wishes for all of you. Take care folks; and stay safe.
– AJ
Rats, sorry to hear that AJ. Hope you do get it eventually!
Hi AJ🤓. Yes, it seems very frustrating. However, you might end up getting a Direct Deposit, AND the Paper Check. Keep monitoring your Bank Account, and the Post Office (in a month or two). 🤓
The Capital One account you recommended requires a US address. This is not an option for non-resident citizens. Please update your post with this information so others don’t tear their hair out wasting time on an expensive phone call with them.
Hi Liminal. If you read my review of the account, you’ll see you do need a US mailing address. I will add in a note here when I get a chance as well. Thanks for the comment and sorry it was a frustrating experience calling them.
Anyone had a paper check sent to a relatives address in US? What to do in that scenario?
Just a reminder, (I think you already know this) Don’t sign the back of the check, UNTIL YOU ARE 100 % sure it will be cashed. 🤓
I live in the US, but my spouse is living in our home in Philippines. I support her with my income here in the US.
Is there any way for her to get a stimulus check under the 3rd stimulus package? She is not currently a US citizen.
Hi Daniel. Does she have a Social Security number? The eligibility is for people with a work eligible social security number, so she does not have to be a citizen but if she has never been a resident or is no longer considered one, she may not be eligible.
Hi Mel. 🤓. Last year I recall people that posted here, used the address of their relatives in the US. The paper checks were mailed to their relatives. Some of the relatives then used FEDEX (or other services) and it was costly (some said close to $200). Eventually they were able to cash the check locally. You can scroll up to July / August timeframe for the comments that might be helpful for you. 🤓
hey thanks Marc! Todays March 28, and from what I gathered from youtube vids, if not received DD by today, it will arrive by paper check 🙁 I hope for many of our sakes they still try direct deposits
Hi All 🤓. UPDATE. The GMP is now showing the IRS has scheduled Direct Deposit for 24 March 2021. * My (US Bank) is also showing a Pending Deposit for the same Date. *If you have not checked the GMP in awhile, you might want to check your status, regarding the Third Payment. * I provided my US Bank information via the GMP in August 2020 (when I got the need more information message). I’m still waiting for the Second Payment, which was mailed January 6. I’m guessing sometime in April, based on the First Payment. Good luck to all. 🤓
Nice Marc, thanks for sharing, I will check today as well.
Nope, I’m still showing payment status not available…and the 2nd one came so quick and easy haha.
Hi Adam 🤓. It appears Wednesdays are Deposit Days for the IRS, and Saturdays seem to be GMP Update Days for the IRS. That’s how it turned out for me. * The IRS DID Deposit the Third Payment in my account. I’m sure you’ll be getting an information soon. Good luck, and Take Care. 🤓😷
Excellent Marc, yes I had read somewhere that deposits go out on Wednesdays. I’m glad you got yours, mine I’m sure will be here soon!
Hi fellow Aussie here (Perth side).
First, thanks so much Adam for your post and allowing us to all share info and details.
I wanted to give my status. Luckily for me I didn’t realise that I had a check coming until it arrived in the post in early Feb this year.
I still haven’t received my second stimulus. On the Get My Payment page it says my payment is scheduled to be sent on March 26, 2021 (I do not have a US bank account and think it would be too late to call and add one?). So not sure how long that will take or even which stimulus check it is referring to.
My sister heard that some people will receive the second and third checks as a combined stimulus? Anyone else hear this?
And is it just correct to assume I’m just waiting on the second stimulus or is this the third and I need to claim back the second one on my 2020 taxes?
One last question, anyone else move house? We’re moving next week and I don’t know how long to forward my post for to ensure I get my check…😬.
Any help would be great. Cheers.
Hi Kacey, glad it has been helpful. Hmm, that’s curious about whether it’s the 2nd or 3rd (or both). You may be able to call and add one, but I think when I tried calling back during the first round they told me you can’t add a direct deposit account via phone, still worse case is they say no. Also, maybe they can confirm if it is the 2nd or 3rd. If you do end up not getting the 2nd, yes you can claim it on your 2020 taxes.
Hi Kacey 🤓. From what I’ve read on the Get My Payment (GMP), the IRS is ONLY Posting information for the THIRD Stimulus Payment (or mailed check). So, the March 26 Scheduled Mail Date is for the $1,400. ** Before you move, be sure to have your Local Post Office Forward to your New Address. 🤓😷
Hi again Kacey. 🤓. More than likely, there is a Second Stimulus Check somewhere in the Postal System ($600) that will eventually reach you. You have no way to find out about it, unless you call the IRS ( Not Recommended) because you could be waiting hours on the phone. * Consider waiting until May to file your income taxes, (May 17) online. If your Second Payment ($600), hasn’t arrived by then, Claim it on your 2020 Tax Return. 🤓😷
Hi, I’m a US citizen but I live in Colombia since 1998. I was 14 back then so I have never been employed within the US. Back in October, I filed a Non-Filing on the IRS website in order to be eligible for the stimulus checks. Since I don’t live in the US, I filed using my Colombian address. The “Get My Payment” tool stated that my 1st and 2nd checks were scheduled to be mailed on Dec 4th 2020 and Jan 6th 2021 respectively. I checked the GMP tool recently and now it only mentions a check that is supposed to be mailed on March 26th, which I assume is the 3rd payment. However, I have yet to receive the 1st and 2nd checks. I’ve called the IRS multiple times but they haven’t been very helpful if it all. I know most people here are going through similar issues. Does anyone have any suggestions? I greatly appreciate the help.
Hi Chris. Hmmm, not sure what to do other than wait for the time being and seeing if they show up. Mail service should be working again but not sure how reliable it really is, and even with it going slow it seems like they should be here by now. I’d recommend trying to initiate a trace on the payments so there’s a paper trail you’ve followed up on it (although to be honest, I initiated a trace via fax and the IRS claimed they never go it…so there’s that). Then you can try filing for 2020 and claiming them and if possible include a US account for direct deposit. Hope you are able to resolve it!
Hi Chris 🤓. It sounds like the IRS owes you $3,200. As Adam pointed out, initiating a TRACE for the First and Second (1,200 + 600) Checks might be worth your time. * Recommend installing and using Skype ( because it’s free) it’ll cost you a little data. ** Also, periodic showing up at the local Post Office can’t hurt you either. 🤓😷
Yes, the Skype tip is a good one, can call 1-800 numbers free from anywhere in the world.
Hello, wondered if you could help me. I am mum to 4 children with US citizenship, we live in the UK. I am a British citizen and as such dont file a tax return. My eldest daughter recieved the previous stimulus check but no one else did. Do you think they would be eligable for this one that is supposed to be paid soon? If so is there any thing I can do to help them get this at all? Is there a number for non us residents to call?
Hi Sally. I’m not entirely sure how it works in your case. Are your daughters working age? Do they file? If so, they should get it. If they haven’t filed/don’t normally need to file, they should try doing the non-filers tool. If not, I don’t know how it works. Is there father a US citizen or resident? Perhaps if he claims them as dependents when he files, he would receive the money and can give it to them? Sorry, wish I had a better answer but not sure how it works in this case.
Adam, this page and this post are phenomenal. This is incredibly helpful and I really want to thank you for all of the information you’re providing. I’m a U.S. citizen living in Colombia. I didn’t have any issues with my first check: at the time I had recently traveled and still had my direct deposit working, so it just came through and I wired it to my colombian bank. However, I recently received my second physical check after my US bank (Chase) suddenly closed my account without prior warning. My brother, who is in the States, is in the process of cashing it into his account and later sending it to me as a giro. So far, everything seems alright. The bank accepted it and it should be cleared soon. I was terribly worried about somehow getting him into trouble, so it’s a relief to see other people have also done it this way. However, I’ve heard some rumors that I’m not sure where I’ve picked up, saying that this option will no longer be viable for the third stimulus check since the amount increases so much. I’ve spent all day calling CapitalOne for the 360 account, I’ve called local online banks, I’m reading HRBlock’s expat page, and I’m beyond frustrated at the fact that I have not been able to open an account with any of them in case these rumors turn out to be true. If you or anyone else knows anything regarding that supposed restriction for the third check, I would appreciate it. Absolutely no bank has been helpful
Hey Leidy. So glad this has helped, and glad to hear from someone else in Colombia. I haven’t heard that about the 3rd check, but I guess it could be. My understanding is banks will usually cash a check for another account if it is signed on the back. Hmm, I guess worse case, he tries and he can’t, then he could mail it to you here?
Hi Leidy🤓. IF you have a family member who is or was in the US Military or US Government and has an active account with a Credit Union such as Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU.org) you Might want to consider Contacting THAT family member.
* NFCU would allow you to open an account in YOUR Name; it might be helpful for you aside from the stimulus, to have an active account in the USA, And you would be able to transact Regardless of where you live. ** Just an option IF YOU HAVE a Family member involved in the military or Government. 🤓😷
Hi Leidy,
I believe you should be able to open an account with any US bank (including Capitol One) using your brother’s address. Why don’t you go that route? Just a suggestion.
– AJ
This is also a good idea. As long as you have a US mailing address, you should be ok. The one issue with Capital One is there is a step when making the account when you have to enter a US phone number and they send a confirmation code you have to enter. However, if you can coordinate with your brother, you may be able to effectively work around that.
Hi Adam 🤓. (And All). I would like to mention that some Banks when they send a Confirmation Code (via email) might have a TIME LIMIT TO USE the Code. It could be as little as 15 minutes. 🤓😷
Yes, good point Marc. I think some are even as little as 5 minutes, although maybe that’s just text messages on your phone. I have to occasionally finagle this with my mom in the states when I get asked for a text confirmation, lol.
Report on MSNBC (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QELWE1eKSyg) that SS recipients had not yet been scheduled to receive their third $1,400 payment by the IRS because Social Security Administration headed by a Trump holdover had not sent the information required by the IRS to schedule payments. After formal complaint by four top democrats the matter has supposedly been resolved so something should happen soon. Get My Payment for me still says Payment Status Not Available.
Shame this kind of stuff happens. Thanks a lot for sharing Stephen. Hopefully people get the deposit soon!
Folks, i’m hearing that there’s going to be a new wave of payments going out March 31 Wed. This is supposed to include the over 30 million SSI beneficiaries but that it may also include non SSI via direct deposit. It looks to me like IRS is unorganized and backed up bigtime. I’m also hearing that if you don’t receive Wed via DD you will most likely receive a paper check or debit card “in the next several days/weeks” Hope we all have good luck soon!
Hey Mel. Yes I’ve read this too. Fingers crossed mine is sent out tomorrow! I finally did get around to filing my taxes for 2020 via e-file, so hopefully that gets it in. No idea what I would do with a paper check if it ever even makes it to Colombia.
Hi Adam, I’ve heard Wed April 7 is when large banks should be showing deposits or at least pending dates. Hope we get some news soon! I too don’t know what to do if my brother receives a paper check in my name. Best luck to you and everyone still waiting! 😉
The 3rd stimulus payment (1400) deposited into my brother’s account in California, so, another affirmation of an expat routing it into a US acct successfully 😉 (thanks to my bro) Still waiting on tax refund. I believe they are wayy backed up. Best luck to all my expat friends hope yours arrive soon!
The IRS also reportedly said that “the Get My Payment tool on the agency’s website won’t be updated until the weekend of April 3-4, so federal beneficiaries will have to wait until at least then to check on the status of their payments.” If then.
I have not received the first and second EIP checks. Has anyone got $1200 and/or $600 tax refund only by requesting Recovery Rebate Credit on 2020 return? Or do I have to request a payment trace to IRS too and wait for their response before filing 2020 return? Thanks!
Has anyone living oversea on SS received an error message saying you out in the wrong information. I know I have but I keep getting a red typed error then I get log out!
Hi Mike 🤓. Maybe you’ve already resolved your issue with the Get My Payment (GMP). **If not: (1) Make sure the Address you’re entering is the address of your most recent Income Tax Return.; (2) When entering your Birthday, use the format with the symbol / (MM/DD/Year);
(3) When entering your ADDRESS, use ALL CAPS, with No Symbols (#, -, etc.). ** These are mistakes I made when I first tried to log in the GMP. Hope this helps. 🤓😷
Hi All🤓. I’m Replying from the Philippines. My particular area is currently under added Covid-19 restrictions, so Mail is exceptionally slow.
* Today (April 5) I received IRS Notice 1444-B, in regard to THE SECOND EIP, ($600). NOTICE DATE is March 12, 2021. It stated that it was issued “by check /debit card”. I have not received anything (EIP2) yet.
** EIP 2 was scheduled to be mailed out on 06 January 2021. I can only think that the Second Stimulus Check might have been Delayed in Mailing Process by the IRS. I say that because of the Notice Date of the 1444-B.
** Maybe under the new administration, the IRS is moving to a new place of getting things done (?). It’s also Tax Season for the IRS, so there’s that. I thought it might be helpful for others who are patiently waiting for EIP #2 or #3. 🤓😷
Here is a link to the Latest Information for the Get My Payment (GMP) tool from the IRS. Scroll down, Regarding First and Second Stimulus Payment:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
🤓😷
I receive Social Security and I live in Mexico and I was born in Costa Rica, why haven’t I received any stimulus?
Hi Alberto. Apparently there was some issue with payment information for SS recipients for this third round. This week it should supposedly be sent out. I hope you get it!
Good evening Adam,
How are you doing, great? My name´s John B., US Citizen and worked (and filed tax returns back in the 90s) and moved to São Paulo, Brazil in 2000 where I´ve been living ever since. I haven´t filed (tax return) since.
With so many forms, which one(s) would I need to file to get my EIP check(s)?
Thank you for your precious time and effort in helping out people worldwide with this valuable site!
God bless you.
Hi John. I’m so glad you have found it useful. So, I think in your case, you should file for 2020 and claim the rebate, the question I’m not entirely sure about is if you can use the non-filers tool to claim it. You may have to do a normal filing. If you have an income above the amount needed to file (I want to say it is about 12,000 usd) in Sao Paolo, you probably do need to file but you won’t pay any taxes unless your income is over 100k by taking the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. I recently did my taxes living here in Colombia via e-file, and honestly, not only should it get processed faster (and you should get your eips faster), but doing it that way was much easier than filling out the form. It cost me about $35 usd. If you do a paper return, you will want to do From 1040 + Form 2555 for the foreign earned income exclusion.
Hi Adam,
Thank you for your rapid response.
Take care,
John B.
For Social Security recipients living overseas where Get My Payment says Status not Available (like myself) some quick maths. Earlier news reports said there were 30 million people receiving SSA having their EIP payments delayed. Current news reports tout that in a fourth round of payments where “Social Security beneficiaries receive bulk” of payments, a breakdown of who these people are according to cnet are 24 million by direct deposit and 1 million by check. As overseas recipients cannot receive direct deposit except in clever ways discussed here that says to me 30 million less 25 million leaves some 5 million outstanding which I imagine include those living overseas. So, to test that theory, I’d be curious to know of anyone overseas who does have a projected date listed in Get My Payment. Anyway, it suggests that like in the first round the IRS will do it when they get around to it. Happy to be proven wrong.
Further relevant information at https://www.ssa.gov/coronavirus/eip3/. 5 April. Social Security beneficiaries with a foreign address (not a U.S. address) and who do not typically file a tax return will receive their EIPs as follows: Electronic payment – direct deposit and Direct Express Card – will receive their EIP on or about April 21. Paper check EIPs, for beneficiaries who receive their monthly Social Security payment in the mail, will be mailed beginning April 23. You can use the IRS’ Get My Payment Tool to see an estimate when the IRS may send your EIP, when that information is available.
Thanks for sharing Stephen!
Hi all, I am living in Galway/Dublin for the past 12 years. My first stimulus check was posted to me and arrived mid April 2020 – what a great surprise, as I didn’t think we were eligible. I’ve filed both my 2019 (filed june 2020) and 2020 taxes (posted from Dublin back 18/02/2021) on time but have yet to receive either the 2nd or 3rd check. I was advised over the phone to apply for the 600 in my refund as Recovery Rebate Credit on 2020 return for this year so hopefully the two are on thier way. When I check the GET MY PAYMENT i also get the PAYMENT STATUS NOT AVAILABLE. I’ve a few US citizen friends here who are either in the same boat or were lucky enough to still have US accounts into which the 1400 was direct debited. Thanks for keeping us posted; I would love to know if anyone who posted in their taxes receives a different GET MY PAYMENT message, as I am still unsure if we need to chase anything with IRS.
Hi Courtney, that is similar to me. I finally got the 1st after around 6 months deposited into a US account, the 2nd came almost immediately, but the 3rd I get status not available. I didn’t file my 2020 taxes until March 28 though, so I’m hoping that that is why
Has anyone in another country received the eip debit card? My payment was sent to my u. S address then I forwarded here in the philippines
Yippie. Check is scheduled to be mailed April 23.
Nice!
Betsy here from Australia. Thanks (again)for heads up,Stephen. Finally I’m getting the same mailimginfo from the GMP site. Stephen, I hope you will post here when your check lands Your posts are my signal campfire smoke 😉
To clarify, the error message I keep getting is clearly about my address being “wrong” because I know I am entering my birthday and ss# correctly. Neither my old nor my new address is accepted. So I am getting an error message which says the information I entered does not match their records. So I cannot even get in to see the status of my stimulus payment.
Hmm. Does your street address have symbols in it? My understanding is they don’t actually include symbols like # in the data (and I for the life of me can’t figure out how I got it to work back when I did get to enter my dd info).
I wondered if the problem was my Canadian postal code?
The Get My Payment space for postal code asks for 5 digits, but Canadian postal codes are 6 digits in a
letter/#/letter[space]#/letter/# format.
So I tried it with my Canadian postal code with the space, without the space, and then I tried it with the postal code left blank.
3 strikes and you’re out!
Thanks, Adam
I have tried several ways to enter my street address at this point, and when I enter it without any symbols, all CAPS, it still gets an error message.
I used to check Get My Payment in the Spring of 2020, and I got in just fine with my address.
Hmm, yea I don’t understand why there are new kinks. Very frustrating
Australians heads up. My 3rd cheque arrived yesterday, crumpled inside a real estate flyer. Please go through your mail piece by piece. I nearly threw it out. Adam , words cannot express my gratitude to you for this forum, and for the time and effort you have put in trying answer so many posts from around the world. You are truly an international treasure.
Glad you got it Betsy. And I’m so glad this has been a helpful resource. Now, you just have to come back when you’re ready to come visit Cartagena!
Has anyone on here received the third stimulus check yet?
‘Get My Payment’ is showing check scheduled to be mailed out on the 26th March 2021. And some in UK (on another website) are saying they already received their checks last Friday (16th April).
Anyone here had a third check in the post?
Hi all, I live in Argentina, got my second check in February, still have no idea how Im going to cash the checks (3rd check says scheduled to be mailed out March 26). I was planning on opening an aca-members/sdfcu account, but SDFCU’s reviews are the worst, and I dont have a US phone number (required by all the other banks I checked) I dont understand why dont they just send EIP cards, Im starting to think that they dont really want us to get the money.
Thanks Adam and everyone for all the information you share!
Yea, it is frustrating. I hope you are able to sort it somehow!
Hi Adam,
Thanks for your post, very helpful.
I am in Mexico. Did you receive any physical checks in Colombia? How long did you wait? I understand there was a mail halt in you country.
Has anyone received mailed checks in Mexico?
IRS confirmed to me by phone one was sent April 9th (1st and 2nd payments) and April 16th (3rd payment) to my Mexico address. Is anyone in a similar situation and waiting for a check? How long did you wait? or how long can I expect to wait; this is my first time receiving any mail from the USPS.
Thanks for any answers! 🙏🏼
Hi Sonya,
No I never received any checks. After months of waiting, I was finally able to enter my direct deposit info and got the first and second payments that way. The third I have not received yet. It’s been a while since I had anything sent to me via USPS, but I want to say it took about a month. Mexico, I would think would be quicker, but hard to say for sure. I hope you get them soon!
I had been checking “Get My Payment” since about a week after the 3rd payments started going out. It finally updated this past Friday to “your check is scheduled to be mailed out on April 23rd”. Took awhile but it’s finally going to be on it’s way. I am in Canada.
Nice Kim, glad it is on the way! I’m hoping mine will be soon too
Mine says it was mailed in March 26 and it is still not here. I am in Canada as well.
Same for me. we live in Edmonton; says mailed March 26th; wondering if we should wait the nine weeks they say to wait for foreign address before calling to initiate a trace, Frustrating that a guy in the UK with same mailing date git his 10 days ago and Canada, which is basically next door, is treated like some third world nation with limited mail service.
Did you ever get yours? We didn’t get ours yet, with the same “scheduled to be mailed March 26th” message. We’re in Canada also. 🙁
We got ours today, May 11th. Hope you got yours too.
3rd stimulus check just arrived in the UK mail! Check was scheduled for 26th March and arrived on the 20th of April
Hello I got my checks 1 & 2 fine to Vienna, Austria. The first one greatly delayed in Aug. 2020.
The 2nd one fairly quickly within 1 month.
Now I wanted to check on my 3rd. payment with the get my payment tool
They now as for a US address in the form. I don’t have a US address.
Is there any way to still check ?
Thank you for any information.
Filed my 2020 tax last Feb and I am receiving social security since Im retired but I cant track my third stimulus.Im living in europe so when i enter my info and EU address system is saying Information doesnt match in our system.What should i do?Anyone have any idea or experienced the same?
Gary that is what is happening to me too. Says the info doesnt match. I keep trying different formats for address [all caps, no special characters, but keep getting error message. I called the EIP help line and they just repeated the advice to enter address in USPS format. Not helpful.
Hi Kim
I am in Canada too, and Get My Payment is giving me an error message.
Did you enter your Canadian postal code into GMP?
If so, did you leave a space between the first and second sets of numbers/letters?
thanks
V
Hi
Any one from India has received third payment?
I never received my second payment so I claimed it in my tax .how about third payment ,it was scheduled for March 26 th ,so far I haven’t received anything.please update it here if any of you receive it.
Thanks,
Binita
Binita,
I am in the same situation. Will update if anything changes……………
– AJ
Hi Binita,
I received both the 2nd and 3rd payments electronically without any effort, the 3rd came around mid-March. Looks like all the efforts gone during the 1st payment with frequent calls, mailing the form with my direct deposit information and also going to GMP and updating the information really paid off. Try these steps (also listed in my earlier messages) if you have not already. All the best!
Hello Vanissar, No there are no spaces and I make it all caps.
Thanks Kim.
I tried it that way, but they say it does not match their records.
Sigh.
Hi We are a family of three with a 16 year old child who has asperger syndrome and needs special schooling here in Brazil. All of us have American passports and SSN.
I have some civil debt in the state and as I understand the rules for the third stimulus check and the child tax credit for chilren up to the age of 17 the monies can be garnished for civil judgements. My question is can the stimulus money for my wife and son also be garnished even though the outstanding civil debt is in my name only. What about the child tax credit of 250 a month? Any help would be grately appreciated! Eric
Hi Eric. Honestly, I’m not sure. It could depend on whether you file jointly and/or if you don’t who claims your child as a dependent on their filing, but that’s me speculating. I would try under the FAQ page on the IRS website and see if that is discussed there. For the child tax credit, I really don’t know. Wish I could be of more help!
Adam, we file jointly but I’ll look on their FAG page to see if there might be some sort of explanation that might help me. If no luck there I’ll try and call them on skype on cross my fingers. Thanks again for your help Adam
Good luck!
Some good news regarding taxation on EIP payments. The IRS does not consider the payment income and taxpayers will not owe tax on it. The payment will not reduce a taxpayer’s refund or increase the amount they owe when they file their 2020 tax return. It would also not be reported as ‘other foreign income’ as the IRS has officially put in writing this payment is not income. A payment also will not affect income for purposes of determining eligibility for federal government assistance or benefit programs. (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-people-really-want-to-know-about-economic-impact-payments) Importantly, for Australians the ATO doesn’t require taxpayers to declare US Economic Impact Payments on Australian tax returns as these are not considered to be income. A record of the decision made as a private binding ruling will be made as an edited version that will be found at Edited Private Advice shortly with Authorisation Number: 1051737610759 All this taken from: https://community.ato.gov.au/t5/Personal-tax-questions/USA-Economic-Impact-Payment-Taxable-in-Australia/td-p/100341
Hi there, I’ve just come across this excellent source of news while looking for 3rd stimulus info! I’m a dual US/AU citizen, living in AU for over a decade now. I have filed US $0 tax returns every year as required by law, with no US bank account. 1st stimulus – everything worked! GMP always worked for me (just SSN, DOB, house number and street, no post code), and I received my 1st paper cheque in June. I deposited it in Bendigo Bank account which cost $15.00 I think, and took 30 days to clear. No worries, right?! When the 2nd stimulus was announced, I was never able to get any info on GMP, it always said ‘Status Not Available’. I still have not received any cheque or further info about stimulus #2, so I have asked my US tax accountant to include the Recovery Rebate For the $600 in my 2020 return (which is currently being prepared, but has not been filed yet). 3rd stimulus, same thing – no info available on GMP even though it worked for the 1st, same address, same everything. So it’s definitely an IRS glitch on GMP! So I have no idea whether I’ll receive 2nd or 3rd stimulus payments, even though I definitely qualify for both. If I do, it’ll be a happy surprise, and if I don’t, I’ll claim them through tax returns. It drives me too crazy to keep trying to check up on them haha! Thanks everyone for sharing your stories and information, and to Adam for hosting this brilliant resource – it’s by FAR the most useful I’ve found!
Hi Langston. I’m still getting the same for the 3rd, but the 2nd went right through to direct deposit. No idea why. I was thinking it may be because I hadn’t filed for 2020, but it’s now been nearly a month since I did. Plan to call next week if still nothing.
Hi Langston, do you file your taxes from AU with an agent or whats the best way to go about it?
Hi Adam, I live in Canada and have recieved the first 2 stimulus but this 3rd has yet to arrive. I checked the Get My Payment and it says it was mailed on March 26. That’s a month now. Should I just be more patient?
Hi Adam. I also haven’t received mine, but I don’t see it has been mailed, only payment info not available. I guess it’s hard to say, have you ever gotten letter mail via USPS there before? I would probably give it another week or two and then try to call and initiate a trace.
Hi Adam,
I am in the Same situation as you. US citizen living in Canada. I received the first and second stimulus cheques, but not the third. When I log into GMP it says it was mailed out March 26th. I have not received it yet, nor have I received a letter informing my cheque was sent.
I was wondering if you had received yours or had any luck contacting the IRS.
thanks,
Sam
Hi Sam,
Still no luck. I am going to try to check one more time using Get My Payment tomorrow then trying to call this week. Maybe I’ll wait until Wednesday which seems to be the day they are actually sending payments out. I am not getting anything on Get My Payment, only a status not available message. Still seems, like you would have gotten it by now it it was sent late March.
I’ve heard of some people in Canada receiving them this week, so maybe it’s “in the mail”
Good luck,
Sam
We got ours today, and we’re in Canada. Hope you do too.
Hi Adam,
At first, thanks for the great article about this topic.
I live in Germany and don’t file taxes because i don’t have a regular income.
Can i even file my taxes for 2020 and if so, where and how?
I would be very pleased if u could help me in any way.
Kind regards,
Alex
Hi Alex. Yes, you should file so the IRS has your information for the payments. You’d have to double check the guidance on the IRS website for the new year, because there was a non-filers tool to enter your information last year, but I think now you just have to file a return. If you didn’t receive either of the payments last year, you can also claim them as rebates when filing.
Hi Alex, i am on the same boat. How did you go about it? Any help would be much appreciated x
Hi Adam
My wife and I lived in Thailand last year. We normally don’t file returns so we filled out the “non-filer” form with our US bank account and did successfully receive the first and second payments on a timely basis. Unfortunately, we moved to Canada last October and due to new tax filing requirements, we filed an electronic return for 2020 in mid February that they accepted. Like an idiot, I did not think to add a bank account number to TurboTax because we always have a zero balance and I didn’t foresee the next stimulus as a done deal.
Also unfortunately, the 2020 tax filing from Canada automatically updated our address at IRS but I was hoping it wouldn’t override the non-filer direct deposit instructions they used for the first two. But sure enough, the “Get My Payment” tool has shown “we scheduled your check to be mailed on the address we have on file on March 26th” for five weeks now. Since the criteria I entered on the Get My Payment tool is our Canadian address, I assume they should hypothetically get it to us eventually.
I know it says wait nine weeks before initiating a trace for foreign addresses but we could really use the cash. Do you advise waiting four more weeks or calling the 800 number now that its been five weeks? I’ve looked for other expats in Canada having the same issue but haven’t had much luck. Canada is not Zimbabwe but the USA treats anything foreign as another planet in terms of prioritizing. Thanks for any advice.
Hmm, yea that’s frustrating. I’d say try to call and see if they can help you. Worse case scenario they say wait four 4 weeks.
Hi guys, good news for fellow Aussie people! After this past weekend my GMP status has finally updated from ‘Status Not Available’ to giving me the scheduled mail out date of 7th May. I still have never received #2 – GMP never changed from ‘Status Not Available’ on that one. And #1 was received with no problems. So looks like this weekend’s update means they are finally catching up to ex-pats! I hope this update means that some of you others will be getting an update sometime soon 🙂
Great news Langston. Now I’m going to go check mine too!
No, no dice still….
Hi Adam and Langston,
I am in South Australia and can’t seem to get my address to work on the get my payment website. I have been trying since March and keep getting locked out. I live in an apartment unit and I’ve tried so many different variations of the address but still nothing. How did you format your address on the website to get it to work?
Hi Stephanie, I used for example: ’10 Flinders’ with postcode left blank. Not sure about apartment number because I just have house number and street to worry about! Maybe someone else with an apartment number can help? Good luck!
Hi Langston, thanks for the reply! Did you put the city, state, and country as well in the address line? Or just “10 Flinders”? Thanks again, it’s a very frustrating process.
Hi Stephanie, I literally just put in ’10 Flinders Street’ for example. No city/state/country and no postcode (postcode field left blank). I read from someone else a while ago that it helps if you check your last US tax return or a letter received from the IRS (like the letter that came with the 1st or 2nd payment), to look how they typed your address on that, and type it exactly the same as they did. Hope that helps!
Hi Betsy, check mailed from USA April 23, arrived today in Melbourne May 11. Most welcome.
Mine is here too, Stephen! I thought i had posted the good news, but brain is unreliable. Thank you so very much, and Vic, forkeeping me up to speed. As for Adam and this site, forever and ever grateful
Hello Everyone,
Finally my wait for the third EIP is over. I received it today – 11th May 2021. Mailed 26th March. Obviously I got it thru ACS here in US Consulate.
Just a brief timeline from beginning:
1. EIP one was mailed in April (Originally). Received in October – both original and reissued checks.
2. EIP two supposedly mailed 6th January. Never received – not yet. But, I have claimed it in my 2020 tax return.
3. EIP Three was mailed 26th March. Received it today 11th May thru ACS.
Phew. What an experience of eager wait. Wishing everyone the best. Stay safe folks.
– AJ
Binitha,
Did you receive your check? What is your status?
– AJ
Hi AJ,
No, I have not received it,I am going to mail the consulate and see if they have received it,but I am not sure they would respond as they are open only for emergency purposes.how about you? Have you tried mailing the consulate?
Thanks,
Binita
Congrats…AJ your wait is over , hoping to get mine too.will update once I receive it
Congrats AJ for receiving the 3rd EIP. How did you get it? I mean did you email to the ACS or did they send it to you automatically? Earlier they were asking for paid envelope to be sent to them.
-NK
No, I never received any email asking for paid envelope. I am in Mumbai – I know someone posted about being asked for the pre-paid envelope. I think from Hyderabad though I could be wrong. I just received it ‘automatically’. Speed post.
I’m Canadian – collect US SS each month – goes direct to my Cdn bank account – i do not file US Income tax each year –
How did I manage to get a EIP check? Am I eligible to cash it? be positive
Hi Bill. If you are a citizen/have a SS# you are eligible so they likely used your SS number. So yes, I think you should be able to cash it. As per your other comments, sorry, I approve them manually since there’s a fair amount of spam that comes in too. Just having a chance to review.
Adam – here’s the glitch – I’m NOT a US citizen – got my SSN when I enlisted in the army way back when – so I’m claiming SS and since I’m on the list whoever sent out the checks didn’t check for citizenship for all – they took it for granted that everyone who collects SS is a US cit – I’m getting feedback about others in the same boat –
Hmm, my understanding is the exact language is work eligible SS number. So, you don’t have to be a citizen. I’m not well versed enough to know the ins and outs but I would think former service members and permanent residents fall under that.
Adam
the main crux is being an American citizen which I’m not nor am I a US resident
US citizen veterans living in Canada are totally eligible – would you have the phone number for the US treasury people
Hi Bill, there’s a FAQ page here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/questions-and-answers-about-the-third-economic-impact-payment-topic-b-eligibility-and-calculation-of-the-third-payment and the numbers to call IRS here: https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-my-local-office-internationally
Hope you get good answers
Hi Bill,
I am in a similar situation to you. I am a UK citizen who lived and worked in the US in the 1990s, had a green card for a few of those years, returned to Scotland in 2000 where I have lived ever since, turned in my green card in 2003 and filed my last US tax return in 2004.
I am now in receipt of US Social Security retirement benefit paid directly into my UK bank account. Yesterday I got a $1400 EIC check in the mail.
I suspect that if you are eligible then so am I, and if I am not eligible then you are not either. I am still trying to find a definitive answer as to to whether I am eligible, and will post here again if/when I get one.
(Adam, thanks for the link to the IRS FAQ page, but it doesn’t really address our situation.)
Jim
Hi Jim. Yea I know, it’s really ambiguous. Good luck to both of you figuring it out.
Received my check today! Mail out date was April 23rd. I live in Canada.
Yay, Kim!
Glad for you.
I have not got mine yet.
I live in British Columbia…
Received SECOND EIP paper check May 12. According to the POST Markings, it was sitting at my Local Post Office since April 15. That was Registered Mail From ACS Manila. 🤓😷
Congratulations Marc you recieved your second check but I never received it,now I am waiting for my 3 rd one too
Thank you Binita. 🤓. Hopefully anyday now for you! 🤓😷
Hi Binita,
No, I did not send any emails to ACS this time. Nor did I call them. It just arrived via Speed Post. I was pleasantly surprised!!
On the other hand, my tax return is still in process. 😢 I e-filed and have acknowledgment dated 16th March. But, still under process. My second EIP is claimed in it. God knows how long they will take.
Hoping you receive yours very soon – good luck. Take care and stay safe.
AJ/Binita,
I emailed to ACS in Delhi Consulate to inquire about the 3rd EIP checks. Got a reply that the third payment checks are being sent directly via International Post to the recipients by US Treasury. They are not involving the ACS this time. Lets see when I get it in Delhi. It may be delayed because of lockdown.
Binita,
Please inform me if you receive your check and the state you live in.
NK,
Both the postal stamps my envelope are of Indian Post; and in Mumbai. It was thru ACS. When I received the first EIP check, I had posted a detailed note including my experience in 2008 subprime crisis. Please go thru it.
Anyways, let me briefly recount the communication at the time of first EIP. I sent them an email inquiring about the check one evening at about 7pm. Received a standard response the very next morning stating I should contact IRS as they have nothing to do with EIP. And the next day I got the check via speed post with stamp of ACS on the envelope. I wrote back thanking them and informing I did receive the check. They responded to that, too, thanking me for notifying them!! I’m sure the checks are via consulates.
I hope you get yours at the earliest. Take care, stay safe.
I mailed ACS Chennai, they said they have not received any check.Today I got the confirmation letter directly in postal mail.2 nd check, neither I got the letter nor the check, claimed in the tax.For the first check, the letter came directly and after some time I got the check thru ACS.Hoping for the same this time as well
Hi Binita,
Any luck on receiving the 3rd EIP check in India? I have not still received mine so far. Got the confirmation letter from the white house about a month back. Appreciate if you can give some update on your case
Grateful I found this informative page and for all of your comments. I’m in the U.K. and received my first two cheques, but still awaiting the third. It was scheduled to be sent on 26 March, but no sign of it or the confirmation letter. It seems I’m not alone so there’s hope yet! Hope they’re delivered to us all soon.
I saw all the Canada folks had got their EIPs last week, and by Friday I despaired of ever getting mine.
Get My Payment continued to tell me my info had errors [which could only be the address].
Well tonight a kind stranger in my town emailed me and said he had a piece of mail for me from IRS Treasury, so I went to pick it up.
His address is 99 ***** St, mine is B-5 ***** St. (same street)
We both live in Nanaimo, BC.
The address on my check is
“B-D ******* St.
The town is “Manimo, Canada”
The envelope has handwriting on it showing the post person was trying to decipher my address.
It says, “3-99” “LC 13?” “Try 99B?”
My correct address was on my 2020 Tax return filed in March, and I had already sent a change of address to the IRS in January.
What a mess.
Anyway, grateful that my neighbor decided to email me….
Hello Jim
I don’t think we qualify since we aren’t US citizens – that’s the #1 eligibility – was just talking with another Cdn US vet and he returned his – I heard another cashed his – good luck cuz I think he’ll be making a repayment –
supposed to return it to the IRS but I’ll hang on to it for a couple of months and see what happens
Bill
I live in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and received yesterday the confirmation letter (dated April 29) about the third check (which was scheduled to be sent on March 26th), but no check yet. I received the first two relatively quickly (about a month after they were sent), and before their confirmation letters. What happens if the check doesn’t arrive in the next couple of weeks? Should I contact the IRS?
Hi Maria,
I have about the same scenario as you, received letter stating that I should receive my 3rd payment shortly, and further stated that I should contact the IRS should the check not arrive within 7 days, even though, according to IRS’s website, it recommends not contacting them on stimulus check issues due to high demand, so now I am a little confused………should I or not? Get My Payment tracking still shows as Status not available. My first payment took several months to arrive (I believe it was about 5 months), whereas the 2nd payment was almost immediate. I do not file nor am I required to file for taxes as a disabled American Army veteran living in Germany based on my financial income. Its also confusing that the letter states that I would be receiving my 3rd payment via check or debit card even though both my first and second payments were direct deposited to my US based bank. Anybody else have the same issue or perhaps suggestions?
Hi Maria, I live in Belo Horizonte, Brasil, and the same thing happened to me! My first and second stimulus got here very quickly, but the third one did not arrive yet! I hope that we can receive the checks soon!
This is exactly my experience (and dates) from here in the UK. I may try the form 3911 trace if nothig’s arrived by the end of the month. Wondering what others are doing about this. So frustrating! Good luck.
Greetings Everyone!!
Binita & NK,
I received the letter/notice about the third EIP today 25th May. This has clear postal stamp of US Post. And only one postal stamp of India Post. I am very sure that checks are thru ACS whereas the letter is mailed directly.
I hope you receive your EIPs at the earliest. Take care and stay safe.
– AJ
Hi AJ,
I will say that you are lucky to get the 3rd EIP check. I also received the 3rd EIP letter/notice yesterday 25th May. It came through International POST. I used that pretext to confront Delhi ACS and asked them to check again. Got the following reply this morning:
“The IRS no longer sends checks to the Embassy for US citizens in India. Previously, checks were sent to us and we distributed them to the Consulates for dissemination to citizens, including those for the first and second stimulus. However, the IRS now sends all checks directly to recipients via the International Parcel Post. I confirmed that we have no checks from the first two stimulus packages in your name in our office. ”
Not sure what to do next besides keep waiting for the miracle.
-NK
Atleast they admitted that checks were routed thru them for first & second EIP. And most of us never received the second EIP !! So the question is where did all the checks from second EIP go? Ridiculous.. And having claimed it in my tax return, even that is stuck. My return is still in process after over two months. Filed electronically and received acknowledgement on 16th March. Don’t know what they are doing.
Hi Adam, my 9 year old son is a US citizen with a passport but no SS number. I am a citizen of the UK only. We both live in the UK. I am not required to file a US tax return. Is he eligible for these payments?
Hi SF, I’m really not sure. Is his mother perhaps a filer that could claim him as a dependent?
Hi Binita,
You have claimed 2nd EIP in your tax return. When did you file it? And what is the status? I mean is it processed? I filed electronically on 15th March. And it is still in process. I am trying to figure out why it is taking so long. All my attempts of Skype call have failed so far as I have not been able to speak with a human – all pre-recorded crap for every option.
Thanks – AJ
My check was scheduled to be sent March 26th. I still have not received it. I got a letter 9 days ago saying my check would arrive within 7 days. Ridiculous. I sure do miss Donald Trump. My first 2 checks came fast and efficient.
Hi Binita,
Can you please let me know if your Tax Return is processed? Mine is still under process. I was wondering why it is taking so long……………..
Thanks,
AJ
It’s a long story. I never received my 3 rd check so I called IRS to check what happened to it ,during the conversation I got to know my 2 nd payment which I tried to take it to thru the tax returns ( it is still processing…reason being they haven’t deducted the 2nd payment from my tax amount).According to them they have mailed my 2 nd check in Jan and as I have not put a trace on it they have assumed that I have received it. They gave me a deadline of July 28 th to pay the remaining taxes and asked me to put a trace on the second check.Now I have put trace on 2 nd and 3 rd check, interesting thing is they did direct deposit of 3 rd check and I am still waiting for my 2 nd check.
My advice is please put a trace on 2 nd check and if u owe any taxes pay it right away or else after July 28 th it will go to collections.I have done the same , now I am hoping to get my 2 nd check thru direct deposit. Also in this whole process got to talk to child tax credit department and I signed up for the monthly payment.
Hi, Randall. I have had the same experience as you Same dates, exactly, though my IRS stated payment was the 26th of Marh, and my letter was at the end of April…took 3 weeks to arrive..and still no check. Have you made any trace? I think I’ll give it to the end of the month and then either try to call via skype (I’m in te UK) or post form 3911. All my details are correct, and I’m sure it will be sorted eventually, but what a mission! Good luck to you,
HI. I’m wondering if anyone has tried to trace a payment? The IRS website for payment 3 says my payment was going out on March 26, and I received a letter dated April 27 (arrived early May…) saying the check would be with me within a week. Nothing yet, in mid-June. I’m thinking of submitting form 3911. Does anyone have any experience with this? Maybe I should be patient, but waiting makes me nervous! Thanks for the excellent and helpful service!
Hello Jane,
I live in Europe and I have basically the same situation as you. I have not yet received my 3rd stimulus check in the mail. Payment status online in IRS.gov says: Mailed on March 26th; I’ve received in the meantime the 1444-C letter dated April 27th (month later) stating the amount I should be receiving but yet no check. However, I do know of others in the same situation and yes I’m not sure if I should just wait, contact the number provided in the letter (1-800-919-835)or file the 3911 Form.
Thank you for this blog I find it very helpful.
Hi everyone, hope you’re all safe and well.
Anyone get the “Verify your ID” letter from IRS?
I filed 2020 tax return February 10…waited…waited…NOW my brother gets the letter from IRS (I’m routing through his acct.) He sent a copy to me by email. So, I want to call the 800 number indicated on the letter from here in Vietnam. Anyone have experience calling an 800 number from a Southeast Asian country?
Can I use a cell phone?
Thanks
Hi again, I called the 800 # using Viber, and after a few hours got connected to a live person. I was told in the letter to have my 2019 and 2020 tax return copies, plus the letter to verify. She asked for some details, then put me on hold a few times, before finally explaining they couldn’t complete verification by phone, (Im in Vietnam, so cannot go to verify in person) so she instructed me to Fax the info to them, and gave me the fax number. They sure don’t make things simple for us or themselves yeah?
Hi wonder if anyone knows the answer to my query.
I live permanently abroad & use a US based accountant who files electronically. Where do I send form 3911? I last lived in NYC in 1982. So do I send the form to NYC IRS (or whichever center deals with NYC)?
Thanks
Hmm, that’s a good question. I tried calling recently (I’m pretty sure I used the domestic number), and just got a lady reading a script. I also noticed there’s nothing up anymore about traces on the 3rd payment…when I did the trace on the first one I was talk on the phone the San Fran office, but read something different online, I think I ended up faxing it to both, when I called back, they told me there was no record of a trace…I did get the payment eventually though (still waiting for the 3rd). I’d try the NYC number and hope for the best
Hello again, Adam, and thank you again.
I am a bit worried about being overpaid by the IRS.
I just read this page regarding the child tax credit (non filers page): https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool
I was surprised to read that you can still use this tool to get payments for the 1st and 2nd payments. I remember the non filer tool for the EIP had closed a long time ago (even for the 3rd payment) which is why I had filed for the 2020 taxes (to get EIP 1 and 2).
1. On this website, it says you can fill this tool out if you didn’t get your EIP 1 and 2. However, it also says, DO NOT fill this out if your main home is outside the US. This is confusing because it seems to imply that the child tax credit AND the EIP are only for people whose main home is the US.
2. On my 2020 IRS tax form, I used a US mailing address. Nowhere in the 1040, nor the schedule B forms does it ask where I live most of the year. So from the forms it seems as if I live in the US, which I am not trying to tell them. I am worried they will send me the child tax credit payments…
Thoughts?
Thanks again!
Hi Lucka. Hmm, yea that’s a good point. The child payments are only for people that live in the US “for most of the year” I think is the language. When you filed, did you take the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion? I guess that is how they determine you are out of the country, but if you’re a non-filer normally, then yea it makes sense you wouldn’t file that. Hmm, I would say wait and see, I guess if you do get it, you might have to give it back? The EIP, you are definitely eligible for, so maybe that language on the website for the non-filer tool is new and probably not something that was contemplated before the child tax credits were implemented. I guess there isn’t much you can do but wait and see, or see if you can opt out of the advance payments (I wasn’t entirely clear how you do this when I looked into it) and then simply not take the credit when you file next year.
Hi Adam, just following up that the IRS did end up sending the Child Tax Credit checks because they think the living address was in the US (because we gave the US address on the 1040 forms). I wish the IRS forms had two address sections: one for living address and one for mailing address. Did not cash the checks though.
Anyhow, currently trying to figure out who to access that online portal to have them stop sending the payments, but getting verified is not as clear cut.
The only other thing that is unclear is that if only the ‘advance payments’ are for people who live in the US for more than half the year, or if the credit itself is for people who live in the US fore more than half a year. The IRS website says the ‘advance payments’ require you to be in the US for more than half the year. But doesn’t mention whether the credit itself has that requirement. So next year when taxes are filed, can anyone get the child tax credit? That is what is not clear.
https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-b-eligibility-for-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-and-the-2021-child-tax-credit
Hi . . . wondering what I should do about the third stimulus payment. I received my first stimulus payment as a check that was sent to my UK address (the address listed on my 2019 tax return) in May 2020.
I have not yet received the second payment, though I hope to soon. My 2020 taxes were filed electronically through an ex-pat tax company, who claimed the second payment for me, and I received confirmation that my tax return had been accepted by the IRS about a month ago. So I am expecting a direct deposit into my US bank account.
But what do I do about the third payment? Throughout the whole process, I’ve never been able to find out any information on the Get My Payment tool. I’ve tried it dozens of times and always get the same response, that there is no information available and I should try again later. I don’t know that initiating a trace would be worthwhile given there has never been any information about mailing a check or otherwise.
Hi Leslie. I wish I had a good tip to give you. I got the first (very late) as direct deposit after a trace, and then the 2nd almost immediately. Have yet to get the 3rd and just got a lady reading a script when I called, who also said there’s no way to trace the 3rd…so I’m starting to wonder if I might just have to wait until next year to claim it. I guess it’s also possible it will eventually come though. Very frustrating.
Adam, you can put a trace on 3 rd check . That’s what I did and got my money through direct deposit.mine was scheduled in March , got a letter in April/may but never received payment so called IRS and put a trace on it. After 15 days of trace I received my payment thru direct deposit.
Hmm, ok, will try to do it. Did you do it via form 3911 like the first payments? I am still getting information unavailable in Get My Payment, but would like to at least try and see if it expedites it getting here at all.
No, I just asked them (irs )to put it for a trace and they did it for me. I didn’t submit any form
Hmm, they told me they couldn’t do it. I guess I should call again this week. Thanks Binita!
Hi Binita (and all),
Thank you for the reply. Yes, you are correct. They told me the same. My return status changed on 28th June which stated the return is processed and refund amount was amended – reduced by the EIP-2 amount. So I called them the same day. I was told that anyone whose checks were issued have to necessarily go thru the trace route. I did try to argue with them that recovery rebate concept is meaningless if they will not let us claim it. But the lady wouldn’t budge. Got my remaining refund thru DD on 30th June itself. But, the trace looks like is still going on. I was asked to call back only after six weeks from 28th. Waiting patiently with fingers crossed. I hope they DD this time and don’t issue another check.
Take care. Stay safe.
– AJ
Dear Adam,
I live in European country with my 3-year old child who is an American citizen and the beneficiary of Social Security child benefits (owing to his father who lives in USA and receives disability benefits). My child received a third stimulus check (in the paper form) but did not receive two previous stimulus checks (the first and the second one). I don’t have American citizenship, I live and work in Europe. As my child is a minor I am his representative payee – his Social Security benefits which he receives on a monthly basis come into my dolar bank account in the country where we live. I don’t know how I can claim my child’s missing stimulus checks – I tried to enquire using IRS online forms (following the general advise to claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit) but I cannot fill them out as they require to give data concerning tax paying (but I don’t file a federal tax return as I am not a US tax payer) and American address (but I don’t have one as we live outside USA). As my child lives with me (and I am his representative payee), my child’s American father (who also doesn’t file tax returns as SS beneficiary) cannot do anything to claim these missing EIPs. I tried to call IRS but they refer me to follow online instructions and file online forms (which cannot be accepted without data which I cannot provide). This is a vicious circle. Please, help me with my case as I am really anxious for my child to receive what he is eligible for as any other American child. Thanks a lot, Katia.
Hi Katia, sorry to hear you’re having this trouble. Honestly, I’m not sure what the best course of action is. Is it possible that you or your husband can use the non-filer tool? I think you have to file somehow and claim your child as a dependent so the IRS has the information. I wish I could give you a clearer answer, I’m just not sure. Maybe someone else will see this and have a better one. I hope you are able to get it one way or another!
I live in united arab emirates, i received a check from IRS, how could i cash it if i don’t have US bank account.
Youre going to have to see if a bank there will cash it
I’ve written here a couple of times, I’m a US citizen living in Colombia and I actually received my 3rd stimulus check, though I have yet to receive the 1st and 2nd payments. I have no idea how to actually cash this check. My bank is Bancolombia but they already informed me that they can’t cash the check. Anyone in Colombia who experienced anything similar? Any advice?
Hey,I only ever tried to cash a personal check and couldn’t either. Honestly, you might be better off waiting until you are back in the states to visit. I got the first two direct deposited in a us account but it says they mailed my 3rd, and now ive moved…no idea how i will end up getting it. I guess you could ask at one of the larger international banks like Citi if they would cash it for you
Hi Adam, just wanted to update you on my situation. I did some research online and discovered a nonprofit organization named American Citizens Abroad. If you become a member (annual fee is $70 USD) then you have access to certain benefits including being elegible to apply for a free savings account with State Department Federal Credit Union, though membership with ACA does not guarantee your request will be approved. I took a risk, paid the ACA membership fee and SDFCU approved my savings account 5 business days later. They assured me I can cash my stimulus check either online or through their mobile app however, new account holders need to wait 30 days to be able to deposit checks. Also, I now have direct deposit info and I can claim the amounts from the 1st and 2nd checks once I file taxes for 2020 even though I’m technically not required to file.
Hi Christian. That’s excellent news. I’m glad you were able to sort it! I hope you get all the payments soon!
Hi
Im a US citizen who lives in Dubai, I do not have US bank account. How can I receive my Economic impact money.
It should get mailed to you to the address on your return
My Stimulus check arrived to my virtual mail box in usa. Im abroad. I do not want to forward my check . I just want to depost it into my account in the usa. Can you deposit on mobile app with a photo but no endorsement??
Hmm, Susan, it probably depends on the app. I’m actually the opposite, my 3rd check finally arrived abroad and I’m back in the US. For my bank, it asked me to take a photo in the app itself, and I know that it also wouldn’t do check deposits out of country (Capital One). But I’d say it’s at least worth trying!
Hi Binita,
Did you receive the second EIP? After my trace period was over, IRS has mailed me a check again. I argued with them that my tax refund was also via a direct deposit. They first disallowed the credit in my tax return making me wait 9 weeks for trace process. And now again they mailed a check. What a nightmare. Wait, wait and just wait…………… looks like forever.
Take care; stay safe.
AJ
Great article!
What has your experience been in terms of local tax liability for the US payments in the non-US country where you reside? Did you declare the US economic impact payments, and did you owe tax in country where you reside?
For example, I am a US citizen residing in Belgium, and I normally have to declare and pay taxes in Belgium on my non-Belgian income (usually just bank account interest and a few other small 1099 things). I think most countries impose similar rules on resident expats. I’m working on my 2020 income statement for the Belgian authorities, and am debating whether to declare my US-based Economic Impact payments.
Obviously this will vary a bit from country to country, but I’d be interested in hearing your perspectives.
Nick,
The Economic Impact Payment, although called payment, is actually (declared as) TAX CREDIT. IRS has clarified this and it is on their website. As such I believe it can not be taxable in any country. I am not aware of Belgium regulations but I think no country will tax a tax credit. Take care and stay safe.
– AJ
Hi Adam. I am looking for an address for the IRS. My son, who lives in Canada, received a stimulus check…I think the third one….and did not bring it to the bank. Because he does online banking and because of COVID, he let the check sit at home. When he went to cash it, he found that the bank won’t cash checks older than 6 months. So I read that they can reissue it? Where can he send it to have it reissued? Or can they deposit a new one into my U.S. account?
Thanks
Hi Judith. Hmm, I’m not sure if they will reissue it to be honest. I do know the checks themselves don’t expire for 1 year because mine came to my address in Colombia after we had come back to the US and my mother in law sent us pictures of it, so we will have to wait and get it over the holidays, but may be hard to get around a bank policy. Perhaps, he can take it to another bank that may just simply cash it? Or if he endorses it and mails it to you, perhaps you could deposit in your account in the US? You could try calling the IRS, but it can be hit or miss if the person is able to help. In a worse case scenario, he should be able to claim it as a tax refund when he files for 2021 early next year.
Hi everybody, I got all my stimulus checks by mail here in Italy so no issues there. I am now dealing with internet banking, do you know if it is possible to get a us phone number that can be redirected to a foreign mobile phones for using it for 2 points security or banking applications? Has anybody ever tried anything of the sort?
Thanks in advance
Ciro
Hi Ciro. Hmm, I’ve never heard of that, but it could be possible. Maybe if you just activated a short term international plan on US number. Wish I had a better answer
Hello Adam, what happens if I’ve received the child tax credit payments and I live abroad? I used the first two payments but now I’m afraid to use the rest. Do I have to return the money? I’m worried. Thanks!
Hi Lucy. Honestly, I don’t know! Maybe it’s best to save the rest just in case. It might be worth consulting with a professional.
Hi Lucy, we received two checks as well for the child tax credit but did not cash them and don’t plan to. You can go to the IRS website and ask them to stop sending the checks. We will try to do that.
my name is, JOHN T PERRY, my email is:
john.johntperry.perry@gmail.com
I live in The Netherlands , I had to return my papercheck (EIP3) as instructed to AUSTIN-IRS.
I’m still waiting for it to be reissued , it has been 5 months now and I have recieved no confirmation?
Thank you for some assistance or news.
Hello Everyone,
I finally got my EIP-2 Check today…..!!!!!!!!!!!! Phew….feel relieved now. But, funny thing is, received in a strange or rather weird way.
I got my EIP-1 check on October 8th last year. After one trace request and re-issue of the check. Received the EIP-3 check without any hassles. Check date March 26th 2021 and received May 11th 2021.
The EIP-2 became a big headache. Original date was 6th January but never received it. So I claimed credit by filing 2020 tax return. That was rejected with reason given as original check is not returned to IRS. To add to the frustration, my tax refund got delayed due to it. Finally second payment check was (supposedly) dated 16th August and mailed on 27th August. Never received it. So I initiated a trace, again, on 9th November. The trace period was over and I decided to call them on 20th December. But, to my great surprise, I received a check on 20th Morning!!!! What is weird is that the check, with IRS envelop, was in regular international mail. Not through ACS, not registered mail, nothing. Plain simple mail. And, to add to the surprise, the check is dated 29th November 2021 & says ‘Tax Refund’. The earlier two checks clearly stated ‘Economic Impact Payment’ but this one says (in the same place) ‘Tax Refund’. But, I got my money and the nightmare is over……
I would like to thank everyone. Special note of thanks & appreciation to Adam. And Mark. For the continuous support to all of us here. Although the EIP experience was a nightmare, being on this site was a great. Thanks.
– AJ