BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Millions of Americans are expected to receive their stimulus checks via direct deposit starting this week, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. 7 Eyewitness News is here to answer your questions about the payment.
Samantha Robinson of Getzville said she was grateful to check her bank account and already see her $1,200 stimulus, but she was also confused. Robinson claimed her 16 year old and eight year old as dependents on her 2019 taxes, but did not receive the $500 per child.
Q: Does the money for dependents come separately from the $1,200?
A: Chrisopher Fabian, the Vice President of EG Tax said to his knowledge the check is supposed to be one lump sum. That means Robinson should've received an additional $1,000 for her two children. Fabian said he's taken a number of calls from people with the same problem. He said to wait and see if there's another deposit.
The IRS is not taking questions over the phone, but did launch the 'Get My Payment' system on Wednesday where you can track the status of your check, and enroll in direct deposit.
Some people are receiving the following message after inputting their information to track their check.
Q: Why am I receiving the 'Payment Status Not Available' message when using the 'Get My Payment' system on the IRS website?
A: In our viewer's case who received the message she had not filed her 2019 taxes yet, only her 2018 taxes. Fabian said that could be why she sees this message. He said the money is being deposited to those who filed 2019 taxes before the end of March.
"Then they're going to start looking at '18 for those returns, for those people who haven't filed '19 yet, or filed from April on," Fabian said.
If you did not file your 2019 taxes, but did file your 2018 taxes, you will still receive the stimulus you qualify for.
Q: What happens if I don't receive my stimulus payment?
A: According to the IRS website, it plans to mail a letter to your home within 15 days of you receiving a payment. The IRS said the letter will tell you how the payment was made, and how to report any failure to receive the stimulus check.
You can learn more about enrolling in direct deposit for your stimulus check here.
