Still Missing Your Stimulus Check? Here’s How to Track It Down and Get Paid

Think your stimulus check got lost in the shuffle? Don’t worry—you’re not the only one. With so many rounds of payments sent out over the past few years, it’s easy for money to slip through the cracks. But the good news? If you’re owed money, you can still claim it. Let’s break down the simple steps to track down your missing stimulus check and make sure you get paid.

Step 1: Check the IRS Online Portal

The IRS’s “Get My Payment” tool might be retired, but you can still see what payments were issued by logging into your IRS Online Account. Head over to the Tax Records section, where you’ll find details about the payments you’ve received. Don’t see what you’re looking for? No worries—there are other ways to track it.

Step 2: Claim Missing Payments When You File Your Taxes

If you didn’t get your first, second, or third stimulus payments, you may still be eligible to claim them when you file your taxes. Here’s what you need to know:

• Missed the first two checks? File a 2020 tax return and claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.
• Missed the third check? File a 2021 tax return and claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.

Even if you don’t normally file taxes, you’ll need to do it for those years to claim the money. The process is straightforward, and if you need help, many tax professionals can guide you through it.

Step 3: What If the IRS Says They Sent It, But You Didn’t Get It?

If your IRS records show that the payment was issued, but you never saw it in your bank account or mailbox, it’s time to initiate a payment trace.

• Call the IRS: Dial 800-919-9835 to report the missing payment.
• Submit Form 3911: This form is used to trace payments. Just fill it out, mail or fax it to the IRS, and be sure to note which payment you’re tracing (“EIP1,” “EIP2,” or “EIP3”).

The IRS will investigate and, if necessary, reissue the payment.

Step 4: Watch for Automatic Payments If You Missed the 2021 Stimulus Check

If you didn’t get the third stimulus check (worth up to $1,400), the IRS recently announced that they’re automatically issuing payments to around 1 million people who missed out. These payments started in December 2024, and most should arrive by the end of January 2025. If you haven’t seen yours yet, it’s worth keeping an eye on your bank account or mailbox.

Step 5: Check for Other Unclaimed Money

Your stimulus payment might not be the only money you’re missing! Visit www.unclaimed.org, a free resource to help you search for forgotten bank accounts, old paychecks, unclaimed tax refunds, and more. You might just uncover some extra cash waiting for you.