I Haven’t Received Our Stimulus Check

Many clergy are finding that they are getting direct deposits for only a portion of what they think their stimulus payment should be. Some have gotten half of their payment deposited one week and half the next, and others are finding that their dependents’ share of the stimulus money is split between the two parents.

The IRS has explained that the first payment made might be based on a taxpayer’s 2019 tax return, and the second payment is a “plus-up” payment that is based on the taxpayer’s 2020 tax return.

If you haven’t received the full amount, wait until you get your Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment, from the IRS. That letter should have the correct amount of your stimulus payment. If you don’t receive deposits or checks in that amount, you may have to file a Recovery Rebate Credit (see below). You can also read the IRS’s press release from April 1, which contains a lot of helpful details.

Some individuals had too much income in 2019 to qualify for the first or second stimulus payment (since the IRS based eligibility on 2019 income), but their income decreased enough in 2020 for them to qualify. If you fall into this category, you can file a tax return for your 2020 taxes (by May 17, 2021) and you’ll receive a recovery rebate credit as part of your refund (more on this below).

In other cases, families received stimulus payments by direct deposit but the IRS neglected to add money for one or more of their children. Sometimes there didn’t seem to be a reason for this (the family e-filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019 claiming the child tax credit for all of their children). For other families, it seems the IRS did not update the number of children that taxpayers have, even for families who claimed new children on their 2019 tax returns. You’ll be able to claim the rest of the stimulus payment when you file your 2020 tax return.

If the Get My Payment tool says your payment was direct-deposited, but the money doesn’t show in your bank account after five days, first check with your bank. If the bank says it hasn’t received a payment, you can request a payment trace.

To request a payment trace, call 800-919-9835 or fill out IRS Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund.

Contact Clergy Financial Resources to help you with the next steps.

Clergy Financial Resources
Tax I Payroll I Bookkeeping I HR
11214 86th Avenue N.
Maple Grove, MN 55369

Tel: 1 (888) 421.0101
Fax: 1 (888) 876.5101

Pro Advisor Support
Schedule an Appointment
Learn More About Services

Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.

This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.

For more information or if you need additional assistance, please use the contact information below.

Clergy Financial Resources
11214 86th Avenue N.
Maple Grove, MN 55369

Tel: (888) 421-0101 
Fax: (888) 876-5101
Email: clientservices@clergyfinancial.com