The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has rolled out a suite of enhancements to its online portal for Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), or stimulus checks, in an effort to ease consumer frustration with the site.
IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said the changes will make it easier for people to add direct deposit information and get their relief money faster.
"We delivered Get My Payment with new capabilities that did not exist during any similar relief program, including the ability to receive direct deposit information that accelerates payments to millions of people," Rettig said in a statement. "These further enhancements will help even more taxpayers.”
Rettig urged people who initially experienced hangups in dealing with the online tool to go back and try it again now that the changes are in place.
"We encourage people to check back in and visit Get My Payment," Rettig added. "These enhancements will help many taxpayers. By using Get My Payment now, more people will be able to get payments quickly by being able to add direct deposit information."
“IRS teams worked long hours to deliver Get My Payment in record time, and we will continue to make improvements to help Americans,” he added.
Payment status
Taxpayers who haven’t yet received their stimulus checks can check the status of their payment on the IRS website. When doing so, it’s recommended to have bank account information and a copy of your most recent tax return on hand.
The IRS has warned taxpayers to be wary of scams related to the stimulus payments because criminals are using the current health crisis to make a profit. Information on stimulus checks is only available on IRS.gov, not on third-party websites.
Consumers also shouldn’t receive any phone calls, texts, or emails about the payments. The IRS has stated that it won’t send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website, or share personal or financial information.
“Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information,” the IRS said.