The COVID-19 Crisis: Stimulus Checks Go Out April 9th, But Some Taxpayers May Wait Months

One of the bigger consumer questions looming around the COVID-19 crisis is when am I going to get that stimulus check the government promised?

Depending on the day and who you talk to, that answer keeps changing. And, guess what — it’s changed again reports Consumer Affairs.

According to a report in The Washington Post, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now plans to send out $1,200 coronavirus stimulus payments beginning Thursday, April 9, with deposits being made by Tuesday, April 14 at the latest.

But that April 9 date is for E-payments and appears to be only a sure bet for Americans who have used direct deposit for tax refunds in the past. For taxpayers who didn’t go the direct deposit route, their stimulus check could take as long as five months — in other words, right before Labor Day — according to an internal IRS document obtained by The Post.

“If we know where to put the money, we’re going to press the button and put it there next week,” an anonymous IRS official told the publication.

“As quickly as possible.,..”

While the IRS offered no confirmation of the Post’s story, it did post a request on Friday morning that asked taxpayers to follow the agency’s official social media accounts to get the latest and most accurate updates on the economic impact payments.

“The IRS is committed to sharing information as quickly as possible about the economic impact payments and other tax issues related to the coronavirus,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “IRS social media channels offer taxpayers and others another fast, easy option to get the latest details as the IRS employees continue to work hard to support the nation.”

The social media tools the IRS uses — and requests taxpayers follow — include:

• Twitter: Taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals can follow the IRS handles for up to the minute announcements, tips, and alerts in English and Spanish.

• Facebook: News and information for everybody. Also available in Spanish.

• Instagram: The IRS Instagram account shares taxpayer-friendly information.

• YouTube: The IRS offers video tax tips in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

• LinkedIn: The IRS shares key agency communications and job opportunities.

For taxpayers who are tethered to their phones, the IRS also has a free mobile app called IRS2Go. On the app, taxpayers can check their refund status, pay taxes, find free tax help, watch IRS YouTube videos, and even get tax tips.

The app is available on the Google Play Store for Android devices and on the Apple App Store for Apple devices. The app is also available in both English and Spanish.