ST. LOUIS — If you're looking for your third stimulus check, you are not alone.
Cynthia Lucchetta said she went to the IRS payment tracker and discovered that she was eligible for the $1400 third stimulus payment -- problem is, that was months ago.
"I would feel better if I knew that 'Oh yes, so many other people have gotten the same thing, but I just can't seem to find anyone that has gotten that same message," said Lucchetta. "It's very frustrating."
There is an economic payment and recovery rebate credit line, and the IRS message says that only the first and second payments have been completed. That leaves one to assume the rollout for the third payment is still going. The IRS website also states that if you didn't get this third payment, it may be because your 2020 tax return is still being processed. Widespread reporting shows nearly 8.5 million individual tax returns are backlogged because of the pandemic.
The IRS hotline is 1-800-919-9835. When you call, a recording gives you prompts to listen to automated messages or wait to talk to a person. You do have to listen through the recorded content to connect with an agent.
There's also a chance you could try to trace your payment. There is a 3911 form to fill out and send to the IRS. It's called the Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund form. The IRS says you then should write "EIP3" on the top of the form--EIP stands for Economic Impact Payment. Fill out the form and when completing item 7 under section 1, make sure you check the box for "individual" as the type of return. Next, enter "2021" as the tax period. Do not write anything in the "Date Filed" box. You must sign the form, and if you're married, both spouses must sign.
The IRS says you should not request a payment trace to find out your eligibility or to confirm the amount.
The IRS also states that if you don't receive the stimulus, you can claim a recovery rebate credit on your next year's tax returns.
For more money questions, email mli@ksdk.com and listen to the Your Money with Michelle Li podcast.