COVID-19 Stimulus Payments and Scams

In late March, President Trump approved and signed the $2 trillion stimulus package allowing eligible Americans to receive a stimulus payment during these difficult times. The government has finally determined how these payments will be distributed, and you should know how to find out if you're qualified.

If you have had any changes in your banking information, it is highly suggested that you check on your economic impact payment now! To start this simple process, go to IRS.gov and click "Get My Payment." Once you begin, you will need your Social Security Number or your Individual Tax ID Number as well as your date of birth and the address you used when you filed your taxes. If there were any issues with your economic impact payment, you would need either your 2018 tax returns information or your 2019 tax return information, depending on when you filed this year. The tax return information should include income amount, refund amount, and more. This information will allow you to verify your filing information and enter your updated bank account routing numbers.

Taxpayers should always beware of tax filing and tax return scams; however, this year, there is much more to fear. Scammers are quick to respond to the news updates by creating COVID-19 scams. Americans are liable to receive an email or text from a scammer regarding a COVID-19 government grant. If you click a link in the email or text, you may be sent to an unofficial website asking you to enter your personal information similar to the information described above. While the webpage you opened may look legitimate, it should not be trusted as scammers are highly skilled in this type of manipulation. By entering your information, you are allowing scammers to record your private information and steal your COVID-19.

The IRS website should always be your official resource for information regarding COVID-19 payments and other tax information. By going directly to the IRS website, you can trust that the links and documents will lead you to the correct information. As of now, the IRS homepage features links relevant to tax return season and the COVID-19 stimulus payment for easy access to all users.