Millions of Americans are set to receive $1,300 in stimulus payments from the US government under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Yet, eligibility criteria apply, and not all will qualify for the new stimulus check. To ensure eligible citizens receive their entitled tax refunds, the Minnesota Department of Revenue is taking action.
Over the coming weeks, qualified residents will receive new refund checks, totaling up to $1,300, which were previously left uncashed and expired. By mid-March, the state expects to mail out 128,000 one-time payments to eligible residents.
Who qualifies for the $1,300 stimulus check?
If you were among the 2.1 million residents who received a tax refund last year via paper check or direct deposit, and your check failed to clear and expired, you may be eligible for a new check. The reissued checks are expected to be sent out by the state around mid-March 2024. Here are the rebate amounts for each category:
- Joint filers: Up to $150,000 in gross income ($520 rebate)
- Individual filers: Up to $75,000 in gross income ($260 rebate)
- Dependents: An additional $260 is provided for each dependent (up to a maximum of three dependents). It’s worth noting that some families with five dependents might qualify for the $1,300 state tax rebate.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue aims to inject significant financial support back into the communities they serve by reissuing these unclaimed stimulus checks. Additionally, the state clarifies that this stimulus check payment is considered a federal tax return and is not taxable for state income. Residents of Minnesota should contact the state if they believe they qualify but haven’t received reimbursement by May 1.
How to Monitor Your Stimulus Check Status
To assist you in tracking the progress of your payment, the IRS has introduced a portal known as Get My Payment. This platform provides updates on whether your payment is currently being processed by the IRS or if it has already been scheduled for delivery.
The portal informs you about the method of payment – whether it will be issued as a paper check, prepaid debit card, or direct deposit into your bank account – and any potential issues that may be hindering the payment process. To utilize this service, you’ll need to provide your date of birth, street address, postal code, and either your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
The IRS updates the status tracking information daily to keep you informed. Once your payment has been processed by the IRS, you should receive a notification from them within 15 days, detailing the amount and method of payment. After using the IRS tracker, you can also sign up for complimentary postal service notifications to receive precise delivery timings for your stimulus check.
Common Causes of Stimulus Check Delays
Below are potential reasons why you may not have received your stimulus checks yet:
- Priority is given by the IRS to individuals with lower incomes, resulting in delayed payments for others.
- Outdated or incorrect financial information on record with the IRS may cause delays. The IRS typically relies on banking details from your 2018 or 2019 tax returns. If your tax preparer utilized a temporary account, such as a prepaid debit card, to process your returns, they may need to reissue the stimulus check via mail.
- Incorrect processing of direct deposits by your bank can lead to delays in receiving your payment.
Payments may not be available for claimed dependents. If unmarried parents do not file a joint return, only the parent who claimed the qualifying child as a dependent on their tax return is eligible for the payment. Additionally, dependent college students are not eligible for payment.