Taxpayers can find the amounts of their 2020 economic impact payments (EIPs) from their online account, IRS Notices 1444 and 1444-B, or their 2020 account transcript. A new IRS FAQ explains the procedure for requesting a trace to track a missing payment when the taxpayer’s online account shows a first or second EIP the taxpayer did not receive.
The taxpayer can initiate a trace by calling 1-800-919-9835 or mailing or faxing Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund. The FAQ shows the mailing address or dedicated fax line to use, depending on where the taxpayer lives. The taxpayer should:
- Write “EIP1” or “EIP2” at the top of the form.
- Complete all refund questions as they relate to the EIP.
- In item 7 of section 1, check the box for individual returns, enter “2020” as the tax period, and leave the date filed area blank.
- Sign the form (joint filers must both sign).
If the trace shows an EIP check was not cashed, the IRS will issue a new check.
If a check was cashed, the taxpayer will receive a claim package from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) that includes a copy of the cashed check and instructions on how to submit a claim. The BFS will review the claim and determine if a new payment should be issued.
Taxpayers should not initiate a payment trace to determine EIP eligibility or to confirm the amount of an EIP. See IRS news release IR-2022-06 and Q/A 8 under Topic F: Finding the First and Second Economic Impact Payment Amounts to Calculate the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit in fact sheet FS-2022-02.