Identification

• The Internal Revenue Service stimulus check is a non-taxable, direct payment to qualifying individuals who file a tax return, according to the IRS stimulus info website. For those who file a single tax return, the check can range from $300 to $600, up to $1,200 for joint returns and $300 for each dependent. Payments are sent automatically with the normal return with no extra paperwork necessary.
  
  

Types

• IRS stimulus check problems are usually just logistical errors, or very rarely, technical glitches in the IRS database. Issuing direct stimulus payments is a relatively new procedure that the IRS must perform. Darrin Mish of GetIRSHelp claims that it is likely that most stimulus problems result from the IRS simply not having enough time between the enactment of stimulus legislation and refund dates to implement the most optimal disbursement plan.
  
  

Specifics

• The two most common problems with the IRS stimulus check are delays caused by the tax preparation software and a glitch that deposited stimulus checks into the wrong account. According to MarketWatch, the deposit error glitch only affected 1,500 out of the 146 million stimulus payments, an error rate of less than 1 percent. The tax preparation software delay is caused because the service fees are held in a separate bank account.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• For most of the stimulus problems, patience is the only solution. Delayed stimulus checks caused by tax preparers will eventually come, just not as speedily as other filers get them. The wrong account glitch requires a little more effort, but the IRS is working on each instance very carefully with the tax payers and banks affected. If you have any other problems, contact you local IRS office by clicking on the link to the IRS office database in the Resource section.
  
  

Warning

• If you receive any phone calls or emails about receiving an advance or increase in your stimulus check then it is a scam, according to a Jan. 30, 2008 IRS news release. The IRS does not hold the authority to give you a stimulus rebate until you file a tax return. This scam is almost always designed to trick you into giving out sensitive financial information such as bank account numbers and your social security number.