Waiting for coronavirus stimulus check? Direct deposit information is due Wednesday

Haven’t gotten a stimulus check yet? The IRS is giving folks until 9 a.m. PST Wednesday to provide direct deposit information using its online portal. Those who don’t will get a paper check.

The IRS has issued about $209 billion in payments to 127 million Americans, including just under $22.5 billion through about 13.6 million payments to Californians.

The payments of up to $1,200 per adult were authorized by Congress in March as a speedy way to get cash to Americans while the economy is shut down. But the reality of reaching the nation’s 327 million residents, many of whom might not have direct banking information on file with the IRS, has caused delays.

While millions of Americans have been able to log into the IRS’ Get My Payment site to confirm or provide their banking information, others have been unable to match the personal information the IRS has to simply log into the site.

People have taken to social media to crowd-source solutions. For some, entering their address in all caps has worked or they’ve gained access using addresses not associated with their recent tax return. Some people report success with including dashes in their Social Security numbers, others say that doesn’t work. Several have reported success only when trying the personal information of the person listed first on the most recent tax return.

After Wednesday, the IRS will begin sending paper checks by mail to people without direct deposit information on file. The checks should arrive in May and June.