Updated May 12, 2021
5 days passed since payment date
4 weeks passed since payment date
Check mailed to forwarded address
6 weeks passed since payment date
Check mailed to foreign address
9 weeks passed since payment date
To request a payment trace, call the IRS at 800-919-9835 or mail or fax a completed Form 3911
to the IRS. Write "EIP3" on the top of the form, and when completing item 7 under Section 1:
• Check the box for "Individual" as the Type of return.
• Enter "2021" as the Tax Period.
• Do not write anything for the Date Filed.
You must sign the form, and if you're married and file jointly, both spouses must sign the form.
Do not mail Form 3911 if you've already requested a trace by phone. And do not request a
payment trace to determine your eligibility for EIP or to confirm the amount you should have
received.
If the EIP check was not cashed, the IRS will issue a replacement. If the check was cashed, you
will be sent a claim package from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service
, which will include a copy of
the cashed check. Follow the enclosed included instructions, and the bureau will review your
claim and the signature on the check before deciding if a replacement will be issued.
You should receive a response from the IRS approximately 6 weeks after your request for a
payment trace is received, though it may take longer given the reduced staffing levels at the IRS
as a result of the pandemic.
Will I be able to receive additional money for my dependents?
Yes, most people will get $1,400 for themselves and $1,400 for each of their qualifying
dependents claimed on their tax return. Unlike the first two payments, the third stimulus
payment is not restricted to children under 17. Eligible families will get a payment based on all
of their qualifying dependents claimed on their return, including older relatives like college
students, adults with disabilities, parents and grandparents.
Some federal benefit recipients (SSI, SSDI, VA) may need to file a 2020 tax return, even if they
don't usually file, to provide information the IRS needs to send payments for any qualified
dependent. Eligible individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as possible.
For taxpayers who file jointly and only one individual has a valid SSN, the spouse with a valid
SSN will receive up to a $1,400 third payment and up to $1,400 for each qualifying dependent
claimed on their 2020 tax return. For taxpayers who don’t have a valid SSN, but have a
qualifying dependent who has an SSN, they will receive up to $1,400 for a qualifying dependent
claimed on their return if they meet all other eligibility and income requirements. If either
spouse was an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the taxable year,